Self-built House with Thin Prefabricated Panels

There are multiple issues with using thin prefabricated panels for self-built houses, and it is not recommended. Details are as follows:

Waterproofing Issues

The probability of roof leakage with prefabricated panels is relatively high. During the manufacturing process of prefabricated panels, there are gaps at the joints. Even when waterproofing treatment is applied, it is difficult to ensure that these gaps are completely sealed to achieve a 100% leak-proof effect. Many users who have used prefabricated panels as roofs are plagued by leakage problems. Once leakage occurs, it can not only damage the interior decoration and items in the house but may also affect the comfort of living and the structural safety of the house. For example, long-term leakage can lead to mold growth and peeling on interior walls, and wooden furniture may become deformed due to moisture absorption.

Poor Earthquake Resistance

Prefabricated panels should not be used in earthquake-prone areas because their earthquake resistance coefficient is too low. Prefabricated panels are pre-made components. During an earthquake, due to their relatively weak connection with the main structure of the house, they cannot effectively transmit and disperse seismic forces, making them prone to collapse. In an earthquake, the collapse of a house can seriously threaten the lives of its occupants. Therefore, from a safety perspective, the use of prefabricated panels for house construction should be avoided in earthquake-prone areas.

Poor Thermal Insulation

The thickness of prefabricated panels is generally around 12 centimeters, which results in poor thermal insulation performance. In summer, external high temperatures can easily be conducted into the house through the prefabricated panels, causing the indoor temperature to rise and increasing the frequency of use and energy consumption of air conditioning and other cooling equipment. In winter, the heat inside the house will be lost to the outside through the prefabricated panels, lowering the indoor temperature and requiring more heating equipment to maintain warmth. To improve this situation, it is generally necessary to add a secondary roofing material covering on the floor slab, such as adding an insulation layer, but this increases the cost of house construction and the difficulty of construction.

Poor Integrity

Prefabricated panels are pre-made and then directly placed on the roof. They do not form an integral structure with the roof. This structure cannot provide tensile and stabilizing effects. Once a geological disaster such as a mudslide or landslide occurs, or if the foundation settles, the prefabricated panels are prone to displacement, fracture, and other situations, which can lead to danger. Moreover, the joints in the middle of the roof are also prone to leakage problems due to poor integrity.