Are popped façade tiles covered by the Periodic Façade Inspection?
Yes. BCA's PFI Guidelines list tiles among the façade elements in scope and require close-range tactile inspection, using tools such as a tapping rod or rubber mallet, of at least 10% of each elevation. Loose tiles found during inspection must be removed immediately. Extensive or systemic loose tiles can trigger a full façade investigation, which needs the Commissioner of Building Control's approval.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Popped, Hollow and Debonded Tiles in Singapore: Causes, Safety, Repair and Who Pays. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
Tiles pop or sound hollow when the bond between tile, adhesive and screed fails, usually from thermal movement without movement joints, poor adhesive coverage, an uncured substrate or age. Indoors, the unit owner generally pays after the developer's 12-month defects period. On façades, falling tiles are a public-safety risk handled through the MCST or owner and BCA's Periodic Façade Inspection.
More questions on this topic
- Why do floor tiles suddenly pop up with a loud crack?
- Is a hollow-sounding tile always a defect?
- Who pays for popped tiles in my HDB flat?
- Who pays for popped tiles in a condominium unit?
- Can the developer refuse to fix popped tiles after the defects liability period?
- Can hollow tiles be fixed without removing them?
- How do I stop new tiles from popping?