Renovation Methods for Prefabricated Slab Houses

When renovating a prefabricated slab house, it is essential to focus on key areas such as plumbing and electrical work, wall treatment, and ceiling renovation. Here are the specific methods:

Plumbing and Electrical Work: Avoid Damaging the Structure

Prefabricated slabs are hollow structures, and their load-bearing capacity and stability depend on their integrity. It is strictly prohibited to cut horizontal grooves in the walls of prefabricated slabs, as horizontal cutting may damage the internal steel bars or cause structural fractures. If wiring is required, vertical grooves should be cut instead, with a depth controlled within 5 centimeters to avoid penetrating the slab. The layout of plumbing and electrical lines should be designed in advance, utilizing existing holes or wall corners as much as possible to minimize secondary damage to the prefabricated slabs.

Wall Skimming: Strengthen the Base Treatment

1. Surface Cleaning and Inspection:
   The surface of prefabricated slabs may have pores, cracks, oil stains, or release agent residues. Use sandpaper or a wire brush to smooth out uneven areas and ensure a smooth surface. Remove dust and oil stains with water or a specialized cleaning agent. If necessary, use a high-pressure water gun for rinsing and wait for the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
2. Base Treatment:
   Filling the joints between prefabricated slabs is a crucial step. Use a specialized joint filler (such as polyurethane sealant) to fill the gaps between slabs to prevent future cracking. If the joints are wide, first repair them with cement mortar and then apply a bonding agent to enhance adhesion.
3. Skimming Considerations:
   The surface of prefabricated slabs has low water absorption, and direct skimming can easily lead to peeling, cracking, or bubbling. It is recommended to apply a bonding agent first to improve the adhesion between the skim coat and the base. The skim coat should be applied in 2-3 layers, with each layer not exceeding 2 millimeters in thickness, and each layer must dry completely before applying the next.

Ceiling Renovation: Ensure Flatness and Safety

1. Wooden Strip Installation and Leveling:
   When installing wooden joists, adjust the height to ensure all wooden strips are on the same plane, preventing cracking of the gypsum board after installation due to uneven stress. The spacing between wooden strips is recommended to be controlled between 40-60 centimeters to enhance load-bearing capacity.
2. Electrical Wire Concealment:
   Another function of wooden strips is to conceal electrical wires. Wires should bypass beam positions and run through the gaps between wooden strips to avoid direct exposure on the ceiling. After threading, use wire clips to secure the wires and prevent loosening.
3. Gypsum Board Installation:
   Choose lightweight gypsum boards and fix them with self-tapping screws. The spacing between screws should not exceed 20 centimeters, and they should be sunk into the board surface by 0.5-1 millimeter to prevent bulging. The joints between boards should be filled with joint compound and covered with kraft paper or anti-crack tape to reduce the risk of cracking.

Summary: The renovation of prefabricated slab houses should focus on protecting the structure as the core principle. Avoid horizontal grooving in plumbing and electrical work, strengthen the base treatment for walls, and pay attention to leveling and concealed work for ceilings. Strictly adhering to construction specifications can effectively extend the lifespan of the house and enhance living safety.