Do I have to replace aluminium rivets in my casement windows?
Yes, if the window is covered by the Building Control (Retrofitting of Casement Windows) Order 2004. The Order applies to outward-opening casement windows on residential buildings with aluminium rivets at the variable geometry stays. It requires an Approved Window Contractor to replace every such rivet with type 304 stainless steel rivets complying with BS EN 10088 or equivalent. BCA has required this since 2004, and corroded aluminium rivets are the main cause of fallen casement windows in BCA's yearly figures.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Window Safety in Singapore: Owner Duties, Inspections, Rivets and Falling-Window Penalties. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
In Singapore the owner of a flat is legally responsible for keeping its windows securely fixed. BCA advises checking windows at least once every six months, and casement windows must use type 304 stainless steel rivets, not aluminium. Since 1 October 2025, a window that falls through poor maintenance can lead to a fine of up to S$20,000, 12 months' jail, or both.
More questions on this topic
- Who is responsible if a window falls from my condo unit?
- How often should I check my windows?
- What is an Approved Window Contractor?
- What is the penalty if my window falls?
- Can I just ask a handyman to fix a loose window?
- Do landed houses fall under these window rules?
- Must a fallen window be reported to BCA?