Prefabricated House Floor Laying

The floor laying of prefabricated houses should be judged and handled according to the house type and specific circumstances. The following is a detailed explanation of different scenarios:

Floor Heating Installation in Prefabricated Panel Buildings

• Assessment of Load-Bearing Capacity and Floor Height: Floor heating can be installed in prefabricated panel buildings, but it is necessary to determine whether the maximum load-bearing capacity and floor height of the prefabricated panels meet the requirements. If the building is old, it is recommended to reinforce the floor slab to distribute the load.
• Selection of Floor Heating Types:
  • Traditional Floor Heating: Electric or water floor heating requires the laying of a 3.5cm-5cm thick cement layer (a combination of cement, pea gravel, and yellow sand). The combined weight of the floor heating pipes, floor tiles, and furniture may exceed the load-bearing capacity of old prefabricated panels.
  • Dry Floor Heating: It is lightweight overall and does not reduce the floor height, making it suitable for prefabricated panel buildings, but the installation cost is relatively high. If the floor height is less than 2.8 meters, even if the floor slab can bear the load, it is recommended to prioritize air conditioners or radiators, or use dry floor heating.

Damp-Proofing Treatment for the Prefabricated Panel Floors of Rural Self-Built Houses

• Damp-Proof Membrane Laying Method:
  • Principle: Use high-density polyethylene film to block underground moisture.
  • Method: After backfilling and compacting the foundation, lay fine sand and gravel for leveling, then lay the damp-proof membrane, and finally pour a 10cm thick concrete cushion.
  • Advantages and Disadvantages: It has a low cost and is simple to construct, but its durability is limited. It is prone to being punctured by sharp objects or becoming ineffective in low-lying areas. It is necessary to choose a high-quality film, use clean plain soil for backfilling, and ensure that the overlapping part of the membrane joints is no less than 15cm.
• Prefabricated Panel Elevated Floor Method:
  • Principle: Disperse underground moisture through a 30-50cm cavity.
  • Method: After pouring the ground beam, backfill the soil to a height of 30-50cm from the ground and compact it to form an elevated space.

Floor Tile Laying on the Ground of a 30-Year-Old Prefabricated Panel Self-Built House

• Risks of Direct Laying:
  • The aging of the prefabricated panels may lead to a decrease in load-bearing capacity. The increased weight after laying floor tiles may cause shaking, tile uplift, or cracks.
  • If the prefabricated panels have a sagging phenomenon or steel bar corrosion, direct laying will increase the structural burden and may even lead to local collapse.
• Laying After Reinforcement:
  • "Cross" Small Beam Reinforcement: Pour reinforced concrete small beams below the prefabricated panels to distribute the load and enhance the overall integrity.
  • Steel Beam Support: Use steel beams to support the prefabricated panels and reduce the concentrated force on a single panel.
• Professional Inspection Recommendations: Commission an agency to inspect the load-bearing capacity of the prefabricated panels, steel bar corrosion, and sagging conditions. If there are only local cracks, they can be solved through repair and reinforcement; if there is overall deformation or severe steel bar corrosion, overall demolition and reconstruction should be considered.