Why Singapore Tiles Crack: A Prevention Guide For HDB & Condo Homeowners

In 2023, a Sengkang homeowner’s floor tiles shattered out of nowhere, accompanied by a loud cracking sound. Thankfully the house was empty at the time, but this was not the first headline warning of the dangers of cracking tiles and it won’t be the last. 

Image credit: Teddy Ho via Facebook

Cracking tiles are a risk to both the safety and aesthetic of your home, and there are reasons for these mishaps. We’ll take you through what causes cracking tiles, early warning signs, preventative measures you can take, and what HDB and condo developers will and won’t cover. 

Why are your tiles cracking? 

Humidity & trapped moisture 

Image credit: Jasper Tan via Facebook

We know her, we love her, we complain about her constantly: it’s humidity. 

Even indoors, Singapore’s tropical climate keeps humidity at around 80 to 85%. All that moisture in the air gets trapped under tiles, making them swell and pop. In many HDB bathrooms, made even more humid by the nature of the space and its use, moisture absorption can cause cement grouting to crack within 12 to 36 months. 

Aircon & temperature swings

On top of humidity, another classic Singapore feature is the heat, making aircon a near necessity in most households. 

Air conditioners create temperature differences that cause tiles to expand and contract. While these fluctuations may seem small, they can lead to cracks over time, especially if tiles have been laid too tightly with no expansion joints to push against each other. 

December 2019 saw Singapore experiencing a particularly cool year-end, with a monsoon surge causing temperatures to drop to a low of 22°C. During this month, 580 cases of dislodged tiles were reported, more than double the average monthly cases of 247 that same year. Extreme, abrupt temperature swings are a genuine threat to your tiles. 

Poor installation workmanship 

There’s only so much we can control when it comes to temperature and humidity. But choosing to go with quality craftsmanship can go a long way to ensure your tiles last as long as possible. 

When the cement base isn’t mixed properly, air pockets can form underneath the tiles, making them more likely to crack and pop. Some contractors may also dilute tile adhesive with water and cement to cut costs, or not provide adequate adhesive coverage. 

Choosing trusted contractors well-regarded for high-quality workmanship goes a long way in avoiding these pitfalls.

Uneven subfloor or screed

Image credit: masterflooringsg via Instagram 

One of the most common causes of cracking tiles in Singapore homes is subfloor shifts due to uneven screed. Typically, screed is applied over a rough concrete subfloor to create a flat, level base for final finishes like tile or vinyl. If either one of these layers isn’t properly laid, it can lead to issues with the final flooring. 

Low-grade tiles & grout

Selecting high-quality tiles is important, as lower-quality tiles tend to be more brittle. This gives them a higher likelihood of cracking, especially under heavy foot traffic. High-quality grout also plays a factor. Poor cement grout that has been improperly mixed or sealed is far less durable. 

Building settlement & ageing adhesive 

While subtle, HDB buildings expand and contract slightly due to temperature changes. Newer blocks also settle once they’re built, transferring stress to certain areas. 

Image credit: blu_kat_dude via Reddit

Cement grout typically used when laying tiles is rigid and inflexible, meaning it can’t absorb the movement of shifting or settling structures; this leads to cracks and pops. Bonding agents also typically deteriorate over 10 to 20 years, so older units are far more susceptible to tile issues. 

Impact damage 

Possibly one of the more expected reasons behind cracked tiles is impact damage. Kitchen tiles are particularly vulnerable due to the risk of dropped pots, pans, and appliances. This usually results in surface chips, an issue that is more surface-level than structural, which can leave sharp edges posing a risk to bare feet. 

Early warning signs your tiles might pop

Sudden cracking and popping tiles can pose a risk to the home’s occupants, but you don’t have to wait until it gets to that point. There are early warning signs you can take note of to get ahead of the problem. 

Listen for tiles that sound different underfoot. A hollow sound when tapped is often a sign of weak bonding from poor adhesive application. Also keep an eye out for raised tiles, or cracked and powdery grout lines. 

Image credit: Han Wei Ng via Facebook

Even hairline cracks in your tiles and grout can pose a risk. They may seem like minor imperfections no one will notice, but they can allow water to seep into the subfloor or walls. And in Singapore’s already humid environment, trapped moisture can easily become a breeding ground for mould and mildew.

How to prevent cracked tiles

During renovation

Going with a well-reputed contractor and asking them to assess the subfloor before installation can set a solid foundation for your tiles and reduce the risk of issues later down the line. Insisting on expansion and perimeter movement joints is also helpful as it gives installations room to shift without stressing grout lines. 

During installation, the surface should be properly cleaned, flattened, dried, and repaired before tiling. Allow for adequate curing time in your renovation timeline, giving the subfloor and adhesive the opportunity to properly settle. 

Finally, inspecting the tiles yourself upon delivery ensures that you’re satisfied with their quality, especially since sample and delivery batches can sometimes differ. 

Day-to-day maintenance 

Avoid mopping with excess water or using harsh detergents, as this could accelerate the deterioration process and make it easier for moisture to seep into the subfloor. Regular ventilation, and using a humidifier where possible, can also ease the possible build-up of moisture. 

Due to grout’s natural deterioration, it’s helpful to reseal it every 6 to 12 months, especially in bathrooms where humidity is significantly higher. 

Switch to epoxy grout 

Image credit: DW Floor Polishing Singapore

In contrast to cement grouting, epoxy grout is made from resin. It’s waterproof, non-porous, resists cracking and mould, and can absorb shock better, making it more suited to handling minor structural movement. 

Epoxy grout is the default in newer HDB developments, but homeowners with older units should consider making the upgrade. It does take longer to dry than cement, possibly extended due to Singapore’s humid conditions, but factoring this into your renovation timeline is well worth it. 

Popping tiles in your HDB flat: what HDB covers

If you’ve found yourself in a new BTO with tiling issues, HDB has a 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP) where they rectify dislodged original tiles at no cost to the homeowner. Beyond this 1-year period, they also offer a goodwill repair scheme for up to 15 years. 

However, they only share the cost of repairing original tiles. This does not cover tiles replaced by the homeowner during renovations, or tiles in units older than 15 years. Hacking out sound original tiles and swapping them transfers warranty responsibility to your contractor. 

For condos, homeowners will need to check the Defects Liability Period (DLP); this will vary between developers. 

How to prevent your HDB & condo tiles from cracking

Image credit: shibiwan via Reddit

Falling facade tiles from tall buildings have been appearing in the news since the early ’90s, showing how truly widespread these cracking and popping issues are. 

In the sauna that is Singapore, most cracks can be traced back to moisture build-up, as well as structural movement and rushed workmanship. 

For new homeowners, prevention starts at renovation, giving you the chance to set a solid base foundation from the ground up. For those in older units, it’s never too late to recognise early warning signs of cracking and take preventative measures. 

For more maintenance guides, check out these articles: 

• BTO defects guide: 8 things to look out for
• 8 best handyman services in Singapore
• 12 best mould removal services in Singapore

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Cover image credits: Sandra Tatiana Choy via Facebook, shibiwan via Reddit