Resilient channel vs hat channel both are effective soundproofing materials. That helps you to improve the sound transmission class (STC) inside your house. Whether it is concrete or wooden.
But the big question is which one is better to use resilient or hat channel. Most resilient channels are made from holed strip metal where the hat channel from aluminum and galvanized steel.
That is a great material for soundproofing the house.
According to the report of Britannica, Aluminum is a lightweight silvery metal. That can easily block the sound waves around 85% and %15 will pass through from it.
It seems that those channels are good for use. But wait resilient channels create a complicated grid network that traps most of the noise. So that sound waves can’t pass through from it.
Confused!. I know that’s why you need to read the complete article where I have deeply explained each point about resilient channel vs hat channel.
Additionally, I have shared how you can use both of them and what problems you will face after installation.
So this is going to be very interesting and informative. That’s why don’t leave any point otherwise you can’t decide the best one from them.
First, let’s understand how acoustic decoupling works in both soundproofing materials.
Table of Contents
Explain: Acoustic Decoupling In Soundproofing
Acoustic decoupling is a process to block noise by utilizing air space between the stud and insulation wall.
As you know soundwaves easily pass through from any surface whether it is ceiling or walls.
But after utilizing the specialized building techniques or soundproofing materials help you to separate the building members from the drywall and insulation layer.
Sound transmission and vibrations waves will automatically come in the limited level. Although this process will absorb the higher sound waves.
Where it may produce lower sound waves also that may be disturbing for you.
Suppose if your wall is about 8″ inches think you have installed better fiberglass insulation with heavy-duty drywall.
The first layer of the wall will block about 15% of sound waves. Where the middle fiberglass will absorb 32% and the last layer of drywall block 25%.
So in total, these layers destroy about 72% and leave soundwaves about 28%.
There is a need for a resilient or hat channel to increase the capacity to block the noise.
How?
The direct connection of the drywall from the insulation layer easily creates a direct sound path of it.
But when you separate both layers by installing a resilient or hat channel added 1 inch of the air barrier.
This air barrier limits the high-frequency sound movement and increases the extra mass. That will help you to absorb the low frequency also.
So now you totally understand how both of these soundproofing materials can help you.
What process they use but now you need to understand what exactly these materials are. This will help you to more specific your decision.
What is Resilient Channel
These channels are made from the galvanized steel with a long and holed strip structure.
It is just like a spring channel when you pull it up it will automatically set its original shape.
As you know it has two ends one of them connects with the studs and the second one is drywall.
In this empty portion between the stud and drywall, sound waves do not directly go to its path.
It will trap in space and bounce here and there. That’s why most of the noise will be destroyed with the help of this little space.
Because the direct connection of drywall and insulation lawyer will make the soundproofing ineffective.
But when you leave space then it will work well just like with the resilient channel.
Wait, soundwaves are not only present in the empty space air also are there. That increases the mass and air velocity that also increases the insulation capacity.
Have you ever heard “iron cuts iron”? This proverb exactly matches it.
Because the outside cold and hot air will fit with the inner hot or cold air and the result will be zero. No one wins, only you.
Pros
- It will improve the STC by around 10 to 15%.
- The acoustic decoupling process will trap most of the noise.
- It will increase the insulation effectiveness.
Cons
- It doesn’t have the standard STC ratings.
So do you want to install a resilient channel inside your house? Then check out below and here are the collection of the best resilient channel.
How To Install Resilient Channel In Your House
The installation process is literally very easy but make sure to carefully line them up. Otherwise, you need to remove and reinstall them again and again.
- Select The Channel: There are mainly two types of resilient channels available: the first one is single leg and the second one is double. So first you need to decide which one you want to install. Both are the same but the main difference is that only. You will get another side to screw them up properly.
- Cut The Right Size: Now you need to cut all the channels in an exact size according to the size of your room. This usually means the bigger you have the bigger channel you need for it.
- Align Them: Now you need to align them carefully while installing one by one resilient channel. So that all of them work well otherwise you may get a crooked design.
- Screw Them: When you align them now you need to screw them. They are not so heavy to lift you can easily do that and start with the center screw. So that it will not fall down.
Instruction
- When you align these resilient channels you need to leave the space around 16 per channel from the center side.
- In the corners, extra small channels were added for better support.
What is Hat Channel
These hat channels are a mixture of different materials such as commercial and galvanized steel and aluminum.
That gives better stretchability to the complete structure. So that it can expand and shrink easily according to the weather climate.
These channels are specially made for concrete and masonry-like solid surfaces.
These also create air barriers inside the empty space to capture the sound waves coming from the outside and also help in better insulation.
All you need is to attach them horizontally to the stud and perpendicularly to the drywall.
You can use the size of channels because there are many sizes available in the market that you can use.
Mostly these channels are used on the ceiling because these are more heavy-duty and work well to protect the concrete or masonry ceiling.
But as you these come in different materials. That you need to carefully notice. Because the only steel hat channel is hard to use on the other hand is a better option.
If you want better results then you can combine both of them. That increases the effectiveness by 15 to 20% overall.
Pros
- It is very easy to install.
- This is heavy-duty and creates a smooth surface.
- These are most fire radiant.
Cons
- This is not much effect from the resilient channel.
If you want to install a hat channel inside your house then check out below.
How To Install Hat Channel In Your House
- Measure Space: The first thing you need to measure is the space of the entire room. That you are going to install the hat channel. So that you can identify how many channels you need.
- Select The Channel: You have the choice to go with an aluminum or steel hat channel. But you can also find both mixtures; this all depends on you and the material capability. What are you going to face after installing them?
- Draw Line: When you select the channel then you need to draw a straight line onto the ceiling. So that when you put all of them according to the line. Their alignment doesn’t disturb them at all.
- Install Clips: In the resilient channels, you need screws for installing. But for installing the hat channels you need clips. That you need to attach to the stud properly.
- Attach The Channel: When you successfully install the furring strips. Now you need to attach the hat channels with them to complete the process.
Instruction
Make sure to follow the exact space given in the resilient channel. So that you can create a strong structure to block the noise of any frequency.
So you have understood about both resilient and hat channels. This will help you understand the main difference between them. So that you can easily decide the best one.
Difference Between Resilient Channel vs Hat Channel
Both resilient channels and what channel are different soundproofing materials.
But they work the same to block the block and trap the sound waves from outside. Although, both you can use on any surface like wall or ceiling.
But the hat channel is heavier than the resilient channel. So that this will work long-lasting but you may face some problems while installing it on the ceiling.
While installing the resilient channel you can use RC-1 or RC-2 profiles both are great to use.
That looks like a baseball cap that has a shorter back and along the front.
So that it can easily handle the drywall because at the backside you don’t have any extra surface.
You need only some screws for it to mount on the ceiling and wall. This will easily work any single or double leg of the resilient channel.
On the other hand, the hat channel comes in a fedora style and has a single profile double layer. That also needs double clips or screws as you want.
Both will cost you almost the same but the installation process is much different. Because the resilient channel connects the stud and drywall.
Where the hat channel needs to connect with studs or joists.
Connecting both layers on a single surface is quite a great idea because it will add extra support to the front layer.
I know this will increase the investment but combining dual layers limits the sound transmission inside the empty space.
If you want a better result then I suggest you leave at least 1/4 inch of the gap.
This will minimize the seepage noise and provide better soundproofing inside the house.
However, manufacturers claim that using both layers will increase the capability by 30 to 40%. But in the real world, this is not possible.
If you use both of them then this will improve the SCT by 15 to 20% only.
Problems With Resilient Channel Soundproofing
Resilient channels could be a better option if you don’t have a bigger budget for soundproofing your wall or ceiling.
Because these are a lot cheaper than the hat channel. But the biggest problem with the resilient channel is that the installation process might be unsuccessful.
If you don’t have any idea about the alignment.
Because where the hat channels you only need to attach the clips and half of your work is finished. Where the resilient channels need more focus while installing.
Because you need to screw them while you are installing the channel. You can’t attach the screw before the process.
Otherwise, you need to do that again and again.
The better you can do is that you can use a measuring tape and then mark “X” after leaving the 16″ gap.
So that you lifted the resilient channel you can easily screw to the X mark. You don’t need to be very confused.
This process takes time but if you do then you can limit the risk. Most professionals also recommend this process.
Congratulations, now you successfully understand the complete difference between the resilient channel vs hat channel. I am pretty sure you also decided which you need to select.
Wrap Up On Resilient Channel vs Hat Channel
Whether you have a resilient channel or hat channel both are perfect to block the noise inside the empty space.
So that you can focus on your work or gaming. As you know both come with different types and profiles that also have different materials.
This is based on your need and budget. If you have the budget for hat channel then you should definitely go with it.
But don’t think that this needs more investment so it is better resilient and has a better quality that prevents sound waves.
If you don’t have any experience you need help from any professional while installing a resilient channel.
I know this looks very difficult but above I have explained how you can do that.
But in my suggestion hat channel looks great when you need to pick the best between them.
Because sound isolation clips that you need to use while installing the hat channel work very well for blocking the noise.
Because it will not produce any vibrations during any movement. Where the resilient channel easily produces too many vibrations.
You can check this when you are facing the heavy wind in your area. This is tested by myself that’s why I am so sure about it.
Because resilient channels can’t maintain the ideal space. But where the hat channel will maintain easily because of the help you get from these clips.
FAQ: Resilient Channel vs Hat Channel
Selecting the best one between resilient channel vs hat channel is quite different. That’s why many people just like facing many problems.
That’s why I have added some of them and given appropriate answers to them.
You will also find yours but if you don’t find then just let me know while commenting down. I will reply as soon as possible.
What are resilient furring strips?
Furring strips are the small structural piece that is attached with the extruded or bent metal strips.
So that you can easily attach the existing drywall. These strips also help you to prevent any short-circuiting.
All you need just attach them with the stud before measuring the X mark but before installing the channel. This will help you to maintain better alignment.
Does a resilient channel work?
If you don’t want to spend more but need better soundproofing then resilient channels also work well.
Because these channels will create a better air barrier between the stud and the drywall. So that it can break the direct sound path.
All you need is to carefully install it onto the surface with better alignment.
Furring channel vs resilient channel?
Don’t confuse between the furring channel and hat channel both are the same but have different names.
Some people who are professionals call it a furring channel and people just like calling it hat channel. Because it suits its name.
