Maintenance of Prefabricated Houses
Various technical means and comprehensive measures can be employed for the maintenance of prefabricated houses, with the specific approach depending on the type of house issues and renovation needs.
I. Structural Reinforcement and Integrity Enhancement
For repairable prefabricated panel houses, the core objective is to enhance structural integrity and prevent deformation or collapse caused by weak connections. Adding ring beams and structural columns is a common method. By adding reinforced concrete ring beams around the house and setting structural columns at key nodes, a frame restraint system is formed, significantly improving the house's lateral resistance. Carbon fiber cloth bonding technology is suitable for local reinforcement. High-strength carbon fiber cloth is bonded to the joints or cracks of prefabricated panels using special adhesives, utilizing its tensile properties to compensate for insufficient concrete strength, especially suitable for seismic reinforcement of old houses. Cast-in-place composite layer technology involves pouring a reinforced concrete composite layer on the surface of prefabricated panels, forming a "prefabricated + cast-in-place" composite structure. According to a proposal by Beijing Midas Company, this method can increase the floor bearing capacity by more than 30% and provide a structural foundation for renovations such as elevator installation and water and electricity pipeline updates.
II. Functional Optimization and Space Renovation
Renovation of prefabricated houses often involves functional upgrades. Kitchen and bathroom space reconstruction is a typical example. The "one-door closure" design adopted in the renovation of Neijiang large panel houses in Shanghai involves re-dividing kitchen and bathroom areas and adding independent access control, addressing hygiene and privacy issues in multi-household shared kitchens and bathrooms. Balcony addition expands usable area through outward or inward expansion, requiring attention to the reliability of connections with the original structure and waterproofing. Additionally, projects such as water and electricity pipeline updates and thermal and sound insulation improvements carried out in conjunction with old residential area renovations can comprehensively enhance living comfort. For example, replacing original exterior wall panels with new thermal insulation materials or adding double-glazed windows to reduce noise.
III. Quality Issue Repair and Responsibility Determination
If prefabricated houses have quality issues such as leaks or cracks, prioritizing a request for repair from the builder is a legal approach. A dispute case handled by the Zhoudang Tribunal of Luoshan County People's Court demonstrates that mediation can clarify responsibilities between both parties: if quality issues are caused by construction defects, the builder must bear the repair costs; if caused by improper use by the homeowner or subsequent renovations, the homeowner is responsible. During repairs, attention should be paid to evidence preservation, such as taking on-site photos and keeping construction contracts, to safeguard rights in disputes.
IV. Principles for Technical Selection
Maintenance plans should adhere to the principles of "safety first, economic rationality, and technical feasibility." For example, minor cracks can be repaired using pressure grouting; if the bearing capacity at prefabricated panel joints is insufficient, a combination of composite layer pouring and carbon fiber reinforcement is required. Before renovation, a professional institution should be commissioned to conduct structural inspections to avoid secondary damage caused by blind construction.
