Prefabricated Panels for Rural House Roofs
Prefabricated panels for rural house roofs were relatively common 20 years ago, but they come with numerous issues. If economic conditions permit, it is not recommended to use them; instead, cast-in-place concrete roofing is more advisable.
Joints Prone to Cracking: Prefabricated panels are pre-made floor slab components. During installation, joints exist between two panels. Due to various factors during construction, such as installation accuracy and material shrinkage, these joints are highly susceptible to cracking. Once joints crack, it not only affects the roof's aesthetics but may also provide a pathway for rainwater infiltration, thereby impacting the structural safety and lifespan of the house.
Prominent Waterproofing Issues: Waterproofing prefabricated panel roofs is challenging, with a high probability of rain leakage. According to relevant data, out of 10 houses with prefabricated panel roofs, 8 experience rain leakage. Moreover, even after waterproofing treatment, the waterproofing industry cannot guarantee 100% leak-proofness. This is because factors such as the joints of the prefabricated panels and surface flatness affect the waterproofing effect. Over time, issues such as aging and damage to waterproofing materials gradually emerge, exacerbating rain leakage.
Poor Earthquake Resistance: In earthquake-prone areas, houses with prefabricated panel roofs pose significant safety hazards. Prefabricated panels have a low seismic coefficient and a relatively weak connection method. Under seismic action, they are prone to displacement, detachment, or even collapse, posing a severe threat to the lives and property of occupants. Therefore, prefabricated panels are not suitable as roofing materials in earthquake-prone areas.
Inadequate Thermal Insulation: The floor slab thickness of prefabricated panels is generally around 12 centimeters. Although they are hollow, their thermal insulation performance is poor. In summer, indoor temperatures rise significantly, making it feel stuffy and unbearable; in winter, indoor heat easily dissipates, resulting in lower indoor temperatures and requiring more energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. To improve thermal insulation performance, secondary roofing material coverage is usually required on the floor slab, undoubtedly increasing construction and usage costs.
