What Is A Furring Hat Channel?

“Furring” in construction refers to raising or leveling out the surfaces of walls and ceilings using metal channels, like hat channels and z channels. Furring hat channels and Z channels are often used by masons and builders for this purpose. In construction, a furring hat channel (a hat-shaped aluminum channel) is also used to line a wall, masonry wall, or ceiling to provide a corrosion-resistant framing component. An added benefit of the aluminum hat channel furring is that it protects your interior and exterior framing applications from fire and moisture.

What is Furring or Wall Furring?

To ensure buildings are structurally sound, both residential and commercial builders often use aluminum hat channel furring to even out walls and ceilings. The furring hat channels also create a gap between interior or exterior walls and drywall or siding, which allows for the material to breathe and prevents moisture buildup, eliminating the need for undue maintenance. When installing wall furring on wall studs, a mason or construction worker will lay the metal hat channels perpendicular to the studs. If the wall’s surface is already present, they will install the wall furring vertically. Metal furring strips are synonymous with hat channels, and they contain flanges on either side to provide a stable mounting structure.

Metal Furring Channels

To keep the building structurally sound and prevent any sources of unevenness in the installation of walls and ceilings, aluminum hat channels and metal furring channels are a requirement. Aluminum channels provide a quick, simple, and cost-effective way to level out walls and ceilings for finishing. Drywall hat channels and z channels are two common types of metal furring channels used in construction and remodeling projects. Aluminum z channels and drywall hat channels are completely resistant to fire, moisture, and corrosion.

How to Identify Which Hat Channel Material is Appropriate for Your Project

Aluminum is an ideal material to use for hat channel metal because it will not rust and it resists mold, warping, splitting, and corrosion. Aluminum hat channel furring is lightweight and extremely durable, boasting the longest product lifetime. Hat channels and z channels made from aluminum protect against the spread of fire. Using aluminum material for hat channel metal also makes them affordable, easy to install, and easy to customize. These are just a few of the reasons why the Aluminum Association states, “Aluminum will continue as a critical building material in the infrastructure of the future.”

Steel is another option for hat channel metal. Steel hat channels and Z channels can be prone to rust and corrosion and often require additional protective coating. Steel hat channels are three times heavier, have a lower fire-resistance rating, and are more expensive than the aluminum options.

Wood is a traditional furring material, but it is prone to rotting, mildew, and infestation. The moisture absorbing properties of wood can also cause warping and instability. For these reasons, many builders and installers prefer to use metal hat channels instead of wood.

How are Furring Channels Placed?

The actual process of furring involves attaching furring strips, like hat channels, onto existing surfaces (i.e. wall studs or completed walls). If aluminum furring hat channels are attached to wall studs, they are placed perpendicularly to the studs. When placed on an existing wall or other already-complete surface, hat channels are placed vertically. The proper spacing of furring strips depends on the finishing material for a wall. If you plan to use drywall or paneling, furring strips should be placed closer together. For finishing materials that do not require as many contact points, hat channels can be placed less frequently.

Industries that use Aluminum Furring Channels

Furring channels are used by commercial builders as well as masonry, stone, and concrete builders for framing exterior components like rainscreens and wall cladding. Builders often use furring for drop ceilings, walls, and basement renovations. General contractors and remodelers can also use furring hat channels for installing interior elements such as acoustic tiles and wall panels.

Metal Hat Channels for Rainscreens

A rainscreen is a system that provides ventilation between the wall and exterior siding of a home or building. It provides an air gap for venting moisture and a barrier for water resistance. Using an aluminum hat channel, or furring channel, aids in providing a long-term solution against moisture, material rot, mold and mildew forming, and will not rust or corrode like traditional materials such as wood furring strips or steel hat channels.

Constructing Wall Cladding with Aluminum Channels

In construction, wall cladding is used to provide thermal insulation and weather resistance, while improving the appearance of a building. Wall cladding is the process of constructing the exterior of a building in the form of panels. The use of aluminum hat channels to attach the panels provides the best form of defense against moisture, corrosion, or mold and mildew.

Hat Channels for Soundproofing

Acoustic panels are used to reduce noise and control sound in buildings such as schools, libraries, manufacturing, restaurants, and retail stores. Metal hat channels can be used for installing acoustic panels or ceiling tiles. The aluminum channel provides a perfect shape to allow tiles and panels to be attached or hung.

Why Choose Eagle Aluminum’s Metal Furring Channels?

Our entire line of aluminum channels is engineered, and temper hardened for maximum strength and holding power. We stock many hat channel sizes that are available in a variety of widths, depths and thicknesses, and our customer service agents will know how to identify which hat channel is right for you. Eagle Aluminum has aluminum channels for sale in-stock and ready to ship from our main offices in central MN to anywhere in the United States. Located near Minneapolis and St. Paul MN, our staff prides itself on superior customer service, excellent products, and fast shipping- all at competitive prices. As a leading supplier of custom and specialty aluminum extrusions, we can help you design, engineer and create the perfect channel extrusion for your project. If you don’t see the aluminum channel you require for your project, please contact our customer service department at Eagle Aluminum at 763-493-2995 or toll-free at 800-888-2044. Visit us online to learn why our Eagle customers stay customers and keep coming back.