Glass Breakage & Nickel Sulphide Inclusion Policy

Peninsula Windows Ltd
Anglesey, North Wales

  1. Purpose of this policy

    This policy is intended to explain the nature of spontaneous toughened glass breakage, specifically nickel sulphide inclusion (NiS) failure, and to clarify Peninsula Windows Ltd’s position in line with industry standards, manufacturer warranties, and regulatory guidance.

    It is provided for transparency and to help customers understand why certain types of glass failure are not covered under warranty.

  2. What is nickel sulphide inclusion (NiS)?

    Nickel sulphide inclusion is a known and well-documented phenomenon associated with toughened (tempered) glass.

    During the glass manufacturing process, microscopic nickel sulphide particles can very occasionally become trapped within the glass. These inclusions are:
    • Invisible to the naked eye
    • Impossible to detect during normal inspection
    • Not caused by installation, handling, or use

    Over time, changes in temperature can cause these microscopic inclusions to expand, leading to sudden and spontaneous fracture, sometimes months or even years after installation, without any external impact.

  3. Behaviour of toughened glass

    Toughened glass is designed to fail safely. When breakage occurs:
    • The glass shatters into small, blunt fragments
    • This behaviour complies with BS EN 12150
    • The risk of serious injury is significantly reduced

    This type of breakage, while alarming, indicates that the glass has behaved exactly as intended under safety standards.

  4. Warranty position within the glazing industry

    Nickel sulphide inclusion is not considered a manufacturing defect or an installation fault.

    As confirmed by:
    • Glass manufacturers
    • Industry bodies such as the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)
    • Independent technical guidance from specialist glazing organisations

    Glass manufacturers and warranty providers do not cover breakage caused by nickel sulphide inclusions.

    Because Peninsula Windows Ltd relies on manufacturer-backed glass warranties, and because the cause is outside the control of both manufacturer and installer, NiS-related breakage is excluded from our warranty.

    This exclusion is standard practice across the UK glazing industry.

  5. Heat soak testing

    In some specialist or high-risk applications, glass can be heat soak tested to reduce the likelihood of NiS failure. However:
    • Heat soak testing reduces risk but does not eliminate it entirely
    • It must be specified and agreed at order stage
    • It is not a standard requirement for most domestic glazing installations

    Unless specifically requested and documented, glass supplied by Peninsula Windows Ltd is manufactured to standard toughened glass specifications.

  6. Safety and urgency

    Where an NiS failure occurs:
    • If the glass has shattered safely and remains contained
    • If there is no weather ingress, security risk, or exposure to falling glass

    There is no regulatory requirement for emergency replacement under health and safety or building regulations, provided sensible precautions are taken (e.g. restricting access beneath the affected area).

  7. Peninsula Windows Ltd position

    Where glass breakage is identified as consistent with nickel sulphide inclusion:
    • The failure is not covered under warranty
    • Peninsula Windows Ltd is not liable for free replacement
    • Any remedial works (clean-up, disposal, replacement glass, reinstallation) are chargeable

    We are, however, happy to assist customers by:
    • Advising on safe next steps
    • Providing quotations for replacement glass
    • Carrying out remedial works on a chargeable basis, subject to availability


  8. Insurance

    Some household or commercial insurance policies include cover for spontaneous glass breakage. Customers may wish to check their policy wording or speak to their insurer to determine whether a claim can be made.

  9. Further information

    Independent guidance on nickel sulphide inclusion and spontaneous glass breakage is available from:
    • Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)
    • Specialist glazing technical advisors
    • Glass manufacturers’ technical documentation

    Peninsula Windows Ltd is happy to provide links to relevant industry guidance upon request.

    Peninsula Windows Ltd
    Anglesey, North Wales
    Established over 40 years
    Specialists in high-quality glazing systems

Thanks to all for your efforts on completing our project. The end result is even better than we dared to dream. We're all delighted with what we're sure will be a fantastic addition to our home.
Mr Hughes, Caernarfon, Gwynedd

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