What Are the Common Problems of Prefabricated Houses

The common problems of prefabricated houses mainly include the following aspects:

1. Low structural strength and poor earthquake resistance
Prefabricated houses are assembled from prefabricated panels, resulting in insufficient overall firmness and toughness. They often adopt a hollow design, and the quantity and distribution of steel bars are not as scientific as those in cast-in-place structures. In the event of an earthquake, slight vibrations can cause an increase and expansion of cracks, and prolonged vibrations may even lead to the collapse of the house. Additionally, improper decoration (such as drilling holes or removing walls) can damage the structural stability and pose safety hazards.

2. Short service life
The designed service life of prefabricated houses is typically 30-50 years. Most of them were built in the 1970s-1990s and are now approaching or have exceeded their service lives. Aging is widespread, such as concrete carbonation and steel bar corrosion, which lead to a decrease in structural bearing capacity. Many houses have been identified as 'dangerous buildings', and the cost of repair is high with significant technical difficulties.

3. Wall cracks and water leakage issues
Wall cracks spread in a spiderweb pattern, weakening the overall strength and increasing the risk of collapse. Roof leakage is particularly severe during the rainy season, and the damp environment is prone to the growth of mold and bacteria, endangering the health of occupants. Cracks and water leakage are often interrelated, forming a vicious cycle.

4. Poor thermal insulation performance
Prefabricated houses lack efficient thermal insulation materials, resulting in cold winters and hot summers: the indoor temperature can reach 40-50℃ in summer, with poor air-conditioning cooling effects and high power consumption; in winter, the heating warms up slowly, leading to significant energy waste. Long-term residence may affect the health of the elderly and children, and the sound insulation effect is also poor, interfering with sleep quality.

5. Limited internal structural adjustments
Unlike modern commercial houses, the walls of prefabricated houses often serve structural functions. Large-scale modifications (such as removing walls or changing the layout) may damage the overall stability, limiting the personalized customization needs of living spaces.

6. High risk of water seepage
Over time, cement components age and crack, and the gaps between components increase, leading to frequent water seepage issues between floors. Repairing such problems requires damaging the original structure, with high costs and unsustainable results.