Have you ever encountered this situation – you are sitting in your living room, catching up with the latest episode of the series you are following, and suddenly, you hear a loud bang from the bathroom, only to find your glass shower screen shattered into tiny pieces. You are frightened, shocked, and left wondering “why did my glass shower screen explode even though no one was in the bathroom?”.

This article will walk you through what causes this to happen, how to stay safe, and how to prevent it in the future.

While it may feel like your shower screen exploded “for no reason,” there’s usually an explanation. Below are the most common causes:

1. Tiny Edge Damage

The presence of the smallest chip or crack along the edge can weaken the glass over time, and once it is sufficiently weakened, it will shatter. This often happens during installation, transport, or everyday use.

2. Nickel Sulfide Inclusions (Manufacturing Defect)

Sometimes, tiny impurities get trapped inside tempered glass during production. These impurities expand slowly and eventually cause the glass to shatter without warning.

3. Thermal Shock

Sudden changes in temperature can cause stress in the glass, especially if it’s already damaged. While normal bathroom temperature changes are usually fine, rapid extremes can be risky.

4. Impact or vibration

Small knocks on the edge or strong vibrations (even from another part of the house) can trigger a break.

5. Improper Installation

Glass that’s the wrong size, poorly cushioned in the frame, or handled roughly during installation is more likely to fail later.

Yes, but we recommend you not to.

Replacing a glass shower screen should always be done by a professional glazier who:

• Uses top-quality, safety-certified glass.
• Handles the glass carefully, especially at the edges.
• Checks the frame, brackets, and seals for proper fit and support.

At Perwira, we supply and install a wide range of glass solutions including high-quality tempered shower screens. We also ensure all our installations meet safety standards and are properly cushioned in their frames.

Yes. In fact, tempered glass is much safer than normal glass. Due to the heat treatment process, tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass and if it breaks, it shatters into small blunt pieces instead of large sharp shards. This greatly reduces the risk of serious injury. However, tempered glass is more vulnerable to edge damage, so protecting the edges and avoiding heavy knocks is key to long lasting shower screens.

Practical tips to prevent your shower screen from exploding:

• Inspect regularly. Look for small chips or cracks, especially around the edges.
• Avoid slamming. Close the shower door gently.
• Check fittings. Make sure brackets and hardware are secure and cushioned.
• Apply safety film. This can hold broken glass together if it shatters.
• Use professional installers. Skilled handling during transport and installation prevents hidden damage.

Q: Why did my shower screen explode at night?
A: Temperature changes or hidden flaws in the glass can cause sudden failure, and many cases happen during cooler night hours.

Q: How common is this problem?
A: It’s rare, but well-documented. Hundreds of cases have been reported around the world.

Q: Can I keep using a chipped shower screen?
A: No. Even a tiny chip can lead to sudden shattering. For safety, replace it as soon as possible.

Q: Is laminated glass better for shower screens?
A: Yes, the two panels of glass is held by the laminate interlayers, and in the event of a breakage, it will hold the glass together in place, preventing the shards from spilling all over your bathroom.

Q: Does Perwira supply and install shower screens?
A: Yes, we provide professional supply and installation of tempered glass shower screens in Singapore. You can click here to find out more about our replacement services or contact us for more information.

Q: What makes Perwira different from other glass contractors?
A: We focus on precision, safety, and quality. All our glass is sourced from trusted suppliers and installed to meet strict safety standards.

Q: Does Perwira only do shower screens?
A: No, we also specialise in glass and mirror fixtures for residential, retail, hospitality, and luxury showcase projects.