Seepwise covers leak repair and waterproofing for hdb flats across Singapore. Here is what is different about hdb flats, and who is responsible for what.
What makes leaks in hdb flats different
HDB puts it plainly: ceiling leaks are particularly common in older flats, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and toilets, because the waterproofing membrane and screed in floor slabs wear down over time (HDB). Older estates built decades ago are where this shows first, and where spalling concrete, which HDB attributes to embedded steel bars deteriorating, appears most in bathroom ceilings.
HDB flats run on a clear division of responsibility. Owners look after the inside of the flat, including floor and wall finishes, windows and sanitary fittings. The Town Council looks after common areas, corridors, void decks and the external facade walls. The floor slab between two flats is shared by the owners above and below (HDB). Getting the leak to the right party first can save you the whole bill.
Newer flats carry protection worth checking before you spend anything: a one-year defects liability period, then HDB's warranty of 5 years for ceiling leaks and external seepage and 10 years for spalling concrete. HDB states the ceiling-leak warranty ceases if floor tiles are changed or the waterproofing system is tampered with (HDB), so report first, renovate later.
Who is responsible for what
| Situation | Who is responsible |
|---|---|
| Ceiling leak from the flat above | Shared by upper and lower owners; HDB's GRA has co-paid 50% |
| Ceiling leak caused by renovation upstairs | Upper owner, full cost |
| Top-floor leak from the roof | Town Council |
| External facade wall cracks and seepage | Town Council |
| Spalling concrete inside the flat | Owner; GRA co-pays 50% after the defects period |
| Windows, floor and wall finishes, sanitary fittings | Owner |
Services for hdb flats
- Ceiling leak repair: Find where the water enters, fix it at the source, and know who pays before work starts.
- Toilet waterproofing: A wet area that stays dry for years needs three things done in order: membrane, screed, test.
- Spalling concrete repair: Cracked or bulging ceiling plaster over rusty steel is spalling. It spreads if left.
- Water leak detection: Find it before you hack it. Detection is cheaper than opening the wrong wall.
- PU injection leak repair: Seal the crack the water travels through, without hacking the floor. Good for the right leak, wrong for a failed membrane.