HDB tiles 'exploding' across various locations in Singapore!

With temperatures dropping last weekend, a new phenomenon was also reported. Homeowners complained of HDB tiles exploding across different parts of Singapore!

HDB tiles exploding?

According to Channel NewsAsia, the incidents of HDB tiles exploding were reported in Punggol, Sengkang, Bukit Panjang, Woodlands, Hougang and Jurong West.

People reported loud, cracking noises, with some almost sounding like a mini-explosion.

One homeowner at Punggol, Mr Bobin Thomas, has been quoted as saying, "The tiles started bending inwards one by one (like there was) an invisible force. It was like something you see in the movies."

The family was terrified, "At the time, we thought that the building was about to collapse. It only became clear our unit was the only one affected when we saw that none of our neighbours were leaving."

They will now have to stay in another apartment until HDB repairs the flat. 

Another owner Mr Zul Effandy from Bukit Panjang, told Channel NewsAsia that he and his wife were alerted to cracking noises from under their living room carpet.

"We are worried. I keep thinking it will happen again. I don't think we will get a good night's sleep tonight." 

Why could it be happening?

Mdm Ng Siew Hoon, from Jurong West told CNA, that she first heard a loud sound.

"Within five minutes, there was a loud explosion sound, like fireworks. Then all my floor (tiles) all cracked, from the door to the window."

"And the tiles in front of my toilet doors also. I was very scared and I called for help, called for my husband to come out and have a look."

theAsianparent has contacted HDB on why such incidents are being reported more frequently. We will update this article as soon as we get a response.

Meanwhile, Mr Tan Chim Hoon, adviser at Singapore Renovation Contractors and Material Suppliers Association, said the recent cold weather might be a reason. Poor workmanship may also be to blame.

He has been quoted by CNA as saying, "Now it's very cold or very hot. And there's a little bit of vibration. So this causes the tiles to have no place to expand. Because of this, the tiles all pop up." 

Well, my own HDB flat tiles popped up with an explosion-like sound 2 years back, terrifying my kids. At the time (it was the month of March), there was no change in weather conditions. 

We had then contacted HDB and it took more than a week to re-do the tiles. We also had to stay in another apartment until the work got completed.

Hope HDB can come up with a concrete reason (and solution) as to why this problem keeps occurring. This is essential to minimise inconvenience and prevent injuries, especially in little children.

Also READ: 4 Crazy ways HDB flat rules got broken in 2017!

(Source: Channel NewsAsia)