Glenda Taylor | Updated March 19, 2021 at 10:56 AM

Insulating glass windows have become the standard for new buildings and renovations. In most cases, windows can play an excellent role in providing better thermal insulation, reduced noise transmission, uniform indoor temperature, and clear and clear vision.

However, in rare cases, one or more glass panels in the thermally insulated window will spontaneously shatter, producing an alarming noise similar to the sound of gunshots, for residents to look for explanations. The catalyst is not always obvious, but rest assured, there is a reason. Before that, learn more about this particular situation and figure out how to minimize the risk of window breakage.

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The feature of double or triple glazing is that two or three pieces of glass are separated by a narrow space, which is either vacuum sealed or filled with inert gas (such as argon). The space between the panes acts as an insulating layer to reduce heat transfer, so in winter, people in the house are less likely to feel cold when walking through the insulated windows.

These multi-glazed windows can also reduce heat transfer in the hot summer, so the air conditioner does not have to work hard to keep the house cool. In order for multi-pane windows to work effectively, the air space between the panes must be completely sealed-no leakage. However, this kind of seal creates pressure between the panes. This pressure, combined with any of the following triggers, may cause the glass to shatter or break.

According to Pella, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality doors and windows, most thermal window cracks occur in spring and autumn, and the hot temperature during the day is much lower than the temperature at night. Large temperature fluctuations in a relatively short period of time (several hours) will put additional pressure on the windows. Like other materials, glass will slightly expand and contract with changes in temperature. When a thermal stress crack occurs, it is usually at a vertical angle. In some cases, there is a risk of broken windows, not just cracks. Damage caused by thermal stress is more common in lower-quality windows, but even high-quality windows are not completely immune to this.

Small things such as tiny notches in the glass during installation will form weak points in the panes, which may cause cracks when combined with thermal stress. In addition, windows installed in rough openings that are too tight or non-square rough openings may put extra pressure on the glass panel, increasing the risk of cracking. The risk of placing high-quality windows in a strong and sturdy frame is low, but incorrect installation is still a problem. For best results, ask a reputable window contractor to install new windows and replace windows.

Although not common, in the production of tempered glass panels, tiny nickel can contaminate the glass. These small particles, called nickel sulfide (NiS) inclusions, will expand over time, creating stress on the panes, causing them to crack. If the window is installed correctly and is not subject to thermal stress, NiS inclusions may never cause problems. If it does cause the pane to break, it will usually arc outward from the nickel contamination in the form of a butterfly pattern. When NiS inclusions and other factors occur at the same time, such as installation errors or strong thermal stress, the risk of glass plate breakage increases.

Large window panes bear more pressure than small window panes, making them more likely to break or break due to any contributing factors. Just as transporting and installing large windows requires more care than transporting and installing small windows, large windows also carry a greater risk of damage. Reduce risks by purchasing large glass windows from reputable window manufacturers and professionally installing them.

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The most common cause of window cracks may be completely unrelated to thermal stress, installation errors, or contaminants in the glass. A glass plate suddenly shattered, leaving a spider-web-like crack, radiating from a precise bull's-eye, which was the result of something hitting the window. The usual culprit is a bird, a ball or a piece of debris, such as a branch, being blown away by the wind.

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