Leakage and Rust of Eaves of Prefabricated Panel Houses

The treatment of leakage and rust of eaves of prefabricated panel houses should be carried out in combination with the overall condition of the house. If it is a dilapidated house, it should be reinforced or renovated according to its grade, while for non-dilapidated houses, special repairs are required.

I. House Safety Grade Appraisal as a Prerequisite

The root causes of leakage and rust of eaves of prefabricated panel houses are related to material aging and insufficient waterproofing performance. However, specific treatment requires an initial assessment of the overall safety of the house. According to the 'Standards for Appraisal of Dangerous Houses', if a house is appraised as Grade C (where the local load-bearing structure does not meet safety requirements), it should be resolved through reinforcement and repair (such as adding supports and repairing cracks) or partial renovation (such as replacing rusted components). If it is Grade D (where the entire house is in a dangerous condition), it should be demolished and rebuilt or subject to expropriation and renovation to avoid safety accidents caused by structural instability.

II. Special Repair Plans for Non-Dilapidated Houses

If the house does not meet the criteria for a dilapidated house, special treatment should be carried out for the leaking parts:

1. Treatment of Cracks in the Eaves Structure
   Cracks are the main channels for leakage. First, clear out debris from the cracks, rinse them clean with high-pressure air or water, then inject waterproof sealing materials such as epoxy resin or polyurethane to fill them, and finally smooth the surface with waterproof mortar to ensure the cracks are completely sealed.

2. Replacement or Anti-Corrosion Treatment of Rusty Components
   If the metal components of the eaves (such as drainage pipes and brackets) are rusty, first remove the rust layer down to the metal base, apply an anti-rust primer (such as epoxy zinc-rich paint), and then cover with a topcoat (such as acrylic polyurethane paint) to enhance weather resistance. If the components are severely rusted (such as a cross-sectional loss exceeding 30%), they should be directly replaced with stainless steel or galvanized steel.

3. Strengthening of the Waterproof Layer
   After the base treatment of the eaves is completed, a new waterproof layer should be laid. Priority should be given to materials with strong weather resistance (such as SBS modified asphalt membrane and polyurethane coating). During construction, ensure that the overlap width of the membrane is ≥10 cm, the coating thickness is ≥1.5 mm, and additional layers are added at vulnerable leakage points such as internal and external corners and pipe roots.

III. Long-Term Maintenance Recommendations

Leakage and rust of eaves of prefabricated panel houses are inevitable results of material aging. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive inspection every 5 years, focusing on observing cracks, rust, and damage to the waterproof layer, and making timely repairs. At the same time, avoid stacking heavy objects on the eaves or frequent treading to reduce the risk of structural damage.