Frequently Asked Questions

Retrofitting Windows

1. What is retrofitting?
   Retrofitting is :
   1. Removal of your glass panel into the house
   2. Replacing of rusty old screw / aluminium rivet to stainless steel rivet
   3. Then fix the panel back into the frame



2. Under what circumstances do we need to call you for retrofitting?
   During inspection, when we find that your window does not comply to the safety standards set by HDB/BCA. No forms will be issued for windows that does not meet the safety standards.



3. Will retrofitting help prevent water and wind from seeping through my window?
   We will try our best. Sometimes its because of structure (how the building was built) that windows are not able to align properly. Our warranty does not cover such situtations.



4. Is retrofitting important?
   Yes. Absolutely important, as it concerns lives. A falling window can injure or kill a person. When selling homes, government will ask for the form for retrofitting works (if required).



5. I never open my windows at all, do I still need to retrofit them?
   Yes, you have to if it does not comply to the safety standards. Because although your window has not been used, the rusted screws will still cause window malfuntion.



6. How do I handle my Form A / B?
   We propose you photostat a copy for your own filing, submit one copy to HDB branch office for HDB homeowners. For condominiums and commercial buildings, it is to be submitted to MCST or BCA for filing. For private house, it is to be submitted directly to BCA.



7. If I am staying on the first floor, do I still need to retrofit my windows?
   Yes, if the area below your residence is accessible by the public.



8. What are the procedures or steps involved in retrofitting works?
   There are many different steps involved from the most basic of screw replacement to whole window change. It all depends on the window condition and the extent in which you wish to retrofit.



9. I have just retrofitted my windows, and now my aircon repairman needs to remove it to bring in the compressor that is located outside my window, what must I do?
   Contact us again to re-retrofit your window panels or ask the aircon company to send a certified window installer to re-install the panels for you. If the windows are re-installed by another installer, we will not be responsible for it and our warranty becomes invalid.



10. Why I have stainless screw but still cannot pass the ruling?
    Wrong Type Of Screws Used:
    Currently most building usese stainless steel inch size screws. The window frame's material is 1.1mm+- thick and will not be able to hold a screw's thread that is more than that. Over a period of time, this will result in screws getting loose because of grip lost.

    The corrective measure in accordance with BCA ruling would be to use stainless steel rivets. If the building's window frames' are thicker, you only need to change the screw's thread thickness.

    Stainless Steel Screw Definition:
    There are two types of stainless steel screws, namely mm size and inch size. Inch size screw is used on solid material like wood, wood plug, etc. MM size is used in material with specify thickness. The thickness has to be able to tighten / grip the screw's thread, e.g. 3 mm thick.