Studco Top Hat & Cladding Sections
Top hats (also known as junction studs) are a popular way of fixing facade linings to the exterior structure of a building in both commercial and domestic applications. They are suitable for use with a wide variety of lining materials such as fibre cement sheet, aluminium composite panels, AAC panels and timber feature linings, and can be installed in both a horizontal and vertical orientation depending on the needs of the structure. Studco top hats may also be used for internal applications where heavier loads are used or greater design pressures are specified. Top hats are generally screw-fixed directly to the structure on the outer legs and the lining material is fixed to the wide face of the profile, using various fixing methods as specified by the lining board manufacturers.
Studco offers a comprehensive range of premium quality top hats with improved performance and excellent durability, thanks to the innovative roll-formed profile of the section and the use of high grade galvanised steel. Studco top hats are available in 0.75mm and 1.15mm gauge steel and come in a range of heights and widths.
Studco also manufactures a unique 120mm wide top hat for use at lining board junctions, where two lining boards meet and minimum edge distances must be maintained on screw-fixed lining boards. This section utilises a self-adhesive foam backing strip (purchased separately) for weather-tight seals between lining boards and is used in conjunction with our other 35mm high top hats to create a complete facade framing solution.
What Makes Studco Top Hats Better?
V-Groove
All Studco top hats have a centrally located V-groove on the fixing leg, so your self-drill screw can easily find the centre of the leg.
Strengthening Rib
A strengthening rib on the 24mm, 35mm and 50mm high top hats provides added stiffness and improved structural performance.
Expansion Zones
The 120mm wide top hat is supplied with expansion zones in the fixing face to allow limited expansion and contraction to occur where two lining boards join.
Weather-tight Seal
For a weather-tight seal in express jointed facade systems, the central portion of the fixing face is recessed to allow for a self-adhesive foam backing strip.