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What Causes A Stress Crack in Windows?

Stress CrackAdvances in technology have made many strides in designing and manufacturing windows and doors.

These installations can now better protect you from unwanted intrusions and insulate homes improving their overall energy performance.

However, even with more modern processes and materials, window glass can still crack. 

There are several common types of window cracks, including:

  • Impact cracks
  • Pressure cracks
  • Stress cracks

Common Causes of A Window Stress Crack

Consider everything that your windows and doors endure on a daily basis; inclement weather, UV rays, plummeting temperatures, daily operation, salty air and sediment if you live on the coastline, etc. 

As a part of your home’s envelope, these installations must be designed tough, but given the right circumstances may form a stress crack. 

Stress cracks can naturally occur as a result of extreme temperature changes. The window and door glass will expand and contract based on temperature, which is common in many materials such as wood. You can determine if it is a stress crack or a faulty window based on where the crack is forming. 

A thermal stress crack, or crack resulting from drastic temperature change, generally forms in a perpendicular angle along the edge of the window and extends about half an inch but can quickly grow if not repaired. The two components that can cause rapid temperature changes: weather and sunlight exposure.

Avoiding & Repairing Stress Cracks

Stress cracks are naturally occurring, so there is not really anything you can do to prevent them. However, you can help minimize the chances or pace of them happening by selecting the glass type based on your climate and the amount of sun exposure the installation will be subject to each day.

If you are looking to update and replace your window or door installations and need help finding the best installations for your home, click here to find an EAS dealer near you or click the button below to download our Window & Door Shopping Guide.

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