Is It Good to Use Prefabricated Panels for House Walls?

Using prefabricated panels for house walls is not ideal, mainly due to the following issues:

Weak Joints: Prefabricated panels are manufactured as independent units and are primarily bonded together using cement mortar during installation. However, the performance of cement mortar deteriorates over time, leading to cracking and crumbling. This results in loose connections between the panels, causing a series of problems. For instance, the floor may shake, compromising living safety; during rainy days, leaks may occur, damaging interior decorations and furniture, and reducing living comfort.

Weak 'Skeleton': Most prefabricated panels adopt a hollow structural design, which, while reducing the panel's own weight to some extent, also results in insufficient overall strength. Moreover, the steel bars inside the panels are often thin, few in number, and irregularly distributed, failing to provide adequate support. In daily use, seemingly ordinary actions can damage the panels. For example, during renovations, placing a large wardrobe in a certain area may cause cracks in the floor; even balconies with large fish tanks installed are considered at risk of collapsing the floor, highlighting the strength deficiencies of prefabricated panels.

Poor Earthquake Resistance: The structural characteristics of prefabricated panel houses determine their weak earthquake resistance. They belong to a 'disintegrating' structure, where the panels and walls are prone to separation during earthquakes or other vibrations. During the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, prefabricated panel houses exposed this issue, with a high collapse rate, posing a significant threat to people's lives and property.

Prone to Leaks and Cracks: After prolonged exposure to wind and rain, the surface materials of prefabricated panels gradually age. Simultaneously, the gaps between the panels become channels for water infiltration, affecting the living experience. Especially in early rural house construction, where the use of waterproof materials was not given sufficient attention, leakage was more severe, not only damaging interior decorations and items but also potentially fostering mold growth, affecting the health of occupants.