What Is the Metal Furring Size For Ceiling?

What Is the Metal Furring Size For Ceiling?

What Is the Metal Furring Size For Ceiling?

Metal furring is a type of non-structural metal attachment that is used to hold a finish material in place. In metal-framed construction, furring pieces are long, light gauge materials of various shapes. Builders often use metal furring to support one layer of material over another, hold insulation or other construction items between materials, meet fire codes, or provide sound barriers.

Metal furring is a popular form of ceiling suspension system which is used to prepare metal studs and runners for the attachment of drywall. The metal furring size for ceiling specified in this instance is 0.40mm to 0.60mm with a size of 1×2 inches, and a maximum thickness of 0.60mm.

This type of furring system provides superior strength and stability, while allowing for easy attachment with nails or screws.

In addition, the thin yet sturdy nature of these furrings allows them to fit comfortably between regular joists, creating an even surface for Drywall installation at a fraction of the cost compared to rigid furring strips.

The shape of the metal furring addresses different requirements. Since interior metal furring is typically light gauge, 25 ga. or 20 ga., the bends that create the shape also provide 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.

One of the most widely used types of metal furring is a “hat”-shaped bent metal, 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.

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Another popular type of furring is “Z” furring, which, as its name suggests, is “Z” shaped. 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 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 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.

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Furring can be fastened in a variety of ways. 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, including 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.

How To Install Metal Furring

Metal furring is a common method of installing a new ceiling in your home. Furring strips are slender metal pieces that are cut to the size you need and come in various shapes and styles. Hat-shaped furring strips are a popular choice, as they are easy to insert nails or screws into.

Another style that is commonly used is the Z-shaped furring strips, which also make it easy to attach fasteners. The width of the furring strip will depend on the size of the joist.

The first step to installing metal furring is to prepare your furring strips. Cut them to the size you need and make sure you have enough to cover the entire ceiling. Once you have your furring strips, you can move on to the next step.

The next step is to find the joists. Joists are the support beams that hold up your roof and connect the walls in your home. If your joists are not exposed, you will need to find them so you can attach the furring strips properly. You can use a “tap and listen” method to find the joists.

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Tap the ceiling with a solid object and listen to the sound it makes. A dull sound indicates that there is a hollow space behind the ceiling, while a sharp sound means you have found a joist. Use markers to note the location and direction of the joists.

The third step is to install the metal furring strips. Use a screw gun and framing screws to attach the furring strips to the joists easily. The metal furring strips should be placed perpendicular to the direction of the joist. Be sure to observe proper intervals between the strips when installing.

After installing the furring strips, you are now ready to attach the drywall. Like the furring strips, the drywall panels should be positioned perpendicular to your ceiling joists. Use drywall screws to secure the panels in place. The screws should be about an inch longer than the thickness of your drywall.

Is Metal Furring Good For Ceiling?

Metal furring is a great option for ceiling projects as it provides a strong support for the additional materials. Furring strips are made from metal and attached to the existing ceiling joists, allowing the installer to add insulation or layer materials like drywall in between.

 

This is especially beneficial when installing systems such as soundproofing and acoustic panels, as it allows them to be firmly fixed into place without compromising the integrity of the structure. Furthermore, metal furring is an economical and reliable method of enhancing ceilings with quick installation times and minimal disruption.

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