Friday 29 Mar 2024
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PETALING JAYA (Jan 15): Tiles in HDB flats around Singapore have cracked and dislodged, with several affected homeowners claiming it is due to the recent unusual cold spell, reported the Straits Times.

Some residents from Sengkang, Woodlands, Toa Payoh, Bukit Panjang and Jurong West have lodged reports with the Housing Board, while others have put up videos and photographs on social media.

Johnson Ng, who lives in Sengkang, told the publication that tiles at his flat were dislodged and partially broken, and that he had to break the rest of the tiles that were blocking his front door so that he could leave.

"I know some of my neighbours have the same problem but they have already rectified it. I think it's the weather. It's too cold, maybe the tiles contracted,” he said.

However, there are other likely causes of the dislodged tiles, said some people in the construction industry who spoke to Straits Times.

"Sometimes it's because of the cold or hot weather, sometimes it's because the cement was not mixed properly so the bonding is not 100%, sometimes it's because of the quality of the tile itself," said general contractor Wellbase Builder director Richard Lam.

Meanwhile, Hua Seng Contractors founder Jayden Shen said tiles can pop up after swelling from high moisture absorption.

The Ministry of National Development (MND) had, in its written and oral response to parliamentary questions on cracking and popping tiles in April last year, said tiles suffered wear and tear over time.

"Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of their flats, including repairs for general wear and tear," said MND.

The ministry also said it helps flat owners repair dislodged tiles originally provided by the HDB during the one-year defect liability period, and subsequently provides goodwill repairs for popped tiles for up to 15 years.

"For flats that are older than 15 years of age, HDB will help carry out inspections and assist the owners to remove and dispose of the affected tiles," said MND. "HDB can also provide owners with a list of registered repair contractors, whom they can then engage on a private basis."

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