Is It Good to Use Prefabricated Panels for the Exterior of a House?

There are certain hidden dangers in using prefabricated panels for the exterior of a house, such as poor integrity, weak seismic performance, and susceptibility to cracking and leakage. It is not recommended as the first choice. Here is a detailed analysis:

1. Insufficient connection reliability and high risk of leakage Prefabricated panels are installed by splicing, and the gaps between the panels are structural weak points. Affected by thermal expansion and contraction, foundation settlement, or external force impacts, these gaps are prone to cracking, leading to rainwater leakage. If used for the exterior of a house, which is exposed to wind and rain for a long time, the leakage problem will be further exacerbated, potentially causing secondary damage such as mold on interior walls and structural corrosion. Even if waterproof mortar or sealant is used for treatment, it is difficult to completely solve the leakage隐患 (hidden danger, here translated as 'hidden danger' in the context, but more naturally as 'issue' or 'problem' in full sentence - '隐患' is better conveyed as 'potential problem' or just 'issue' in this context, but for precision kept as 'hidden danger's essence in following translation) caused by dynamic deformation.

2. Weak seismic performance and poor overall stability Prefabricated panels are prefabricated in blocks. During an earthquake, dislocation, separation, or even detachment can easily occur between the panels. Their overall integrity is far inferior to that of cast-in-place concrete structures. Even if reinforcement measures such as ring beams and structural columns are used to improve seismic capacity, the cost will increase significantly, and the effect will still be inferior to that of cast-in-place structures. In earthquake-prone areas or high-rise buildings, the seismic risk of using prefabricated panels for the exterior is particularly prominent and may threaten personal safety.

3. Doubtful durability and high maintenance costs Prefabricated panels are affected by environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, temperature differences, and humidity for a long time, and the materials are prone to aging. Usually, problems such as cracks and deformation may occur after about 10 years. As a part directly exposed to external erosion, the durability shortcomings of the exterior are more obvious. Cracks not only affect aesthetics but also reduce structural strength, increasing the frequency and cost of later maintenance.

4. Restrictions by regulations and safety standards According to the 'Regulations on the Quality Management of Construction Projects', building materials need to pass quality inspections and comply with safety standards. If prefabricated panels have connection defects or their material performance does not meet the standards, they may not pass the acceptance inspection, increasing compliance risks. Some regions have clearly restricted the use of prefabricated panels in high-rise buildings or buildings with high seismic requirements. It is necessary to confirm local regulations in advance.

Suggestions: If prefabricated panels must be used, they should be strictly limited to self-built houses in low-rise non-earthquake zones, and it should be ensured that they are produced by qualified manufacturers and constructed in a standardized manner (such as reserving expansion joints and strengthening node connections). For the exterior of a house, it is more recommended to use cast-in-place structures or brick-concrete/frame structures to improve overall safety, durability, and seismic performance. If construction efficiency is pursued, new types of prefabricated components (such as prefabricated sandwich insulation panels) can be selected, but it should be ensured that they have passed special certifications for seismic resistance and durability.