There are a lot of reasons for glass to break — and it’s often not from impact.

Glass doesn’t just break from impact. In fact, many failures are due to thermal stress, handling, or frame movement under wind load or temperature fluctuation. Large assemblies are especially prone to these subtle but destructive forces.

One of the most overlooked causes? Nickel sulfide inclusions. These microscopic imperfections in tempered or heat-strengthened glass can lead to spontaneous breakage weeks or even months after installation. It’s rare, but it happens — and it’s often not covered under warranty.

Some manufacturers include coverage. Most don’t. So when a panel shatters, it becomes a blame game between the dealer, the GC, and the manufacturer — all while your project sits exposed.

In modern luxury homes with 3,000 to 5,000 SF of glass, it’s not just a possibility — it’s something to budget for. More importantly, it’s something to plan for. Have a strategy for replacement that doesn’t destroy your finishes, especially if the glass is set tight with no stops or reveals.

Don’t conceal your glass behind expensive finishes without a replacement plan. Expect failures, budget for them, and ensure they can be swapped without tearing apart your interiors.

Types of glass breaks