What Does Metal Furrings Mean In Construction?
What Does Metal Furrings Mean In Construction?
Metal furring is a construction method that involves the use of non-structural metal attachments to hold a finish material in place.
These attachments are typically made of long, light gauge materials of various shapes and are used to support one layer of material over another or to hold insulation or other construction items between materials. Metal furring is also used to meet fire codes or provide sound barriers.
The shape of the metal furring is designed to address different requirements. Because typical interior metal furring is made of light gauge materials, the bends that create the shape also impart an amount of rigidity. Furring is generally spaced at 16″ or 24″ on center, and the rigidity of the shape adds to the overall integrity of the wall system.
The most widely used metal furring is a “hat”-shaped bent metal that is 7/8″ high and 2 1/4″ wide, including the attachment flanges. This common furring is used to secure the outer layer of material where inserting screws and nails would otherwise be difficult.
Hat channel is applied over another surface, such as concrete, concrete block, or a deteriorating plaster wall, making it easy to apply other surface materials.
Another widely used furring member is “Z” furring, which is shaped like a “Z.” This product is available in various thicknesses, commonly from 1″ to 3″, and is designed to be attached to one surface at the bottom flange and accept an outer layer of material attached to the other flange.
This product is well suited as a spacer in commercial and residential applications, as it allows an existing wall surface to be insulated or it allows horizontal electrical or plumbing items to be installed and covered with a finish material.
Furring is also used as a method of attaching drywall to supporting members when their span distance is too wide for direct application.
Bar joists, for example, do not lend themselves to the direct attachment of drywall used for a ceiling or fire rating, and typically bar joists are spaced further apart than the drywall can span. Hat channel or Z furring can be attached to the bottom of the bar joist at 16″ or 24″ on-center, perpendicular to the joist.
Another benefit of metal furring pertains to building codes. Many UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and city and state building codes require the use of furring strips between layers of drywall to achieve certain fire ratings.
Hat channel shapes are also attached to structural columns and beams to allow the addition of an outer layer or layers of drywall or other materials in order to create required fire ratings.
The standard hat channel shape has also been modified by cutting off one flange so that the furring strip is secured on one side and “floats” on the other side. This product, referred to as a resilient channel, lessens the amount of sound transmission through a wall or ceiling assembly.
Furring lends itself to a variety of fastening methods. With metal and wood framing alike, screws are the easiest to work with.
When an application is required that has the furring strip attached directly to concrete, masonry, or structural steel, more specialized fasteners are available. These include sleeve type anchors, course thread anchors, and power actuated pin fasteners.
It should be noted that consulting with manufacturer’s instructions or with an expert may be required with some fastening techniques.
In summary, metal furring is a versatile construction method that is used to hold a finish material in place, support one layer of material over another, or hold insulation or other construction items between materials.
The shape of the metal furring is designed to address different requirements, and it can be used to meet fire codes or provide sound barriers.
What Is The Purpose Of Metal Furrings
Metal furrings are strips of wood or metal used as a secure base to keep other materials in place. They are commonly used in construction to support one layer of material over another, or to hold insulation or other construction items between materials.
Metal furrings come in various shapes and sizes, such as hat-shaped and Z-channel shaped.
Metal furrings can be attached using a variety of fastening methods, such as screws, nails, and bolts. They are often used to create a level, solid frame that allows carpenters to effectively attach wood, drywall, insulation, and other materials. Furring strips are also commonly used around showers and tubs for insulation installation.
What Are Metal Furrings Used For
Metal furrings are strips of wood or metal used as a secure base to keep other materials in place. They are commonly used in construction for supporting one layer of material over another, such as when installing drywall on ceilings.
Metal furrings come in various shapes, with the most common being hat-shaped. They can be attached to surfaces using screws, nails, or other fastening methods.
Metal furrings are also used to hold insulation between materials, and they are frequently used in tub and shower installations. Additionally, they can be used to create a level frame that allows carpenters to effectively attach wood, siding, or other materials.
