Hat channel, the hat-shaped framing component, finds utility in furring concrete, masonry walls, and ceilings. It offers a non-combustible solution for leveling uneven surfaces and is available in various depths, gauges, and widths.
Hat Channel – How Can I Use It?
In commercial construction, hat channels are frequently integrated as a framing element in furred wall and ceiling assemblies.
For residential applications, hat channels serve to fur concrete or CMU walls when wood furring strips are impractical. Typically, furring is preferred over laminating drywall directly onto concrete.
What is a Hat Channel?
Hat channel, or its hat-shaped counterpart, excels in surface leveling, finding common usage in both commercial and residential construction within concrete and masonry walls.
The name “hat channel” derives from its resemblance to the profile of a top hat.
What sets hat channels apart is their unique hat-shaped design, which contributes to their inherent strength.
7/8″ Hat Channel
7/8” hat channels, characterized by their low profile, are often employed on CMU and concrete walls. When thicker steel studs are not suitable, aluminum hat channels provide a substrate for attaching drywall, resulting in a finished surface.
1 1/2” Hat Channel
For slightly thicker furred walls, the 1 1/2” hat channel provides an alternative.
Where Can I Use Hat Channels?
Hat channels exhibit versatility in a wide range of applications, encompassing both commercial and residential construction.
Whether beneath the building structure, during basement renovations, or for furring concrete interior walls, hat channels prove remarkably adaptable.
With the addition of multiple layers of drywall to hat channels, enhanced acoustical performance and high STC ratings can be achieved, enhancing the soundproofing of existing walls.
How to Install Hat Channel
The installation of hat channels involves the use of concrete screws or fasteners spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart.
The first pair of fasteners is positioned on either side of the channel, and the screws can also connect directly to wall studs.
Hat channels are typically employed on hardened concrete or masonry walls.
What is Furring?
Furring is applied over concrete or CMU walls with only one side exposed. It is commonly constructed using hat channels, Z-furring channels, or furring strips.
Furring is attached to concrete using power-driven fasteners, typically spaced about 24 inches apart.
Furring strips, whether composed of thin wood or metal, are used over a substrate to create a level surface suitable for the application of drywall.
They can also be used on ceilings to provide a flat surface for the installation of drywall or sheathing.
Furring a Ceiling with Dropped Ceiling Applications
Furring a ceiling offers an effective method to introduce soundproofing between floors.
One option involves the utilization of resilient furring channel clips or springs to enhance sound isolation.
The spring action isolates boards from the joists, mitigating sound shocks, vibrations, and sound transmission.
These springs come in varying degrees of stiffness, ensuring that your ceiling remains “free,” offering sound isolation capabilities to minimize vibration transfer.
If your hat channels are secured to multiple joists, the sound-canceling capabilities are compromised.
Vibrations travel directly through physical objects. By using “loose” hat channels with spacing in between, sound is absorbed into the insulation and the channels before reaching the drywall-covered ceiling.
Sound Clips
In light of this, sound clips, sometimes referred to as whisper clips, can be a highly effective supplement for controlling sound levels in your ceiling projects.
Another method for attaching hat channels to the underside of a building structure is the use of tie wire. In this application, furring channels are installed perpendicular to the ceiling joist and affixed to cold-rolled channels.
Subsequently, an 18-gauge galvanized tie wire is employed to secure the channel to the joist at each intersection.
How STC Ratings and Hat Channels Work Together
Sound Transmission Class, abbreviated as STC, gauges a wall’s ability to reduce the transfer of decibels between two spaces.
Due to the proficiency of hat channels in diminishing vibration transfer, these channel variants typically exhibit commendable STC ratings.
Achieving higher STC ratings necessitates the appropriate installation of materials. Seek out materials boasting ratings of 60 or higher, especially in commercial settings requiring soundproofing.
Hat Channel and Sound
Alongside hat channels, there exist additional framing products that can be harnessed to diminish sound transmission:
- Resilient channels
- Sound isolation clips
- Double-stud framing
To heighten your STC rating, augment the wall’s mass and include sound-absorbing materials.
Sound absorption is a characteristic of most standard insulation materials. Fiberglass batts and blow-in cellulose insulation represent effective methods for sound reduction.
Different Hat Channel Sizes
The two most prevalent hat channel widths are 7/8” and 1 1/2”. The gauge pertains to the thickness of the material in Mils. Heavier gauge furring channels are thicker, more robust, and pricier.
While hat channels can be easily cut with snips or a chop saw, their standard lengths usually extend to 10′ and 12′.
Standard Widths:
- 7/8”
- 1 1/2”
Standard Gauges:
- 25 gauge
- 20 gauge
- 18 gauge
- 16 gauge
Hat Channel Material
Metal furring channels surpass their wooden counterparts in strength and durability. To ensure the longevity of your project, opt for metal channels.
Steel Hat Channels
Steel channels are best suited for high-load capacities, predominantly employed in commercial construction with substantial demands due to the durability of galvanized steel.
Steel channels coupled with steel framing are a common sight in commercial exterior assemblies.
Steel construction naturally resists corrosion and offers fire resistance. However, galvanized steel is costlier, making it less prevalent in small residential ventures.
How Hat Channels Compare to Other Channel Types
Resilient Channel (RC Channels)
Resilient channels may seem akin to hat channels, albeit split down the middle. Hat channels bear a “fedora-like” resemblance, while RC channels lean more towards a baseball cap in shape.
RC channels prove effective in reducing sound levels and can also be highly efficient for insulation.
Nevertheless, RC channels generally exhibit a somewhat lower degree of sturdiness and practicality. They are attached to wall studs, and any contact can compromise the soundproofing attributes of RC channels.
Hat channels excel in durability due to their dual lips and robust materials. They can prevent drywall from shifting. However, the dual lips on hat channels make them less efficient in soundproofing.
Z Furring Channels
Z furring channels are typically employed in conjunction with rigid insulation. Architects frequently utilize them for gypsum panels, plaster, and exterior metal panels on walls and ceilings.
Unlike hat channels, Z channels are fastened with screws, with one flange against the wall and the other extending outward. Z furring installation is as effective as that of hat channels.
J Channels & U Channels
J channels serve to safeguard the outer edges of windows and doors, preventing moisture from infiltrating undesired areas.
The interaction between J channels and hat channels is infrequent since J channels are designed for exterior walls.
Top Brands of Hat Channel
According to the Industrial Quick Search Manufacturer Directory, several leading building material manufacturers supply hat channels:
- Samson Roll Formed Products Company
- Johnson Bros. Roll Forming Co.
- United Roll Forming, Inc.
- Roller Die & Forming Company, Inc.
- MP Metal Products, Inc.
- Premier Products of Racine, Inc.
p>Furring channels and hat channels conform to various ASTM and Code Standards. Clark Dietrich offers a product submittal document containing comprehensive specifications.
Wrapping Up
Hat channels offer substantial advantages over wood furring strips due to their strength and durability, making them an excellent choice for your project.
Pricing for hat channels may vary, so it is advisable to obtain a precise estimate before commencing construction.
Key Takeaways
- Hat channels are versatile framing components used for leveling surfaces in concrete and masonry walls and ceilings.
- They find applications in both commercial and residential construction, providing soundproofing benefits and high STC ratings when used with multiple layers of drywall.
- Proper installation and materials with STC ratings of 60 or higher are essential for effective soundproofing in commercial settings.
- Metal hat channels, especially steel ones, are durable and preferred for high-load applications.
- Other channel types like resilient channels (RC), Z furring channels, and J/U channels have their unique uses and characteristics.
- Hat channels are available in various sizes and gauges, making them adaptable for different projects.
- When using hat channels for soundproofing, it’s important to maintain loose spacing to enhance their effectiveness.
Additional Resources
Product Submittals and Technical Data – Clark Dietrich
Sound Control for Commercial and Residential Buildings – North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
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