Peace of mind and safety first
If you can see that the split has just appeared, put on gloves and stick a „grid“ of adhesive tape over the area. This does not repair the glass, but it will keep small chips and further breakage at bay until the technician arrives. Do not place the heater very close to the glass, and keep dark curtains or blinds away from the surface of the glass - sudden heat or shade in one place can lead to stresses and the crack may expand.
It is useful to take a snapshot of the glass from several angles: the overall view and the „start“ of the split (very helpful in deciding later whether it was an impact or a natural stress).
How to understand what happened
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Impact. Usually a „star“ or clear point from which the crack resolves is visible. These are the classics: a ball, a pebble from a trimmer, careless cleaning, etc.
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Temperature voltage. The crack usually starts at the edge of the glass and follows one or more curved lines. This happens when one part of the glass heats up and the other part stays cool - for example, the sun heats up the window and a dark curtain close to the glass casts a deep shadow.
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A consequence of installation or frame „work“. Sometimes the reason is how the glass was installed or how the frame has shifted over time. This is more difficult to distinguish by eye and requires the opinion of a craftsman.
The short rule is: if you see the point of impact, it's likely that the impact is to blame. If you don't see any point and the split seems to be coming off the edge, temperature or installation is often to blame.
Can it be corrected or will it have to be changed?
Unfortunately, no one will ever put the broken glass back together. It's not the whole window structure that is replaced, but the glass unit itself - the frame usually stays. Why? Because the cracked glass has already lost its strength and the thermal performance may deteriorate. The sooner you replace it, the more relaxed you will feel and the less risk you will take.
How to manage in Lithuania
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Call the company that installed it. They have the dimensions, know the knots and are most likely to offer a solution.
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Guarantees and rights. Even if the commercial guarantee is shorter, consumers are covered statutory rights. If you can't reach an agreement on liability or the quality of the work, you can contact VVTAT. The most important thing is to have photos, a bill or contract, and a short report from the technician on what happened.
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Insurance. If it's obvious that the glass has cracked from an accidental event (for example, a stone from a lawnmower), it's worth checking your home insurance policy.
How to manage in the United Kingdom (UK)
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The first step is the installing company. If your windows were installed by an approved contractor, always try to resolve the problem directly with them.
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Documents and deadlines. Check whether you have or have had the work granted Insured guarantee.
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Independent guidelines. There are associations in the UK that issue clear guidance on windscreen cracks and their causes. If a dispute is protracted, such guidelines help to talk „without emotion“, according to the facts.
What to ask the craftsman so you don't regret it later
Ask a simple question: what exactly is being replaced, why does the technician think the glass is cracked, what are the properties of the new glazing (whether there is a heat-reflective coating, whether there is argon inside, whether safety glass - tempered or laminated - is needed). Also check how long the manufacture and replacement will take, how much it will cost, and whether you will get a written guarantee for the new unit and the work.
How to avoid such situations in the future
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Do not heat the glass locally. Don't put heaters or fireplaces right next to a window.
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Don't press dark curtains against the glass. Leave an air gap, especially on sunny days.
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Clean gently. Do not scrape the edges with a sharp scraper - the injured edge may eventually split.
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Consider the choice. Where there is a lot of sunlight, temperature shocks or a higher risk of impact, safer solutions (e.g. toughened or laminated glass in areas where it is needed) may be preferable. It's not about luxury, it's about safety and peace of mind.
What to send in your Fenestrum enquiry so we can help quickly
Briefly: photos (general view and the start of the split), location description (which side, which floor, whether there is a heat source nearby, whether there are dark curtains), when you noticed and whether there has been any event (for example, you were mowing the grass and it was very hot). If you have - account or contract; for the UK - FENSA certificate.