Furring materials like hat channel are used in many different commercial and residential applications today. Channel is one of the most convenient ways to mount one surface to another surface. In fact, it has many advantages over installing strips or standard studs. Here are some important things to know about furring to help you make an informed decision on your next project.
What is Metal Furring?
Suppose you have an existing wall and wish to add another wall or some kind of board material. Maybe you are thinking about an extended ceiling project and you need some way to attach your lovely new ceiling panels to the old ceiling. Furring or hat channel is designed for this purpose.
Furring is created in an extrusion process which makes long pieces of metal with channels. In fact, the channels resemble hats and this is where the name “hat channel” came from. This material provides builders and construction people with many important benefits.
Why Use Metal Furring?
Furring can make it easier to hang new ceilings or extend them. In addition, it can be used to support one layer of material on top of another. Because hat channel is made from metal it is fire proof and in many construction applications, fire resistant material must be used, and metal is far superior to wood. Metal furring can also be used to install special panels for sound control.
Why Hat Shape?
By creating a special hat shaped channel in the metal, it makes is possible to insert screws or fasteners in places where it would be difficult to use wood. The hat channel also provides enough room for the fastener to fit into it without penetrating into the next surface. For example, when placing nailing or fastening strips to concrete you need something thick enough for the entire length of the panel fasteners. You could create a hollow piece of metal but by making a channel, you have a cost effective and lighter option.
Uses for Hat Channel
Metal furring allows one to attach things to difficult surfaces like brick or concrete. Plus, one can extend ceilings and walls where needed. However, furring is sometimes used with bar joists. For example, these supports may be too far apart for standard wallboard and hat channel will make it possible to install the board properly. Also, in many building applications, additional insulation is needed and metal furring makes it possible to install materials without the need for tearing out the existing walls.
