Common Flooring Problems in Singapore & Safe Solutions | Homejourney

Common Flooring Services in Singapore Problems and Solutions usually involve three things: wrong material choice for our humid climate, poor installation, and lack of maintenance for high-traffic HDB and condo homes.

In Singapore, the most frequent issues Homejourney users report are hollow tiles, popping vinyl flooring, swollen laminate floor boards, uneven floor installation, and noisy or slippery surfaces. When handled correctly with proper assessment, certified contractors, and the right materials, these problems can be resolved safely and permanently.

This guide is a focused follow-up to our main flooring pillar guide, “Flooring Services in Singapore: Types, Costs & Installation Guide | Homejourney” Flooring Services in Singapore: Types, Costs & Installation Guide | Homejourney . Here, we zoom in on the most common flooring Singapore problems you’re likely to face—and how to fix them safely, cost-effectively, and with minimal disruption to your home or tenants.

Why Flooring Problems Are So Common in Singapore Homes

After years of viewing and managing homes across HDB towns like Punggol, Sengkang, and mature estates like Toa Payoh and Queenstown, one pattern is clear: flooring usually shows problems first.

In Singapore, the combination of high humidity, heavy daily use (especially in compact flats), and frequent aircon use creates stress on materials like vinyl flooring and laminate floor boards. Poorly supervised floor installation or cutting corners on subfloor preparation often only show up one to three years later—right when defects liability from your ID or contractor is over.

For many Homejourney users, these flooring issues appear:

Right after collecting BTO keys and rushing renovation before move-in
When buying an older resale HDB or condo and overlaying existing tiles
After a leak from upstairs or from bathroom/kitchen pipes
When converting a room into a rental or home office

If you are still searching for a unit and want to factor in renovation and flooring costs, you can start with Homejourney’s property search tool Property Search and our projects directory for project-level insights Projects Directory .

1. Hollow, Cracked or Popping Tiles

Most common in: Older HDB flats (pre-2000), older condos, and bathrooms/kitchens in humid areas like Pasir Ris and Woodlands.

Hollow or popping tiles happen when the bond between the tile and screed fails, usually due to thermal expansion, movement in the substrate, or substandard installation. Over time, you might hear a hollow sound when tapping tiles or see hairline cracks spreading.

Typical Warning Signs

Hollow sound when you tap tiles with a coin
Fine cracks radiating from a point (often where something heavy fell)
One or two tiles slightly higher than others
“Popping” sound followed by visible lifting, usually after a hot day or heavy cleaning

Safe Solutions & Cost Expectations

In many HDB and condo units, you do not need to hack the entire house. A good contractor can do localised repair or overlay:

Localised tile replacement: Hack and replace only affected tiles, re-grout, and colour-match existing ones. Depending on size and complexity, expect around S$250–S$600 per small affected area (1–4 tiles), including labour and protection for nearby areas (2025 market estimates based on typical masonry cost shares in renovation budgets[3][4]).
Vinyl overlay solution: If many living/dining tiles are hollow but still structurally safe, some homeowners choose to overlay with vinyl flooring or laminate floor planks instead of full hacking. Vinyl and laminate commonly range around S$4–S$8 per square foot for budget options and up to about S$6–S$13 per square foot for better-quality products with installation in Singapore[2][4][5][6][7].

Important: For HDB flats, hacking of floor finishes may require HDB approval, especially for bathroom and kitchen wet areas. Always check HDB guidelines and ensure the contractor is familiar with HDB rules.

Safety & Regulatory Notes

For wet areas, waterproofing must comply with BCA standards; improper hacking can damage the waterproofing and cause leaks to units below.
Where there is water seepage from upstairs, you may need to work with HDB or the condo MCST to investigate and rectify the source before redoing the floor.
If you suspect structural cracks (deep, wide, or across beams), stop DIY solutions and consult a PE (Professional Engineer) or HDB’s Building Service Centre for safety inspection.

2. Swollen or Warped Laminate Floor

Most common in: Bedrooms in HDB and condos built in the 2000s–2010s, especially in areas like Jurong West and Tampines where older flats used laminate floor heavily.

Laminate flooring is sensitive to moisture. In Singapore, common triggers include mopping with excessive water, leaks from windows during heavy rain, or minor aircon condensation near trunking.

How to Recognise the Problem

Edges of laminate planks curl upwards or bubble
Floor feels spongy or soft in some spots
Visible gaps between planks or boards pushing against skirting
Discolouration or mould smell after rain or aircon leaks

Best-Fit Solutions

Identify the water source first. For example, check your window seals, aircon trunking, or nearby bathrooms. You may need a PUB-licensed plumber if pipes or concealed floor traps are involved, and an aircon technician for condensation issues Aircon Services .
Partial board replacement: If only a small area is affected and you still have spare boards, a flooring specialist can remove and replace them. Labour typically starts from a few hundred dollars depending on area size.
Full replacement with vinyl flooring: Many homeowners now replace older laminate with SPC or vinyl flooring which is more moisture-resistant. Expect roughly S$4–S$8 per square foot for cost-effective options in 2025, including installation, depending on design and thickness[2][4][5][6][7].

For budget-sensitive buyers, overlaying existing laminate or tiles with vinyl can save hacking costs and shorten renovation time, especially in occupied flats. As always, check with your condo MCST or HDB if noise or floor level changes may impact neighbours or door clearances.

3. Vinyl Flooring Gaps, Lifting and Discolouration

Vinyl flooring is extremely popular in newer BTOs in Punggol, Sengkang, Tengah and among new condo owners in areas like Hougang and Bukit Panjang because it is softer underfoot, quieter, and more forgiving for kids and pets. But poorly installed vinyl can show problems within 1–2 years.

Common Vinyl Flooring Problems

Gaps between planks – often due to thermal expansion and contraction without sufficient expansion allowance.
Lifting or curling edges – caused by poor adhesive, uneven subfloor, or water intrusion.
Stains and discolouration – from rubber furniture feet, harsh cleaning chemicals, or prolonged sun exposure at balcony doors.

Practical Fixes & Prevention

Re-stick or re-lay affected sections: For small areas, a flooring specialist can lift affected planks, re-level the subfloor, and re-adhere them. Installation work alone usually falls in the S$2–S$4 per square foot range for vinyl flooring in Singapore, depending on complexity[8].
Use proper subfloor preparation: A flat, clean screed is critical. Ask the installer if self-levelling compound, patching, and skirting works are included before you sign.
Choose higher-wear-layer vinyl: Premium vinyl/SPC with better wear layers often falls between S$6–S$13 per square foot including supply and installation for a standard 4-room HDB flat[5][6]. This typically provides longer life and better resistance to dents and scratches.
Protect from heat and UV: For balcony-facing living rooms in projects around East Coast or Jurong Lake District, consider blinds or UV window film to reduce warping and discolouration over time.