Self-Renovation of Prefabricated Houses
When renovating a prefabricated house by yourself, it is essential to focus on aspects such as wall joint treatment, sound insulation and thermal insulation, renovation suitable for structural types, and scheduling of construction and renovation.
Wall Joint Treatment: The wall joints of prefabricated houses are critical areas. Although factory production can achieve millimeter-level precision, if on-site hoisting and sealing processes are not properly executed, issues such as water leakage from exterior walls may arise over time. Especially in rural areas, some small manufacturers may use inferior sealants to reduce costs, which can deteriorate and crack within three to five years. Therefore, during renovation, ensure that the sealant used for the joints is of reliable quality, follow construction specifications strictly for sealing operations, regularly inspect the sealing condition of the joints, and promptly perform maintenance and repairs as needed.
Sound Insulation and Thermal Insulation: Prefabricated houses generally outperform brick-and-mortar houses in terms of sound insulation and thermal insulation. During the manufacturing process, factories integrate insulation materials such as cotton and rock wool into the walls, eliminating gaps and achieving higher density. For light steel prefabricated houses, once the sound insulation layer is properly installed, outdoor noise is largely blocked from entering the interior. During renovation, avoid damaging the original sound insulation and thermal insulation structures, and refrain from making random holes or openings in the walls to prevent compromising their performance.
Renovation Suitable for Structural Types: Different types of prefabricated houses have distinct structural characteristics, necessitating different renovation approaches. Light steel structural prefabricated houses are suitable for self-built houses up to two stories in rural areas. When renovating, consider their structural features and avoid damaging the load-bearing framework. Concrete PC prefabricated modules can be used for constructing high-rise buildings and resettlement housing. Renovation methods can refer to traditional concrete buildings, but attention should be paid to the treatment of module joints. Container folding prefabricated houses are often used for homestays, temporary construction sites, etc. During renovation, consider their temporary and mobile nature, and avoid overly complex renovations.
Scheduling of Construction and Renovation: The quick construction period of prefabricated houses is a significant advantage, and renovation can be arranged in conjunction with the construction schedule. For example, for a two-story house of 200 square meters, the main framework of a light steel prefabricated house can be completed in about 40 days, while the main structure of a concrete modular prefabricated house can be topped out in three months, unaffected by weather conditions. Plan the renovation sequence in advance based on the completion time of the main structure to avoid rework caused by improper construction sequencing.
