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Elite Edition

Can double glazing spontaneously crack?

Author

Emily Dawson

Published Apr 06, 2026

Can double glazing spontaneously crack?

Spontaneous cracking is an occupational (although rare) hazard of many double-glazed windows – particularly those at the cheaper end of the market. At any time of year, a window might suddenly decide to collapse inward, causing an unsightly (and heat-inefficient) shatter effect.

How much does it cost to replace the glass in a double-pane window?

On average, it costs $170-$180 to replace the glass in a double-pane window. Double-pane glass windows typically cost $100 more to repair than a similar sized single.

Why does tempered glass explode?

Any flaw in the edge or glass surface can cause spontaneous breakage. Small cracks in glass grow over time. As the glass expands in the heat and contracts in the cold this crack will grow. Eventually, this change in temperature can cause the tempered glass to shatter.

What causes a crack in a double pane window?

Most commonly seen in insulated glass, or double-paned windows, pressure cracks can be caused by drastic pressure system changes in the weather or when windows are installed at too high or too low of an elevation level. These cracks tend to curve in the shape of an hourglass and will most likely result in a complete window replacement.

What makes a double pane window impact resistant?

Impact-resistant windows have multiple layers of glass bonded together to a plastic interlayer, and installed in sashes and frames reinforced to provide durability and strength to resist breaks and shattering. A double-pane window has two sheets of glass and a gap of air in between the panes.

What causes glass to break in a window?

However, over time, as the glass expands and contracts, stress concentrations can develop around the nick, leading to breakage. In the case of tempered glass (such as we had), the entire unit usually breaks.”

What’s the difference between double pane and single pane glass?

Both types of glass can be used for everything from conventional see-through windows to doors, skylights and sliding patio doors. Double-pane windows are labeled with information relative to their energy efficiency, following standards set by the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Why is the inside of my double pane window cracking?

Common reasons that the inside glass on a double pane window might develop a crack include: Pella notes, for example, that an interior window pane is subject to pressure cracks. Many of these cracks occur as a result of installation mistakes. If the window insulation doesn’t match the elevation level, the pressure can cause the glass to break.

Impact-resistant windows have multiple layers of glass bonded together to a plastic interlayer, and installed in sashes and frames reinforced to provide durability and strength to resist breaks and shattering. A double-pane window has two sheets of glass and a gap of air in between the panes.

Why is the glass on my double pane window foggy?

If there is no visible damage to your double-pane window, but the glass is foggy or there is moisture between the panes, you have a hidden problem. The constant expansion and contraction of window glass as it heats up and cools down often causes the seals around the glass panes to fail.

However, over time, as the glass expands and contracts, stress concentrations can develop around the nick, leading to breakage. In the case of tempered glass (such as we had), the entire unit usually breaks.”