Aluminum Hat Channels for Your Wall and Ceiling Applications

When it comes to a product solution for leveling or furring out masonry walls and ceilings, hat channel extrusions are second to none. Made from extruded aluminum, these hat channel extrusions are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to install, and a versatile material option for builders. Aluminum hat channels can help with leveling or furring in a variety of wall and ceiling projects but can also be used in several other interior and exterior applications as well. The versatility and structural durability of aluminum hat channels are unmatched which is why they are a preferred building choice for many masons and commercial contractors.

What is a Furring Channel?

A furring channel is a framing component that is used to fur out walls to create an even and structurally sound surface for a wall and ceiling project. Synonymous with hat channels, furring channels, and hat channels get their name because they closely resemble the shape of a top hat. The name is also derived from the channel’s ability to prevent unevenness by creating a level workspace between the external and internal walls. Uneven walls and ceilings can lead to serious structural integrity issues down the road if not addressed during the construction process with proper materials like aluminum furring channels. Furring channels are available in several different materials such as wood and steel, but aluminum is most preferred because of the additional protection it offers to your structure. Aluminum is naturally resistant to moisture and fire which lends itself to be a more reliable material. When used near saltwater, the building contractor will often give a lifetime warranty if built from aluminum hat channels versus other materials.

The most common building applications for aluminum furring channels include but are not limited to:

• Concrete wall applications
• Drop ceiling applications
• Ceiling assemblies
• Masonry wall applications
• Exterior wall cladding applications
• Architectural curtain wall applications
• Basement renovations

Our hat channel extrusions and components are available in many different sizes, heights, and thicknesses to meet a variety of needs or applications. The most used hat channel size is typically a ⅞ furring channel or a 1½ furring channel. The depth and wall thickness of the channel often determines the load capacity the channel can handle, deeper channels generally have a higher capacity than shorter hat channels. Before starting your project, it is important to understand the thickness of your walls and your length requirements, this will help you narrow down what size hat channel your job requires. If your job requires custom sizes, Eagle Mouldings has the expertise to design and deliver custom hat channel sizes for aluminum wall frames in just a few weeks if needed.

Benefits of Using Aluminum Furring Channels

As previously mentioned our hat channels are made out of extruded aluminum, providing strong and lightweight functionality throughout any project. Weighing one-third less than steel, aluminum has proven to be a reliable lightweight material to use for structural applications like aluminum ceiling frames. Our aluminum furring channels are also corrosion resistant due to the naturally produced oxide coating that aluminum yields. This makes them resistant to natural deterioration like rust, warping, and mold build-up, making them a great component for not only interior applications but also exterior building projects. The affordability and usability of aluminum furring channels are also additional benefits that make furring channels one of the most supreme wall and ceiling building materials. This ultimately means builders can reduce their costs without sacrificing strength and finish their projects in less time.

Custom Aluminum Extrusions to Meet Your Unique Needs

Eagle Mouldings carry a wide variety of extruded aluminum parts, including a range of aluminum hat channel extrusions to meet all of your wall and ceiling needs. At Eagle Mouldings, we have channels in stock that are 3.384″ X .750″ tall, 3.32″ X 1″ tall, 3″ X 7/8″ tall, 3-3/4″ X 1/2″ tall, and 5″ X 1-7/8″ tall. If we don’t stock what you need, we will create a custom and OEM aluminum hat channel extrusion for your aluminum ceiling frame.

With more than 30 years of experience in providing high-quality custom extruded shapes, Eagle Mouldings is your source for aluminum hat channels for aluminum wall frames. Please visit us today at www.eagle-aluminum.com or contact our customer service team at 1-800-888-2044.