How to Maintain Prefabricated Concrete Houses

The maintenance of prefabricated concrete houses should be carried out comprehensively from four aspects: daily maintenance, curing of prefabricated concrete components, seasonal maintenance, and response to special situations, in order to extend their service life and ensure structural safety.

I. Daily Maintenance

1. Cleaning: Regularly clean dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of the house. For exterior walls and other areas prone to dust accumulation, use clean water or a soft-bristled brush for cleaning. Avoid using corrosive cleaning agents such as strong acids and alkalis to prevent damage to the protective layer on the concrete surface.
2. Structural Integrity Inspection: Check the walls and floors monthly for cracks or damage. If any are found, promptly repair them with cement mortar to prevent water penetration and steel bar corrosion. Check the sealing and smooth operation of doors and windows to ensure there is no deformation or jamming. After heavy rain or snowstorms, focus on inspecting the exterior walls for peeling or water seepage marks.
3. Ventilation and Drying: Maintain indoor air circulation by reasonably designing window positions and installing exhaust fans to reduce moisture retention. In cold seasons, strengthen the sealing of doors and windows to prevent cold air from directly blowing onto the walls and causing concrete cracking due to excessive temperature differences.
4. Outdoor Facility Inspection: Regularly inspect outdoor water pipes, drainage pipes, and other facilities to ensure there is no risk of leakage or freezing and cracking. Before winter arrives, wrap insulation materials around exposed pipes to prevent freeze-thaw damage.

II. Curing of Prefabricated Concrete Components

1. Curing Time: Ordinary cement components require curing for at least 14 days, while slag cement components require more than 21 days. The first 7 days are a critical period for strength growth, during which the surface should be kept moist. Do not touch or load the components until their strength reaches 1.2 MPa. Load-bearing components (such as large beams and floor slabs) require curing for 28 days, while non-load-bearing components (such as decorative panels) can be shortened to 14 days.
2. Curing Methods: Cover the components with wet cloth or plastic film within 12 hours after pouring to retain moisture. In hot seasons, spray water every 2 hours. In winter, avoid directly spraying cold water and instead use warm water spraying or cover with an insulation layer.

III. Seasonal Maintenance

1. Rainy Season Protection: Clear debris from the roof and drainage ditches in advance to ensure smooth drainage. Check the waterproofing measures in basements or low-lying areas and install waterproof barriers if necessary. Place dehumidifiers or quicklime indoors to absorb moisture and prevent wall mold.
2. Winter Insulation: Install insulation materials such as polystyrene boards on the exterior walls of the house to reduce the thermal bridge effect. Check if the door and window seals are aging and replace them promptly to reduce cold air infiltration. When the indoor temperature drops below 5°C, turn on the heating equipment to maintain a basic temperature and prevent concrete freezing and cracking.

IV. Response to Special Situations

1. Post-Earthquake Inspection: Immediately inspect the walls and beams for new cracks or tilting after an earthquake, focusing on the connection points. If structural damage is found, entrust a professional organization for assessment and reinforcement.
2. Flood Response: Remove standing water and clean up mud and sand as soon as possible. Dry the damp walls and floors with fans or dehumidifiers. If necessary, remove the surface layer to a dry area and repaint. Check the electrical wiring for short circuits and restore power supply only after ensuring safety.