How to Maintain Your HDB Flat

Wear and tear affects even the best-maintained HDB flats, but proactive maintenance can prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs. As home owners, regular inspection and upkeep of internal fittings and fixtures are crucial for preserving your flat's condition and safety. Start your home maintenance journey today with this comprehensive guide to common HDB flat issues and solutions.

Your Responsibilities as a Home Owner

As a home owner, you are responsible for maintaining the fittings and fixtures within your flat, such as the floor and wall finishes, windows, sanitary fittings, and the doors and gate.

Your Town Council is responsible for the areas outside your flat, such as the common areas and common property, corridors, void decks, and external façade walls.

Ceiling Leaks: Causes, Detection, and Repair

Ceiling leaks are particularly common in older HDB flats, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and toilets. These leaks occur when the waterproof membrane and screed in floor slabs deteriorate through natural wear and tear, causing water seepage. Identify ceiling leaks by looking for water marks or stains extending from the ceiling down the wall.

Repairing HDB Ceiling Leaks

Both upper and lower floor flat owners share maintenance responsibilities. In the case of an HDB flat ceiling leak, discuss repair arrangements with your neighbours and split costs accordingly.

If you are living on the top floor, this typically means that leakage likely came from the roof of the block. You may contact your Town Council for roof-related leakage repairs.

If your unit is on the second floor of the flat and water is leaking from your flat to the void deck of your block, repair costs are split between the Town Council and yourself.

Re-screeding is the most effective solution for ceiling leaks. This process involves removing tiles to replace the waterproof membrane and screed. Depending on the severity and location, your contractor may recommend alternative repair methods for optimal results.

Spalling Concrete: Prevention and Treatment

Spalling concrete predominantly affects older flats when embedded steel bars undergo natural deterioration, causing pieces of concrete cover to fall off. This issue frequently occurs in bathrooms where high humidity accelerates deterioration, sometimes manifesting as HDB flat ceiling cracks.

While typically minor initially, spalling concrete can spread to larger areas if neglected, potentially becoming a safety hazard. Early detection and repair are essential.

Preventing Spalling Concrete

• Repaint ceilings regularly as a fresh coat of paint can act as a protective layer

• Reduce humidity in wet areas by maintaining open doors or windows for improved ventilation

• Seal ceiling cracks immediately upon detection

Window Maintenance

Windows shield your home from external elements but endure constant exposure to scorching heat, dust accumulation, and relentless wind and rain, leading to gradual deterioration.

The 3Cs Window Maintenance System

Home owners should inspect windows at least every six months using the 3Cs approach: Check, Clean, and Change.

For casement windows

1. Check that fasteners are not rusty or loose

2. Clean and oil joints or moving parts

3. Change all rivets from aluminium to stainless steel by engaging an approved window contractor

For sliding windows

1. Check that safety stoppers and angle strips are in their proper places

2. Clean the tracks and ensure window panels can slide smoothly

3. Change worn-out safety stoppers and angle strips by engaging an approved window contractor

If any repair or replacement is required, home owners should engage a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) approved window contractor listed in HDB's directory as soon as possible. Proper window maintenance is critical—fallen windows can cause serious injuries to passers-by. Should windows fall due to lack of maintenance, the owner or flat occupant may face a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a jail term of up to one year.

Dislodged and Popping Tiles: Understanding Causes and Solutions

Temperature fluctuations and water absorption cause tile expansion and contraction. This movement can compromise adhesion between tiles and screed surfaces, resulting in dislodged or popping tiles.

Repair Options Based on Age of Flat

• Within 1-year defect liability period: HDB repairs dislodged tiles originally provided in the flat

• Up to 15 years: HDB offers goodwill repairs for original HDB-provided tiles

• Beyond 15 years: Engage private contractors for tile repairs

Immediate Safety Measures While Awaiting Repairs

• Wear gloves when removing dislodged tiles and store them away in a safe corner

• Cover affected areas with cardboard, newspapers, or carpets

Wall Cracks: Causes and Repair Methods

Wall cracks typically result from the natural expansion and contraction of building materials. Over time, this differential movement can cause cracks in wall joints.

Repairing Cracked Walls

• Hairline cracks: Seal by painting over with flexible sealant or elastomeric paint

• Wide cracks: Engage a contractor for professional repair works

• External cracks: Contact your Town Council for investigation and necessary repairs

Essential Maintenance Tips

• Establish a dedicated home maintenance budget for unexpected repairs

• Contact your Town Council for common area issues (corridors, void decks, lifts, water tanks, public lighting, open spaces)

• Conduct regular inspections to identify problems early

HDB rectifies maintenance issues within the one-year defect liability period. Beyond this period, home owners are responsible for the general care, maintenance, and wear-and-tear repairs in their flat.

HDB also provides new flat owners with extended warranty for three major defect types:

• Ceiling leakages and external seepage: 5 years (warranty ceases if floor tiles are changed or waterproofing system is tampered with)

• Spalling concrete: 10 years

For a list of contractors you can engage on your own, visit the HDB InfoWEB. Note that all contractor engagements are strictly on a private basis between home owners and service providers.