No reason, door and windows open, not very hot. Big bang, glass everywhere. OH thinks we can claim, I don't think so. Has anyone else had this happen and what did you do about it?
Normally only go when the burners are still hot. Not nudged the electric hotplate knob by accident and turned it on? - I know from experience - and since then uplugged this in the cupboard as we never used it.
They are toughened glass, if you get a deepish scratch or nick, or any high stress point like a overtight hinge attachment, it can initiate 'self destruct', especially if stressed further by heat (sun?) or weight on them.
Not had it happen to sink cover (my van has a worktop type material sink insert, not glass cover) but had it happen to a glass slow cooker lid! Only months old, still under warranty, but apparently not covered by warranty! - I read that as common occurrence!
Estimate cost to replace circa £80 for a typical part, doubtful cost effective to claim off insurance with typical excess fee and loss of NCB. Overall likely cost you more than hand in pocket!
Google your van model, year, and 'glass sink cover', it'll likely throw up a few retailers and actual cost.
No reason you are aware of. A caravan is subject to constant vibration when moving. Over time the fixings can cause weakness.
It can also happen to any glass.
A few months ago I heard a crack of glass, 10 seconds later another, a few seconds after that a leaking 65l fish tank! For no reason the bottom piece of glass had cracked from corner to corner. Only explanation was over time the weight of gravel and water had weakened the glass.
Our glass teapot cracked apart last holiday - just to join in the conversation!
Actually, if it happened to ours, I don't think I'd bother replacing it! All we do is lift it up when we arrive on site and put it down before we leave!
Quote: Originally posted by daveyjp on 25/6/2025
A few months ago I heard a crack of glass, 10 seconds later another, a few seconds after that a leaking 65l fish tank! For no reason the bottom piece of glass had cracked from corner to corner. Only explanation was over time the weight of gravel and water had weakened the glass.
A few years we had the same happen with a very large fish tank. When it exploded, we had shards of glass imbedded in the brick wall. Lounge got a good soaking. Please to say that we lost no fish. No reason for it cracking even though it was very thick glass.
Thanks for the reminder in that I must remember to put something to protect glass sink top before opening the cupboard above!
DK
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I've just replaced my hob glass but it was my fault, gas burner left slightly on, cost me £52 so I won't be making that mistake again.
As Monty says the glass is pre-stresses and the smalest of scratches in the right conditions or clamps too tight can cause it to fracture, you will probably never find out why.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
If the clamp/hinges have become slightly loose it can cause the opening and closing to come out of line and cause stress that leads to cracking. I have seen this with glass access control turnstiles where they have just shattered into pieces during operation
Not related to a sink cover, but I have been thinking about replacing a glass shelf with an acrylic or polycarbonate one. I have come across these people based in Leicester who will custom cut for you if you have a template for them https://www.plasticsheets.com
This might be something to consider to replace your sink cover as according to what I am reading, they look like glass but are much more durable and won’t shatter.
When not in use we keep the glass lids covered with that spongy net stuff, it protects the glass, but also when travelling it makes a non-slip surface so you can leave things on it. We have a small plastic tray lives there, or a baguette in a cloth bag. Sometimes the small gas kettle, non of them slip off.
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