What Does It Mean That a House Is Prefabricated Panel?

A house being prefabricated panel means that the house is constructed primarily using prefabricated panels.

Definition and Types of Prefabricated Panels

Prefabricated panels are cement components manufactured in factories. During production, a wooden model is first nailed together, and then steel bars are arranged and cement is poured to form the panel. They come in two types: solid and hollow. The hollow structure achieves lightweighting by reducing the concrete in non-load-bearing parts, ensuring a certain level of strength while reducing the weight of the component, making it easier to transport and install.

Development History of Prefabricated Panel Houses

From the 1960s to the 1990s, prefabricated panel houses were widely constructed as a type of rapid-production housing. At that time, to quickly meet the housing needs of a large population, prefabricated panel houses, with their advantages of fast construction speed and relatively low cost, emerged on a large scale across the country. According to statistics, about 200 million square meters of prefabricated panel houses were built nationwide during this period, equivalent to housing for 12 million households, playing a crucial role in alleviating the housing shortage.

Disadvantages of Prefabricated Panel Houses

However, prefabricated panel houses also have some obvious drawbacks. Their lifespan is relatively short, generally around 30 to 50 years. Over time, the structural performance of the house gradually declines. Moreover, the earthquake resistance of prefabricated panel houses is poor. In the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes, they are prone to damage, posing a threat to the safety of residents' lives and property. Additionally, the joints between prefabricated panels are prone to water leakage, affecting the normal life of residents.

Handling Methods for Prefabricated Panel Houses

Nowadays, the handling methods for prefabricated panel houses vary depending on the building. Based on the housing safety appraisal report, prefabricated panel houses are classified into four grades: A, B, C, and D, with different handling methods adopted for each grade. For some prefabricated panel houses with relatively sound structures and high safety levels, old residential community renovations will be carried out to improve the living environment. For houses with certain safety hazards but that can be resolved through repair and reinforcement, repair and reinforcement measures will be taken. For those prefabricated panel houses with severe structural damage and unable to continue to be used safely, expropriation and demolition will be carried out to ensure the safety of residents' housing.