Aluminum Hat Channels, Furring Channels, Rainscreens and Wall Cladding

Everything that you need to know

Aluminum hat channels and furring channels, also known as rainscreen furring strips, are framing pieces shaped like a top hat. Because aluminum outperforms traditional hat channel materials like wood and steel, Eagle Aluminum specializes exclusively in aluminum hat channels. Our aluminum hat channel extrusions can be cut to any size or machined to your unique specifications or building requirements.

Aluminum metal furring strips and channels are easy to install, lightweight, can be customized for special applications, and extremely durable. Eagle’s aluminum hat channels are corrosion-resistant and a fireproof extruded aluminum product. They are used primarily to level out irregular or uneven surfaces on interior walls, exterior walls, ceilings, and masonry, saving a lot of time and unnecessary expense. 

Benefits of Aluminum Hat Channels and Furring Channels 

• Long Lasting Protection
• Lightweight (1/3 the weight of steel)
• Protection against fire and moisture
• Naturally resists corrosion, will not rust
• Resists warping, splitting, mold, and mildew
• Easy to customize
• Simple installation
• Affordable, budget-friendly

 

What is Furring? 

Furring refers to leveling out walls and ceilings using aluminum furring channels. To ensure buildings are structurally sound, both residential and commercial builders often use hat channels or z channels to level out walls, ceilings, and roofs. The channels also create a gap between interior or exterior walls and drywall or siding, which allow for the material to breathe and prevent moisture buildup and eliminates the need for undue maintenance.

 

When installing wall furring, a mason or construction worker will lay the channels perpendicular to the wall studs. They will install the wall furring vertically if the surface is already present. Metal furring strips are synonymous with hat channels, and they contain flanges on either side to provide a stable mounting structure.

Industry applications for aluminum hat and furring channels

The use of aluminum metal furring strips or aluminum hat channels in the application of cladding when applying one material over another to provide a protective or finish layer. In construction, wall cladding is used to provide thermal insulation and weather resistance, while improving the appearance of a building. The use of aluminum furring channels or hat channels provides the best form of defense against moisture, corrosion, mold and mildew. Wall cladding is the process of constructing the exterior of a building in the form of panels to improve the thermal, acoustical, and cosmetic appearance of a building.

Weather-resistant aluminum hat and furring channels

The aluminum hat channels and furring channels are a preferred solution to create an air gap for moisture prevention between interior and exterior walls, siding for exterior wall cladding, curtain walls, and rainscreen installations. Hat channels provide a base for establishing water diversion systems, thermal efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling, and appearance solutions in a building structure.

Promote airflow with rainscreen systems 

Rainscreens promote free airflow between a structure’s siding and an exterior water-resistant barrier. This allows moisture to escape, reducing the potential for moisture-related damage. Rainscreen furring strip systems create an air gap between a structure’s siding and a water-resistant barrier like asphalt felt or house wrap. This system provides ventilation between the exterior siding of a home or building.

Although not every building requires this gap, a rainscreen is always an advantage because it provides additional ventilation for moisture that might otherwise become trapped. Trapped moisture can cause building materials to rot, warp, rust, and lead to mold and mildew buildup.

Basic elements of rainscreen systems include: 

• Siding or other exterior cladding
• Furring channels (often hat channels)
• A water-resistant barrier

Wall cladding applications for aluminum furring and hat channels 

The use of aluminum furring or aluminum hat channels in the application of cladding when applying one material over another to provide a protective or finish layer. In construction, wall cladding is used to provide thermal insulation and weather resistance, while improving the appearance of a building. The use of aluminum metal furring strips provides the best form of defense against moisture, corrosion, or mold and mildew. Wall cladding is the process of constructing the exterior of a building in the form of panels to improve the thermal, acoustics, and appearance of a building.

Aluminum furring and hat channels for rainscreens and wall cladding 

Each piece is dimensionally cut to your specifications so that you receive identical pieces every time. There is no comparison to the longevity of aluminum furring channels to that of wood or steel. In fact, aluminum furring channels last so much longer than wood or steel that it often comes with much longer installation warranty.Our aluminum hat channels, furring channels, rainscreens and wall cladding allow builders to reduce their costs without sacrificing strength and complete their projects in less time.