What is steel channel?

Like other hollow sections, steel channel is rolled from steel sheet into C or U shapes. It consists of a wide "web" and two "flanges". The flanges could be parallel or tapered.

How many surface treatments we supply?

Steel channels are extensively used in a lot of applications. There are mainly three types of surface treatments to code with the conditions. Black or non-treatment is not frequently used for the steel will rust easily without any protective layers. Hot-dip galvanization and primer is the common treatments. Zinc coating resists environmental and weather corrosion, while primer does better. You can choose any kind according to your own application.

Channel sizes you provide?

Steel channel has been classified into "C" and "U" types depending on its outlook. Hence there are two standards to show the channel dimensions - UPE & UPN. UPE is for the C channel steel with parallel flanges while UPN for the u profile steel steel with tapered flanges. You can find the size details in the specific type of channel steel like A36 steel channel. Bespoke channel dimensions are available.

Where will the channel steel be used?

Steel channel are one of the most popular parts in construction and manufacturing. Apart from this, C channel & u profile steel are also used in our everyday life if you have so much attention to them like stair stringer. However, owing to its bending axis is not centered on the width of flanges, structural channel steel is not so strong as I beam or wide flange beam.

Tracks & sliders for machines, doorways, etc..

Posts and supports for building corners, walls & railings.

Protective edges for walls.

Decorative elements for constructions like ceiling channel system.

Frames or framing material for construction, machines.

Channel steel is a conventional production component that is generally manufactured from hot-rolled steel. It has a wide and flat surface and also has flanges at right angles on both sides. The outer edge of C channel steel is clearly angled and has radius corners. The channel steel offers durability, and its broad and flat surface is perfect for attaching items and offering support. In its most widespread form, C channel steel is used to hold bridge decks and other heavy gadgets. This steel can absorb flex and other forces that can break more rigid I-beams and H-beams. Steel channel is a versatile product that is obtainable in various sizes and widths. Its cross-section is formed similar to a squared-off C, which has a straight back and two vertical branches on the top and bottom. Some varieties of C channel steel have short inward-facing edges to the end of the extensions, which makes the structure tougher. Other types of the channel have holes for bolting purposes. Compared to other structural steel products, C channel steel is thinner and insignificantly flexible.

Various sizes and uses

C channel steel comes in a variety of dimensions and thicknesses. Hence it is widely used in many industrial applications. One of the most common applications of this channel steel is for frame supports in automotive manufacturing. The pieces of this channel steel are joined together to form a box-like structure. They can be joined with the broad and flat surfaces to produce an I-beam. The versatility of the C channel structure empowers productions to be more productive as compared with I-beams and other steel components. The C channel steel also makes different structures comparatively lightweight. It also ensures strength and rigidity for machinery frames and various manufacturing applications.

Resistance property

The C channel steel is also advantageous for outdoor applications. This steel has additional amounts of nickel, copper, or chromium, which is making it more resistant to corrosion. The combination of lightweight and corrosion resistance makes it an outstanding option for towers, construction equipment, light poles, and many other objects. This C channel steel is suitable to use in any environmental condition.

A U-Channel is a ‘semi’ pre-assembled doorway system. The jamb and casing are pre-constructed and cut to length, and ready for installation; these 3 complete parts fit together. Each U-Channel wraps around the rough frame opening (at all 3 sides) which forms a finished door frame. The term ‘U-Channel’ is in the shape of a "U" covering the sides and ceiling of the doorway.  

Hollow metal frames come in a shape of a U-Channel as well which is where this concept was created at Riverside Millwork Group from the idea of the already proven approach with hollow metal frames.

Casing comes as per the clients desired and selected profile. The jamb can come in various widths and heights, and be made of MDF, Finger-joint or different wood species. Note, we can provide and install the hinges both on the U-Channel itself and door with the pin loose. You simply just pop in the pins and the door is hung! Hinges are also as per the client’s selection. Please see our hardware page for further details on our hinge options and styles available.

Installing a U-Channel

The installation of a U-Channel can be seen in the video below. The channels are installed in a specific order; first the hinge side, second the top and lastly the striker side. It is recommended that wood glue is applied to each mitre joint. This gluing is to assist in the joint maintaining a clean and tight fit. Wood filler can be applied to the surface of the joint, if required.

With what said, and our demonstration, it is clear that installing the doorway assembly with a U-Channel system demands less time and effort, in comparison to the traditional way of doing this which would be:

1.      Assemble and place the 3 jambs into the rough opening, tacking each jamb with nail to hold in place.

2.      Level and shim the wood jambs, on all 3 sides.

3.      Hang the door and perform final tweaks to the jambs. Use the door to check the trueness of the jambs. Be sure to maintain the correct jamb to door spacing on all three sides. Fasten the jambs thoroughly with multiple nails, at proper increments. Cut the protruding lengths of shims off (flush with the jamb).

4.      Install doorstop.

5.      Measure then cut casing for 3 sides on both sides of the doorway.

6.      Nail and glue casing on both doorways.

Who Should Use U-Channel?

We often find this works best for large volume builders where we are finishing multiple homes or units per day, however, this does also service the contractor and the homeowner well. For our contractors we have heard the feedback on how much easier it is to install, when they can skip all the measuring and fidgeting. This system can essentially be installed all from standing position which the same cannot be said for the traditional route of installing a door.

The feedback from the average homeowner is that yes, it is easier for them to install, especially if you’re not well versed with carpentry.  A major plus for the general homeowner is that they can install this U-Channels with minimal tools; eliminating the use of a miter saw and using nothing more than a hammer, nails, glue, and a level.