R-value measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. A higher number indicates greater resistance to heat moving through the material. For siding and exterior cladding, added R-value can help reduce thermal bridging and improve the overall performance of the wall assembly.

ASCEND’s R-value should not be confused with the total R-value of the entire wall. The complete wall value also depends on cavity insulation, sheathing, weather-resistant barriers, interior finishes, framing, windows, doors, air sealing, and installation quality.

What Is the R-Value of ASCEND 7-Inch Plank?

ASCEND 7-inch Plank has a published overall R-value of 2.0. Its integrated insulated design creates a continuous layer of thermal resistance across the exterior wall while also supporting the composite face of the panel.

The 7-inch Plank profile combines its glass-reinforced polymer exterior with graphite-infused foam to create a rigid, insulated cladding system. This construction contributes to the product’s solid appearance, dimensional stability, and thermal performance.

What Is the R-Value of ASCEND Board & Batten?

ASCEND 12-inch Board & Batten has a published overall R-value of 1.6. This vertical profile also includes integrated insulation, but its geometry and construction result in a different tested R-value than the horizontal 7-inch Plank.

Contractors should use the R-value associated with the specific profile being installed rather than applying the R-2.0 value to every ASCEND product.

What Does R-Value Measure?

R-value measures resistance to conductive heat flow. It does not directly measure air leakage, water resistance, solar heat gain, or the total energy efficiency of a home.

A siding product with added R-value can contribute to a more efficient wall, but meaningful energy performance still depends on proper insulation, air sealing, flashing, windows, doors, roof insulation, and mechanical systems.

How Does ASCEND Add Insulation to the Wall?

Traditional cavity insulation is installed between wall studs. The wood framing itself usually has a lower insulating value than the insulation placed between those studs. This creates pathways through which heat can move more easily, a condition commonly called thermal bridging.

ASCEND’s integrated foam adds insulation across much of the exterior wall surface. This continuous layer can help reduce the effect of thermal bridging through the framing while contributing to the wall assembly’s overall thermal resistance.

What Is Graphite-Infused Polystyrene?

ASCEND uses graphite-infused polystyrene foam as part of its composite system. Graphite particles within the foam help reduce radiant heat transfer, allowing the insulation to provide greater thermal resistance than conventional foam of a similar thickness.

The foam also supports the cladding panel, helping create a more solid feel and a consistent exterior appearance.

Does R-2.0 Mean the Entire Wall Is R-2.0?

No. The R-2.0 value applies to the ASCEND 7-inch Plank cladding system—not the entire exterior wall. The complete wall may have a much higher nominal R-value because it includes insulation inside the wall cavities and other building materials.

Contractors, homeowners, and sales professionals should avoid presenting ASCEND’s R-value as the total insulation value of the home or wall.

Can ASCEND Replace Required Wall Insulation?

ASCEND should not automatically be treated as a substitute for insulation required by applicable building codes, approved construction plans, or project specifications.

The cladding’s R-value may contribute to the wall assembly, but the building designer, code official, architect, engineer, or energy professional should determine how it is credited for a particular project.

How Was the R-Value Determined?

ASCEND’s published technical specifications reference ASTM C1363 testing. This test method evaluates the thermal performance of building assemblies using a hot-box apparatus under controlled laboratory conditions.

Using a recognized testing method gives contractors, designers, and code professionals a consistent basis for comparing thermal performance. It does not guarantee a specific reduction in utility bills for every home.

Will ASCEND Lower Energy Bills?

ASCEND’s integrated insulation may contribute to improved wall performance, but no responsible contractor should promise a specific energy-cost reduction based on the cladding alone.

Actual energy use depends on climate, home size, existing insulation, air leakage, windows, doors, occupant behavior, thermostat settings, equipment efficiency, utility rates, and installation quality.

How Does ASCEND Compare with Standard Siding?

Standard hollow-back siding typically provides very little added insulation by itself. ASCEND differs because its graphite-infused foam is integrated into the cladding system and provides a published profile-specific R-value.

That does not automatically make ASCEND the correct product for every project. Contractors should compare appearance, durability, installation requirements, warranty, cost, structural conditions, and customer priorities—not R-value alone.

Why Proper Installation Still Matters

Laboratory-tested R-value does not eliminate the need for careful installation. Gaps, missing weather-resistant barriers, poor flashing, air leakage, incorrect panel engagement, and improperly handled penetrations can reduce the performance of the complete wall.

• Prepare the substrate properly.
• Install a code-compliant weather-resistant barrier.
• Flash windows, doors, penetrations, and transitions correctly.
• Maintain required panel clearances.
• Fully engage panel locks.
• Use compatible accessories and approved fastening methods.
• Air-seal the wall assembly where required.
• Follow applicable building and energy codes.

How Should Contractors Explain ASCEND’s R-Value?

Contractors should use profile-specific language and avoid exaggerated energy-saving claims. The clearest explanation is that ASCEND adds continuous insulating value to the exterior wall, with R-2.0 for 7-inch Plank and R-1.6 for 12-inch Board & Batten.

Why the Profile Difference Matters

A project may combine horizontal Plank and vertical Board & Batten on different elevations or accent areas. Because the two profiles have different published R-values, estimators and designers should not assign one value to the entire project without accounting for the actual products used.

Record the quantity and location of each profile in the project file, especially when the R-value is being included in specifications, energy-code documentation, or customer presentations.

Is ASCEND a Good Choice for Midwest Homes?

Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois experience cold winters, humid summers, strong winds, and rapid temperature changes. Exterior continuous insulation can be valuable because it helps reduce heat flow through framing members across changing seasons.

ASCEND’s thermal value should be considered alongside its appearance, moisture resistance, durability, maintenance requirements, and complete wall-system design.

What Technical Records Should Contractors Keep?

When ASCEND’s R-value is included in a proposal, code document, or energy discussion, retain the supporting manufacturer literature with the project records.

• ASCEND profile used on each elevation
• Published technical data sheet
• Referenced ASTM testing standard
• Material invoices and quantities
• Project plans and wall-assembly details
• Energy-code documentation when applicable
• Installation photographs
• Written technical guidance received for the project

The Bottom Line

ASCEND Composite Cladding provides an overall R-value of up to R-2.0. ASCEND 7-inch Plank has a published R-value of 2.0, while ASCEND 12-inch Board & Batten has a published R-value of 1.6.

These values apply to the specific cladding systems, not the entire wall or home. ASCEND’s integrated graphite-infused insulation can add meaningful continuous thermal resistance, but total performance and energy savings depend on the complete wall assembly, air sealing, other building components, and proper installation.