HDB to study causes of mould growth in Punggol and Sengkang flats, longer-term measures to prevent it

The Housing Development Board (HDB) will commission an independent professional technical study to determine the cause of mould growth observed at Anchorvale Parkview in Sengkang and Matilda Court in Punggol. 

The Ministry of National Development (MND) said in a news release on Monday (Feb 6) that the study will also address why some blocks are “more susceptible to mould growth” and include recommendations to “remedy the current situation and to prevent future recurrence”.

It is expected to take about three to four months to complete, and will identify the species of mould found for further assessment of health risks.

The HDB flats made headlines in January after a resident took to Facebook to complain that the housing blocks were stained with mould, claiming they “look like haunted houses” despite being only five years old. 

HDB assessed that the mould growth observed for affected blocks does not affect structural components and poses no risks to the structural integrity of the building.

According to MND, the external walls of HDB developments are painted with one coat of water-based sealer, for better paint adhesion, and two coats of algae-resistant emulsion paint. 

It added that the sealer and emulsion paint used in HDB blocks complies with the Singapore standards and are commonly used for both public and private sector projects.

“These standards were also used in numerous other HDB projects, where no such incidents of mould growth have been identified, including developments located near waterbodies,” MND said.

Newly completed HDB blocks which are handed over to the town councils for management and maintenance also have a six-year warranty period for external painting.

Depending on the outcome of HDB’s study, the Singapore Standards Council will assess the need to further review the relevant standards, on top of the periodic review carried out every five to eight years to ensure their relevance, said MND.

HDB will also assess the need to further review the specifications and maintenance practices for flats.

Furthermore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is conducting a study on the impact of changing climatic and weather conditions on the service life of facade materials, to identify more durable materials and develop best practices for their maintenance, said MND.