Disadvantages and Hazards of Prefabricated Houses

The disadvantages and hazards of prefabricated houses are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Insufficient Seismic Performance
Prefabricated houses primarily rely on the assembly of cement components. Although steel bars are incorporated, their overall seismic resistance is relatively weak. Their structures are prone to damage during natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods. Even minor vibrations can cause the joints between floor slabs to loosen, leading to an increase and expansion of cracks over time, and potentially resulting in the collapse of the entire building. For example, some prefabricated panel houses have suffered structural damage after minor earthquakes, posing significantly higher safety risks compared to modern buildings.

2. Poor Sound Insulation and Thermal Insulation
The thermal and sound insulation performance of prefabricated houses is generally inadequate. The materials used for walls and floor slabs have high thermal conductivity, allowing cold air to easily infiltrate through gaps in winter and making indoor spaces unbearably hot in summer, necessitating the use of additional heating or cooling equipment to maintain comfortable temperatures. Additionally, poor sound insulation leads to noticeable noise interference between neighbors, affecting living privacy and quality of life.

3. Difficulty in Adjusting Internal Structure
The walls and floor slabs of prefabricated houses are mostly assembled from prefabricated components, limiting the scope for modifications. Any large-scale alterations may compromise the overall structural stability, making it difficult for residents to customize their living spaces according to their needs, resulting in significantly less flexibility compared to modern commercial housing.

4. High Risk of Water Seepage
As the service life increases, cement components are prone to developing cracks due to thermal expansion and contraction or foundation settlement, reducing the sealing performance at joints and leading to water seepage in roofs, walls, or floor slabs. During the rainy season, indoor spaces may experience the phenomenon of 'rain outside and leaks inside.' Prolonged seepage can also cause mold growth on walls and deformation of floors.

5. Short Service Life
The designed service life of prefabricated houses is typically 30-50 years. Many houses built early on are now approaching or have exceeded their intended lifespans, with widespread signs of aging. Some houses have even shorter actual lifespans due to defects in construction techniques or the use of substandard materials, resulting in high repair costs and difficulties, and some have even been classified as 'dangerous buildings.'

6. Low Structural Strength
The assembled structure of prefabricated panels lacks integrity, with inherent deficiencies in robustness and toughness. Hollow designs and unreasonable distribution of steel bars further weaken the structural strength, making them prone to collapse when subjected to impacts such as earthquakes, posing significantly higher safety risks compared to cast-in-place concrete buildings.

7. Wall Cracks and Water Leakage Issues
Walls and ceilings are prone to developing cracks due to component aging or foundation settlement, leading to rainwater leakage. Prolonged water leakage can corrode internal structures, causing wall peeling, floor deformation, and other issues. In severe cases, it can even affect the overall stability of the house.