Glass shower doors can spontaneously explode due to nickel sulfide inclusions—microscopic impurities trapped during manufacturing that expand over time, creating internal stress that eventually triggers catastrophic failure. Other causes include impact damage that creates invisible microcracks, extreme temperature fluctuations, improper installation with pressure points, or edge damage during installation. Tempered glass, required for shower doors by building codes, is designed to break into small, cube-shaped pieces rather than dangerous shards, but this safety feature means the entire panel disintegrates when failure occurs. To minimize risk, purchase high-quality tempered glass from reputable manufacturers, ensure professional installation with proper clearances, avoid slamming doors, and inspect regularly for chips or cracks—replacing damaged panels immediately.
