Roof Tiles and Prefabricated Panels

Roof tiles and prefabricated panels are two different types of roofing forms. Prefabricated panel roofs have certain drawbacks and are not widely used in self-built houses currently. Instead, frame or reinforced concrete structures are more commonly adopted, with roof tiles being another option.

Composition and Installation Method of Prefabricated Panels

Prefabricated panels are concrete slabs that are pre-made in advance. Their materials include crushed stone, cement, sand, and coiled wire (or cold-drawn wire), similar to the materials used for cast-in-place concrete roofs but with smaller specifications. During installation, the prefabricated panels are directly placed on the brick walls of the roof and are not an integral structure with the walls. This installation method means they cannot provide the tensile force and stability to the walls like a monolithically cast roof does, serving only the basic function of covering the roof.

Drawbacks of Prefabricated Panel Roofs

• Risk of Geological Disasters and Foundation Settlement: Due to the lack of integral connection between the prefabricated panels and the walls, they are prone to danger in the event of geological disasters such as earthquakes or foundation settlement. Common phenomena include cracks appearing on the roof, which not only affect the aesthetics of the house but also damage its structural integrity. At the same time, these cracks can lead to water leakage problems, causing great inconvenience to the occupants.
• Cracking and Water Leakage at Joints: Prefabricated panels are usually connected using concrete or cement mortar. However, this connection method is not very stable. Over time, due to factors such as temperature changes and house settlement, cracks are likely to appear at the joints. Once the joints crack, rainwater will seep into the house along the cracks, causing damage to interior decoration and dampening of items.

Trends in Modern House Construction

Currently, in the field of house construction, especially in self-built houses, the use of prefabricated panels is not significant. To improve the safety and quality of houses, frame structures or reinforced concrete structures are more commonly used. These structural forms have better integrity and stability and can effectively resist the impacts of various natural disasters and foundation changes. Roof tiles, as another type of roofing form, differ significantly from prefabricated panels in terms of construction and performance, providing different options for house roofs.