Causes for Popping or Cracking Tiles in HDB Flats

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the last two years, what has been the number of reports received on floor tiles popping up or cracking; (b) what are its causes; and (c) how can HDB assist flat owners to deal with the situation.

Tiles, like all fittings, fixtures and finishes in a flat, are subject to wear and tear over time. They may dislodge due to various reasons, such as differential thermal expansion and contraction of tiles, or the natural deterioration of the bond between the tiles and the screed surface. All these can cause a loss of adhesion between the tiles and the screed surface, and the dislodgement of tiles. In the past two years, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) received about 2,000 cases of dislodged floor tiles per year. This works out to a nationwide yearly average of about two cases per 1,000 dwelling units, or 0.2% per year.

Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of their flats, including repairs for general wear and tear. In private developments, developers generally only rectify dislodged tiles during the one-year Defects Liability Period (DLP). Some developers may offer repair for dislodged tiles for a slightly longer period, for example, three years, but those are generally done on a goodwill basis.

HDB's practice has been more generous. Besides helping flat owners repair dislodged tiles originally provided by HDB during the one-year DLP, it also offers goodwill repairs for dislodged tiles for up to 15 years. For flats that are older than 15 years, HDB will help carry out inspections and assist the owners to remove and dispose of the affected tiles. HDB can also provide owners with a list of registered repair contractors whom they can then engage on a private basis.