Maintain Your Flat

Maintain your flat

A Guide to Maintaining Your HDB Flat

A Guide to Maintaining Your HDB Flat

Prevention is better than cure!

Wear-and-tear over time can compromise the appearance and safety of even the most well-built and renovated flat – but don’t throw in the towel yet!

Want your home in tip-top condition during the holiday season? Check out our catchy jingle for some quick tips!

As homeowners, it is our responsibility to maintain our flats, including its internal fittings and fixtures. We can keep our homes in good condition with regular checks and maintenance. This can help resolve issues before they deteriorate further and become more difficult and costly to rectify. The best time to start your home maintenance is now, so here are some tips to help you get started!

Windows

The unsung hero of our home, windows help keep the elements out. They are, however, constantly subjected to harsh conditions such as scorching heat, accumulation of dust and relentless pounding from wind and rain. This can result in damage over time.

How can I maintain my windows?

Homeowners should conduct checks on their windows at least once every 6 months by following the 3Cs – Check, Clean and Change.

For casement windows:

For sliding windows:

If any repair or replacement is required, homeowners should engage a contractor from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)’s list of Approved Window Contractors as soon as possible. It is important to ensure that your windows are in good condition, as a fallen window can result in serious injuries to passers-by. Should windows fall due to lack of maintenance, the owner or flat occupant may face a fine up to $10,000 and/or a jail term of up to one year, or both.

Check out this article for more tips on window maintenance.

Spalling Concrete

More common in older flats, spalling concrete occurs when steel bars embedded in ceiling go through natural deterioration, causing pieces of concrete cover to fall off. It mostly occurs in bathrooms where high humidity can speed up the deterioration process.

Spalling concrete is usually minor, but can spread to a larger area if left unattended. Spot the issue early and engage a contractor to have it repaired before it becomes a safety hazard.

How can I prevent spalling concrete?

  • Repaint your ceilings regularly as a fresh coat of paint can act as a protective layer
  • Reduce humidity in wet areas by keeping doors or windows open where possible, to improve ventilation
  • Seal up cracks and unused holes that were drilled into the ceiling to prevent moisture from entering the concrete

How can I repair spalling concrete?

  • Remove loose spalling concrete
  • Engage a professional contractor to get it fixed as soon as possible

Ceiling Leaks

Girl found mould in the corner of bathroom in residential building

Ceiling leaks are more common in older flats, particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms and toilets. Leaks occur when the waterproof membrane and screed in the floor slab deteriorate due to wear and tear, leading to water seepage. Tell-tale signs of a ceiling leak include water marks or stains that extends from the ceiling along the wall.

How can I repair ceiling leaks?

Homeowners of both the upper and lower floor flat units are responsible for the maintenance of their flats. In the case of ceiling leaks, discuss with your neighbours, arrange for a repair together and split the cost incurred.

If you are living on the top floor, this typically means that leakage came from the roof of the block. You may contact your Town Council to have the leakage rectified. 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, the cost of repair will be split between the Town Council and yourself.

Re-screeding is the recommended repair option for ceiling leaks. This process involves removing the tiles to replace the waterproof membrane and screed. Depending on the situation, certain ceiling leaks may require other methods besides re-screeding for effective repair. You may discuss the best option to resolve the leakage with your contractor.

Dislodged or Popping Tiles

You may have come across images of popping tiles like the one above. Temperature changes or water absorption leads to the expansion or contraction of tiles. As a result, the loss of adhesion between the tiles and screed surface can cause the tiles to be dislodged.

How can I repair dislodged or popping tiles?

If your flat is still within its one-year defect liability period, HDB will help to repair the dislodged tiles that were provided with the flat. HDB also offers additional goodwill repairs for dislodged tiles originally provided by HDB for up to 15 years. If your flat is beyond 15 years, you should engage your own contractors to arrange for repair

While waiting for repair works to begin, keep calm and follow the tips below:

  • Wear a glove to remove the dislodged tiles and keep them away in a safe corner
  • Cover the affected area with either cardboards/newspapers or carpets

Wall Cracks

Worker repairs a crack in the wall

The most common cause for cracked walls is the natural expansion and contraction of the building materials used. Over time, this differential movement could cause cracks to appear in the joints within the wall.

How can I repair a cracked wall?

For hairline cracks, you may seal it simply by painting over the cracks with a flexible sealant or elastomeric paint. If the cracks observed are wide, engage a contractor to carry out the repair works.

If cracks are found outside your flat, you should contact your Town Council to investigate the issue and carry out the necessary repair works.

General Home Maintenance Tips

1. Regular maintenance helps to prevent issues from deteriorating and becoming a safety hazard that could also be more costly to repair.

2. Set aside a home maintenance budget that you can tap on should the need arises.

3. You may check with your Town Council on issues found in common areas such as corridors, void decks, lifts, water tank, public lighting, and open spaces.

4. For more tips on general home maintenance, check out our other guides and articles on How to Maintian Your Flat.

5. HDB assists to rectify maintenance issues in flats that are within its one-year defect liability period. Beyond that, homeowners are responsible for the general care and maintenance of their flats, including repairs for wear and tear issues.

6. HDB also provides new flat owners with extended warranty for three major defect types: 5 years for ceiling leakages and external seepage, and 10 years for spalling concrete. Note that the warranty for ceiling leak will cease if floor tiles have been changed of if the waterproofing system has been tampered with.

7. For a list of contractors you can engage on your own, visit the HDB InfoWEB. Do note that engagement of these contractors is strictly on a private basis.

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Living Smart: Devices for Your New Home

Living Smart: Devices for Your New Home

Here’s a list of smart devices that will come in handy for your new home!

From robot vacuums to apps that can control lighting, it seems that almost every household has a smart device these days. While such gadgets can provide us with a lot of convenience, planning your own Smart Home can be daunting. Here’s a list of easy-to-use devices to get you started on living smart!

1. Smart Locks

Smart locks can be installed on your front door, metal gate, or even letterbox. Depending on your needs, you can unlock your door in seconds with a passcode, fingerprint, RFID-enabled tokens, and/ or voice recognition.

Say goodbye to fumbling for keys when in a hurry, or having to replace an entire lock due to misplaced keys! You do have to rememberto change the batteries when they run low, though, or you’ll risk getting locked in (or out) of your own home.

2. Robot Vacuum Cleaners

A robot vacuum can sweep, clean, and even mop to free up more time for you to work, hang out with the family, or simply binge on your favourite TV series. Unlike us, this gadget doesn’t tire and can be programmed to vacuum every day of the week to give you sparkly clean floors.

3. Smart Lights

Beyond turning the lights on/ off, the mobile app for smart lights lets you adjust the bulb brightness and colour to cater to the activity or occasion. Having a romantic home cooked dinner? Simply switch the setting to get warm lighting. Need a bright working space on a gloomy day? White lights will do the trick.

Smart lights are available as lightbulbs, LED strips and ceiling lights, making them a versatile option for all households.

4. Smart Speakers

More than just audio devices, smart speakers come integrated with a Digital Assistant i.e. voice command feature that enables you to play music, set reminders, timers, conduct Internet searches and manage your calendar – all with one device! To top it off, these can also give you access to all your smart devices. From activating your robot vacuum cleaner to unlocking the door for your visitors while you’re attending to another task, the possibilities are endless.

What are your must-have smart devices? Let us know in the comments section.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Taking Care of Your Windows

Taking Care of Your Windows

Keep your windows in tip-top condition with these 3 easy steps!

Windows are essential to a comfortable home, but sometimes we only notice them when they are not functioning properly! Your windows need regular maintenance to be kept in good and safe condition, and here are the reasons why:

  • Windows are exposed to the rain and sun which can lead to wear and tear
  • A worn-out window can fall and cause serious injury to passersby below

Tips for Regular Window Maintenance – The 3 ‘C’s

A little effort can ensure that your windows remain safe. Just remember the 3 ‘C’s – check, clean and change – and window maintenance will be a breeze!

Casement Windows

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Sliding Windows

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Changing Windows and Window Grilles

Your flat already comes with shiny new windows, but if you ever need to replace them, do ensure that your new windows are of the same size, colour, and type as the existing ones. You also must engage a BCA-approved window contractor listed with HDB to replace or repair your windows.

Window grilles may be necessary for safety and security – especially if you have young children around. You may install or replace any window grilles within your home, as long as they do not extend out of your flat and do not modify the building exterior in any way. Check out this page for more information on window safety!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Common Fire Hazards: Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

Common Fire Hazards: Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

Defence is the best offence when it comes to fire prevention – find out what the common fire hazards and what you can do to prevent them

Creating that perfect home may take years of hard work and investment. But if we’re not vigilant about fire prevention and safety, everything that we’ve painstakingly built can go up in flames (literally) in a matter of seconds.

As such, home fire alarm devices and fire extinguishers are extremely valuable tools for fire prevention.

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Did you know? From June 2018, smoke or heat detectors are mandatory in all new HDB flats

As always, fire prevention is the best defence. Read on for a list of common fire hazards at home, and what you can do to prevent them:

Personal Mobility Device (PMD)

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Avoid charging the battery of your PMD overnight – better yet, don’t charge it without supervision. Also, avoid placing the charging battery near combustible materials such as paper and fabric (think books and curtains).

Before purchasing a PMD, it’s important to ensure that the device is of an LTA-approved model and must be registered with the LTA. This condition is also applicable to second-hand PMDs. Penalties include a $5,000 fine and/or a jail term of up to three months, and are applicable to owners with PMDs that were LTA-approved but later modified.

Kitchen Stoves

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It takes just a few minutes for a pot or pan to overheat and catch fire, so avoid leaving cooking unattended. Remember to keep flammable liquids (such as cooking oil) or combustible materials away from the stove as part of fire prevention.

Power Sockets

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When power sockets are overloaded, electrical fires can occur. Use them safely and limit your use to the number of sockets that have been provided. Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances when not in use.

Incense Sticks and Candles

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Avoid placing lighted incense sticks and candles near curtains or combustible materials, which may catch fire when they are near the open flame.

Cigarette Butts

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When there’s smoke, there’s fire. Refrain from throwing lighted cigarette butts into the rubbish chute or bin.

Rest assured knowing that there are several measures in place to protect your flat, including the unfortunate event of a fire – read our guide to home insurance to find out more!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

Must-Know Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips for Home Owners

Must-Know Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips for Home Owners

Never underestimate the important of regular air conditioner maintenance!

With Singapore’s tropical climate, many of us have air-conditioners installed at home. Want to keep your air-conditioner running in top condition and help it last longer? Here are some tips for air conditioning maintenance!

1. Clean the Filters

Your air-conditioner typically has filters located behind its front cover that help prevent dust particles from entering the evaporator coils. These filters tend to accumulate dirt and dust, which may block the airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. As such, it’s important to clean the filters in your air-conditioner at least once a month.

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Air conditioning maintenance tip #1: clean the filters thoroughly!

Make sure your air-conditioner is turned off at the mains before removing the filters. Visually inspect the filters to check for signs of wear and tear, and replace them if they are damaged.

If the filters are still in good condition, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any accumulated dirt and grime. Next, wash the filters with warm water and a little detergent. Rinse and wipe the filters dry before replacing them within the air-conditioner.

2. Clean the Coil Fins

The next air conditioning maintenance tip: cleaning the filters! While filters help prevent dust particles from soiling the evaporator coils, some particles may still find their way into the coil fins, which may eventually affect the air-conditioner’s performance.

It’s a good idea to clean the fins at the same time as your filters. Use either the vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any dirt. Since the aluminium fins on the evaporator coils are usually very thin and susceptible to bending, avoid wire brushes or hard-bristle brushes as they may damage the fins.

Alternatively, spray a commercial cleaner on the fins as directed, and allow the cleaner to soak in and loosen the debris. Re-apply the cleaner until the fins are clean.

3. Engage a Professional

In addition to regular air conditioning maintenance, you should also engage a professional to service your air-conditioner regularly. In particular, the condensing system requires servicing on a 6-month or yearly basis, depending on your usage frequency.

The contractor will usually check and clean all the parts of your air-conditioner, including the outdoor condenser, individual indoor fan coils, controls, thermostats, refrigerant system, to keep them in perfect working condition.

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You should also ensure that the outdoor condenser’s refrigerant piping is properly insulated, and the condensation water from your air-conditioner is properly discharged into a nearby internal drainage opening. This will prevent leakage of condensation water that could inconvenience your lower floor neighbours or passers-by.

If your outdoor condenser is leaking, you can consider installing HDB’s patented air-conditioner tray. Do note that the service between yourself and the vendor is on a private arrangement basis.

Remember – regular air conditioner maintenance will keep your air-conditioner in good shape, so you save costs in the long run! Check out our guide for more home maintenance tips!

 

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg