Abstract: Siding including composite building material and a siding clip are provided. The panel has male and female interlocking elements and may be formed from a composite building material having a foamed substrate having a foamed inner core and a dense integral skin, wherein the foamed substrate includes a polymer matrix and a reinforcing filler, and a urethane/acrylic coating applied to the foamed substrate at the front face of the siding panel, wherein the coating includes an IR-reflective pigment, wherein the urethane/acrylic coating is chemically and/or physically bound to the substrate.

Abstract: A beneficiated fiber and composite including a fiber having a lumen with voids. A suspension including a bonding agent, chemical blowing agent, and catalyst is drawn into the lumen by a capillary action to beneficiate the fiber. The beneficiated fiber may be imbedded with a polymeric material to form the composite. The natural voids of the lumen are preserved by the suspension causing the fiber to maintain natural density and strength characteristics.