Why would double glazing crack? Sometimes, even with two panes of glass, your window can still chip and crack. When this happens, you’ll no doubt be concerned about the security of your home, as well as your home’s energy efficiency as the sealed unit loses the inert gas inside the two sheets of glass that helps keep your home warm when the temperature drops.
Panic about repairing the glazing will likely set in, meaning you rush around finding somebody to complete the job without doing your due diligence. You’ll have somebody come out and repair the damaged pane, but such a break can never be fixed long term. You might get a few years out of the window (which will not operate as efficiently as it did before), but it won’t last forever. But before you panic, look at Double Glazing on the Web. We can help you find replacement windows that will last for a lifetime, with modern efficiencies and benefits!
Once double glazing cracks, it would be wise to replace it, rather than repair it. With a brand-new window, you can reset your home’s style and refresh the look and feel of your living space. You can get more durable double glazing, modern frames, and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of breakages in the future. This makes new double glazing prices an excellent investment.
But before we look at replacing your double glazed unit with new double glazing, let’s explore some of the reasons that your double pane window might have cracked in the first place.
Double Glazing Impact Crack
It’s a worst-case scenario. One day, you’ll be strolling around your home when, suddenly, you hear the unmistakable sound of double glazing shattering. Next thing you know, you look around and find that your double glazing has a massive crack in it.
Impact cracks are the most common double glazing break, and often the most unforeseen. Pretty much anything can cause them, such as an errant ball, a rock, or something else entirely. No matter the cause, though, the result is the same – a massive crack in your window caused by an impact of some kind.
When this happens, there’s usually broken glass on the floor too, as window cracks are only reserved for lighter impacts. Big impacts will lead to broken windows. While you should clean up any broken glass as carefully as possible, you shouldn’t attempt to clean any of the glass still in the window. Instead, it would be best if you left this for the repair for safety.
If you’ve had an impact break, you’ll quickly be able to tell if you see its distinctive starburst pattern, with cracks emerging from a central point – where the impact initially happened. Unfortunately, the worst thing about impact breaks is that there’s almost nothing you can do about them – however, there are ways to turn an impact break into an impactful change for your home.
One way is to try and protect your window from the same issue. You can install a porch attachment above the window, removing the chance of impacts occurring from higher up. Also, a porch can provide extra shading for the window, giving you more control of the light in your home and protecting the frame from any staining in the sun.
However, the best thing you can do to fix an impact break is replace the window. That way, you can get a new, bespoke window for your home that suits your style with modern benefits.
Double Glazing Stress Crack
Another reason that your double glazing could crack can come from stress breaks. Rather than impact breaks, you can often find the source of the problem inside your window if it’s underperforming. Stress cracks begin as a small chip but expand over time if left unchecked and air pressure and temperature inside vs outside differences can all add stress to the initial chip, causing further fractures.
These initial chips will only grow over time, encompassing your whole window eventually. Often, the cause of stress cracks is down to a window with poor insulation. If cold air rushes into your home, you usually crank up your central heating to make up the difference – this creates the conditions ideal for a stress crack.
When the temperature inside and outside your home is radically different, both atmospheric pressures put a strain on the double glazing. If your windows are suffering from condensation, that can also contribute to the problem.
As a result, if you’re using a lot of central heating on a bitterly cold day, your glass can buckle while trying to hold both radically different temperatures back. Another, more innocuous reason for a stress crack can be slamming the windows shut. On a cold day, the glass can become far more fragile, and a hard slam can sometimes cause an enormous crack out of nowhere.
It can be tricky trying to prevent stress cracks, too. That’s because, for the most part, the window itself is creating the conditions for cracks to occur. Stress can also cause your double glazing to start shattering in extreme cases.
Therefore, the best thing you can do to prevent this is replace your window, preferably before the cracks appear. Not only will you reduce the risk of a stress crack, but you’ll have a brand-new window that warms your home up all year round!
Double Glazing Pressure Crack
Pressure cracks are very similar to stress cracks, only the pressure itself is the cause, rather than the thing that exacerbates the crack. A pressure crack is also more common in double glazing, as the pressure also builds up in between the panes and the colder outdoor temperatures vs the warm air inside adds pressure to both panes. Double glazing is under constant mild pressure. Spontaneous cracking occurs when that mild pressure grows, exposing a weakness in the glazing.
The break usually takes an hourglass shape, and it can grow across the entire glass section in some cases. They’re more common in complex installations, such as windows with bevelled glass or a tall, narrow window. Repairing a pressure crack is possible, but it’s often best to replace the window entirely – preferably one with better thermal performance that’s immune to thermal shock and pressure.
With a brand-new window, you can change where you fit the design and the materials you use. That means you reduce your new window’s exposure to fluctuating pressure systems, and your window will come with a durable uPVC or aluminium frame that provides another layer of protection against cracked double glazing.
Replacing Double Glazing
Replacing double glazing can reduce the risk of a crack, and shattering too. That’s because, if you have a slightly older window, you can switch it with a cutting-edge design that has leading durability. Modern double glazing is weather-resistant and robust, meaning that it can deal with changing temperatures more effectively, reducing the risk of pressure and stress cracks (unfortunately impact cracks are still always a risk if you don’t install protection around the window).
Not only will you benefit from modern thermal and security features, but you’ll get slimline frames that use uPVC or aluminium to protect the glazing even further whilst offering a stylish finish. There is an air and water-tight seal between the glass and the frame, preventing condensation and pressure from building up in between the glass panels.
Also, you can add features that help to reduce the risk of your double glazing impact cracks. You could add a porch above the window to reduce the chance of an impact crack, or Georgian and Astragal bars to give your window another barrier.
Improved ventilation and air circulation can help reduce condensation build up, reducing the risk of stress and pressure cracks. Trickle vents are a must here, meaning you’re always letting in a little bit of air even when the windows are locked and shut to stabilise the windows.
If you decide to replace your double glazing, though, you may find that the cost could put a crack in your finances. If you work with a big brand, you could pay for significant premiums that aren’t worth the money. Also, if you decide to go local, you could work with an untrustworthy trader who’ll oversell their services.
That’s why Double Glazing On The Web can help. We have a network of trusted suppliers right on your doorstep, meaning you can find a local installer within minutes. That way, you can take the risk out of your investment and get a better deal. Using our services could save you up to 40%.
Double Glazing Crack? Work With Double Glazing On The Web!
Getting replacement double glazing is simple and straightforward with Double Glazing On The Web.
With us, you’ll stay in control of the whole process from start to finish. Firstly, you can use our online quote builder to pick every part of your new window and compare the cost of every possible feature. Once you have a fully bespoke design for your home, we can provide an instant quote. Then, we put you in touch with our network of suppliers and installers.
You can negotiate our price with them, meaning you can drive down the cost of your double glazing further. Many of these companies also have approval from bodies like FENSA and CERTASS for total peace of mind. Get in touch with Double Glazing On The Web today! Use our online contact form or give our expert team a call on 0800 015 5679!
Conclusion
Dealing with a cracked double glazed window can be stressful and expensive. If you use our quote comparison tool, you’ll be able to find replacement, modern windows with the best resistance to cracks for a competitive price. We vet all of the installers in our installation network, so you can be confident that those you work with through us are the best of the best.
Update your windows and improve your home today.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of double glazing cracks?
Common causes are impacts, stress, and pressure. Stress and pressure cracks often occur due to temperature difference and poor installation.
Is it better to restore or replace a cracked double glazed window?
In most instances, replacing is best. Repairs can provide a temporary fix but it will be significantly weakened and liable to future problems. Replacement ensures you get a durable window capable of impressive thermal performance for years to come.
Can I stop impact cracks to my double glazing?
To save your windows from impact cracks consider putting in a porch or awning above the window to shield it from falling objects. You can also install Georgian or Astragal bars to offer a further barrier if impact cracks are especially common in your area.
What modern double glazing features reduce the risk of cracks?
When changing double glazing, search for home windows with weather-resistant uPVC or aluminium frames, slimline designs, and air-tight seals between the glass and body. Trickle vents also can assist with air flow and save you condensation buildup.
How can Double Glazing On The Web help me find a dependable installer for replacement windows?
Double Glazing On The Web has a community of trusted local providers and installers. Using our online tool you can personalise your window design and get immediate prices, making it easy to find a dependable installer at a competitive price near you.
