ST : Check your windows

Dec 11, 2009
Check your windows



Every year, more than 40 windows fall from high-rise buildings and the number of cases have risen in the last two years. -- ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW

WATCH out! More windows are falling from high-rise blocks in Singapore.

Every year, more than 40 windows fall from such buildings and the number of cases have risen in the last two years, according to the figures from the Building and Construction Authority. These include casement type windows, sliding windows, louvres and even fixed glass windows.

Since the window retrofitting exercise requiring aluminum rivets to be replaced with stainless steel ones in casement windows ended in September 2005, the number of fallen casement windows has reduced significantly - from 95 cases in 2005 to about 30 a year.

But, there is an increase in the number of fallen sliding windows this year - up by 10 cases from 16 cases in 2008, said BCA and the Housing Board in a joint statement on Friday. 'The causes of fallen sliding windows were mainly due to lack of maintenance,' they said.

To ensure that sliding windows are not dislodged easily, BCA and HDB advise homeowners to carry out regular maintenance to these windows. Safety features such as angle strip and safety stopper should also be installed for sliding windows, as a precautionary measure.

Under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, it is the owner's and/or tenant's responsibility to maintain their windows regularly and properly.

Should a window fall due to lack of maintenance, they can face a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or jail term of up to one year.

If any fallen casement window is found with aluminum rivets, they can also face a penalty of up to S$5,000 and/or jail term of up to six months, for failing to retrofit the window with stainless steel rivets.

Tips on maintaining windows
- Replace aluminum rivets and screws with stainless steel ones
-Check, clean and lubricate joints/moveable parts regularly, at least twice a year
-Open and close the window several times after lubrication
-Check the glass panes for cracks or loose panes
-Ensure that moveable parts are secured and loose screws are tightened

For sliding windows
- Check that safety stopper is in place
- Check that angle strip is in place
- Clean the track and ensure window panels can slide smoothly