A plastic window cracked: causes, repair. The glass on the window is cracked: what to do The glass of the plastic window is cracked, what to do

When new plastic windows are installed in a home, the residents are filled with joy, and the rooms immediately become brighter, cozier and more comfortable. But, unfortunately, there are often cases when a crack appears on a double-glazed window for some reason. Similar phenomenon won't make anyone happy. The first question the owner asks is: why did the glass break? Please note that urgent replacement of double-glazed windows is carried out by specialists using the link to the website http://oknovita.ru/.

Causes of cracks in double-glazed windows

There can be several reasons why cracks appear on window glass. Here are the most popular ones:

Glass defect.
Frame distortion.
Temperature changes.
Mechanical damage (impact).
Installation errors.

Any of these factors can cause a crack to appear in the glass unit of a plastic window, and if they are present in combination, this risk increases several times.

What to do if a double-glazed window breaks

Some owners of plastic windows, upon discovering a crack in the glass unit, panic. Out of ignorance, they think that they will complete replacement windows, and this again means repairs, all the inconveniences that it entails and, naturally, unforeseen financial costs. But this is not true at all. When glass cracks plastic window It is enough to replace just the double-glazed window. You can, of course, go the other way and replace only the damaged glass. But this method has significant disadvantages:

This work is quite labor-intensive;
it takes a lot of time to replace one glass;
it is necessary to find identical glass;
the tightness of the glass unit is broken, which will lead to the accumulation of condensation inside it (perhaps this is the most unpleasant drawback).

The process of replacing a glass unit

Replacing a damaged double-glazed window with a new one is a very labor-intensive task for those who are not familiar with such work. But the whole process will take a specialist a few minutes. Therefore, it is better to entrust such a procedure to a master who knows his business.

The first step is to remove the glazing beads from the window. To do this, use a wide chisel or shoe knife. Now the glass unit is removed using a plastic spatula and special suction cups. Adjusting pads must first be installed in the fold. Very important point: the lining must be located under all the glass panes of the double glazed unit. If the replacement takes place in a blind sash, one adjustment pad, which is placed in the middle, is sufficient.

When replacing a double-glazed window in an opening sash, two linings are used, which are installed at a distance of 10 cm from the edges. Then the glass unit must be aligned along the perimeter of the sealing rubber, for which the same plastic spatula is used.

The next stage is the installation of glazing beads, which is done in the reverse order. If, during dismantling, the long ones were removed first, then installation should begin with the short ones. Here you need to use a mallet or a plastic hammer.

The service was provided poorly - what to do?

Many clients of companies involved in the installation or repair of plastic windows have encountered the problem of poor quality service. It is quite understandable that the customer wants to receive partial or full compensation for the actions of negligent craftsmen.

Plastic windows (a glass unit burst)

But not everyone knows what needs to be done for this.

First, a client dissatisfied with the service must file a complaint, in which he must indicate his complaints and demand replacement or material compensation for the damaged property. The complaint must be completed in full form, that is, it must contain the details of the defendant, the name of the applicant, date, and basic requirements.

The document is written by hand in two copies; copies of receipts or warranty cards must be attached to it. The originals remain with the applicant. It is best to first try to resolve the conflict directly with the defendant company. But the customer’s claims are not always satisfied peacefully.

If the company does not admit its guilt and refuses to make compensation, the client with his complaint must contact the consumer rights protection society, which will appoint an independent examination. If the results of the examination are on the side of the plaintiff, he can go to court and, by its decision, receive appropriate compensation for the material damage received. In some situations, it is possible to file a claim for compensation for moral damages.

Repair of a broken glass unit

If the glass in the glass unit of a plastic window is cracked, then do not despair. Such damage can be repaired. If you contact a specialist, the work will be carried out as soon as possible. In winter, this damage is worth paying attention to special attention, since cold air will penetrate into the room, ice may form on the glass. At the same time, it is worth considering that during the work itself in the house you will have to endure a drop in temperature for some time.

Causes of cracks

The reasons for the appearance of cracks in double-glazed windows can be various factors. The most common one is mechanical damage. An accidental impact may cause a crack to appear.

Damage may be caused by improper installation of the plastic window. If, during window assembly, the glass unit was installed incorrectly in the frame, with an offset, this can lead to excessive load. This, in turn, leads to the appearance of cracks. Also, if the frame itself was installed crookedly when installed in the window opening, this may cause damage.

How to install a plastic window correctly, read the article Installing plastic windows: tips and recommendations.

If the glass in a plastic window breaks, the damage may be caused by thermal shock. This phenomenon is observed in the case of uneven heating of glass in the event of a sharp temperature change. Pressure differences can also lead to glass cracking.

If you close and open a window with strong pressure, constantly slamming, this also leads to a decrease in the strength of the glass, even to the point of cracking. Therefore, careful handling of the structure is important.

Only a specialist can determine the exact cause (with the exception of mechanical damage). To do this, the glazing beads are removed from the window structure and the window is examined.

If it's cracked inner glass, then everything is clear without consulting a specialist. Such a defect appears only in the case of poor-quality manufacturing of a plastic window or when it is installed incorrectly.

Repairing cracked glass

Most reliable way Repairing a crack in the glass means replacing the glass unit. It is recommended to replace the entire glass unit. This is due to a number of reasons:

Replacing just one piece of glass is a very complicated job that requires a significant amount of time: the glass needs to be separated from the glass unit, a similar material of the same thickness and size must be found, and then glued.
After removing one piece of glass, the tightness of the double-glazed window is broken. Inside it is silica gel, which loses its properties after the system is depressurized. This will lead to condensation constantly forming inside the glass unit.

When replacing the glass unit, these problems are eliminated. The master immediately determines the thickness and size of the double-glazed window and selects an analogue for it. Then a new node is installed.

However, in winter this method is accompanied by a number of difficulties. As a rule, replacement requires a certain amount of time: an inspection, a technician visiting the warehouse, selecting glass, returning to the installation site, and the installation itself. In severe frosts, this can lead to severe cooling of the room. However, there are no other ways.

If the plastic window has not yet run out warranty period, then you should contact the company that installed the window. This is especially true if the damage occurred due to a manufacturing defect or poor-quality installation of the plastic window. In such cases, repairs must be carried out free of charge.

Replacing just one piece of glass will also cost less than replacing the entire glass unit. And if you repair double-glazed windows yourself, then you only need to spend money on the material. However, the quality of the work performed will be questionable. In addition, the possibility of maintaining the integrity of the structure will definitely be excluded.

Some companies remove the entire glass unit and replace one glass in a production environment. In this case, special equipment is used, which allows further drying and resealing of the glass unit.

If you have a small crack, then you can live through the winter with a cracked double-glazed window.

Why did the glass unit crack?

A small crack can simply be sealed with transparent tape. This method is short-lived, but with a small defect it is quite acceptable. And it will allow you to survive the winter with a completely comfortable indoor temperature.

For more information about the design of plastic windows and its elements, read the article How to choose a plastic window design.

Damage Prevention

Cracked glass leads to additional costs, requires time and labor to carry out repairs. To prevent the glass unit from bursting, you need to prevent the possibility of damage. Of course, it is impossible to protect a window from accidental mechanical damage. The only option is to use impact-resistant glass. Can be installed in a double glazed window tempered glass or triplex. Such materials will last a long time and reliably; you need to make every effort to break such glass. It is much easier to limit yourself from other factors.

You need to order a window from a reliable company. You can learn about it from family and friends, from consumer reviews, etc. The production of plastic windows in such companies is well established, which minimizes the production of structures with manufacturing defects. Qualified specialists will carry out the work in full accordance with installation technology. In addition, products and services are guaranteed.

When operating the sash, it is necessary to open and close smoothly, without impacts or sudden movements. If over time the sashes have sagged a little, then they should be adjusted. It is also worth lubricating the construction mechanisms, so that the windows will work efficiently. You don't have to put in any extra effort to open them.

Do not heat the window too much or point it at it. hot air. For example, if work is carried out with a construction hair dryer, then contact with glass should be avoided.

Also find out the rules for the care and operation of plastic windows in this article.

Therefore, repair cracked glass in winter period not only possible, but also necessary. Decide which repair option fits better everything and with what forces it will be performed, independently or with the help of qualified specialists.

What to do if there is a crack in the window

A double-glazed window is a separate part of a wooden window in which the glass is hermetically sealed. If there is a crack, the tightness is broken and repairing it is not economically profitable for the customer and it is easier to replace it. Possible reasons appearance of cracks on glass:

Mechanical impact. This is the most common cause of cracks in windows. The crack may not appear immediately after the impact. A crack on the street side may appear due to a branch or some object thrown by the wind.
Temperature difference.
Why do double-glazed windows burst from the heat?

If a crack formed due to this reason, then most likely the company that installed the structure is to blame, because she chose the installation method incorrectly, without taking into account climatic conditions terrain.
Artificial temperature difference. This can happen if winter time years, when it’s below zero it boils on the windowsill electric kettle, thereby artificially creating a large temperature difference on different sides of the glass unit.
Wall displacement. When the house shrinks, problems with double-glazed windows in houses made of timber or logs are possible. In these cases, the window is made taking into account further shrinkage. The problem can only remain if the double-glazed window was made with a mistake in the forecast for shrinkage. Installation companies usually warn about possible problems associated with shrinkage.
Installation error. This type of problem is usually not immediately apparent, but can also cause cracking and other window problems.

If you see a crack in your double-glazed window that was not your fault, first check whether the warranty period for the design and installation has expired. If the warranty has not expired, then you need to contact the company that did the installation.

If the warranty period has expired, you will have to repair it yourself. It will no longer be possible to repair the crack, because... the glass unit depressurized and fell into humid air and the window will no longer fully perform its functions. To repair, the glass needs to be replaced. You can do this yourself or contact a company to carry out glass replacement and necessary repairs. If you do not know about window structures, it is better to call a specialist. First you need to determine the reason why the window cracked in order to avoid recurrence, and then begin repairs.

What to do if condensation appears inside a double-glazed window

If condensation or, in other words, moisture appears inside the double-glazed window, for example, after rain, then you need to contact the manufacturer or the company that carried out the installation, because the seal of the glass unit was broken. Complex diagnostics will be required to determine the cause. Actions should be taken depending on the diagnostic results. One of the reasons for this trouble may be a manufacturing defect. In order to remove this moisture, a desiccant is poured into the glass unit. Perhaps the manufacturer calculated it incorrectly required quantity desiccant. You should not delay this - when frost sets in, ice may form inside the double-glazed window. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be eliminated at home.

If condensation has formed due to the low thermal properties of the window, i.e. The glass and profile are not warmed up enough. In this case, you will have to replace the window with another wooden one or replace the double-glazed windows with double-glazed windows with a top coating (which reflects heat), which will be a cheaper option. If indoors high humidity, then this may also be the reason for the appearance of condensation inside the double-glazed window, then it is enough to ventilate the room more often.

If there is an installation error, moisture inside the double-glazed window does not appear over the entire area of the window, but in narrow stripes. This can be solved by sealing the seams that allow air to pass through, using polyurethane foam, or dismantling the window. You will have to remove it, clean it of the remnants of the old polyurethane foam, and install it again.

What to do if you find bubbles and scratches on a glass unit

If in installed window If you find bubbles, then you should not sound the alarm ahead of time. There are standards according to GOST, according to which a certain number of bubbles inside a double-glazed window is allowed. If the number of bubbles exceeds permissible norm, then you should contact the manufacturer for a replacement, because This is a manufacturing defect and the glass unit must be replaced under warranty. If after installation you find scratches in the glass unit, then it must also be replaced under warranty; scratches are not allowed for any brand of windows.

What to do if you find stains on the window

If you find rainbow stains or spots on the window that look like reflections on water that has got oil or gasoline in it, then most likely the glass was not washed properly during assembly. The surface of the glass may be contaminated during manufacturing, for example, with oil or a special liquid, which should have been removed immediately before assembling the glass unit. In case of such stains, the glass unit must be replaced under warranty.

Rainbow spots and stripes may appear for other reasons:

Corrosion of glass surface. Occurs when glass is improperly transported and stored. Must be replaced under warranty.
Defect in glass flatness. Rainbow stripes are visible on double-glazed windows with a special tinted coating; this appears when glass tempering technology is violated. If such stripes exceed the deviation allowed by GOST, then the manufacturer must replace the double-glazed window.
Spots on bottom surface glass is also considered a manufacturing defect.
Small iridescent spots, like “leopard skin” on tempered windows, visible from a certain acute angle are not considered a defect.
Rainbow rings on the surface of the glass may appear due to deflection of the glass. This can happen if technological processes in the manufacture of double-glazed windows. It is considered defective and must be replaced under warranty, because The thermal properties of the window will be deteriorated.

As you understand, there are quite a few reasons for the appearance of streaks on a double-glazed window, mainly due to a product defect and subject to warranty replacement. In each case, diagnostics will be carried out.

If the glass in a double-glazed unit cracks, and no external mechanical impact was recorded, then there is something wrong with the window structure. You can replace the product, but the problem will not be completely solved, and the unpleasant situation may recur in the future. This article will tell you in detail what needs to be done in such cases and how you can avoid deformations.

Why can a double glazed window crack?

This unpleasant situation can be caused by many reasons. So that after execution repair work something similar did not happen again, it is recommended to immediately figure out why the double-glazed window cracked. Typically, a violation of the integrity of this element can be caused by the following reasons:

critical shrinkage of the building, which caused a change in the shape of the window opening;
sudden temperature change;
seasonal deformation of low-quality profiles from which window sash elements are made;
violation of technologies for manufacturing and installing double-glazed windows;
a noticeable discrepancy between the pressure of the inert gas in the internal chambers of the glass unit and the atmospheric pressure;
installation of windows performed with gross violations.

To avoid controversial situations, it is recommended to invite independent specialists to conduct an examination who will accurately indicate the cause of the breakdown. After all, if this happened due to the fault of the manufacturer or the installation team, the integrity of the window structure must be restored. Naturally, many defective companies go to great lengths to avoid this, so customers must exercise caution.

What to do if a glass unit breaks

Some clients want to save money on restoring the integrity and functionality of window structures and decide to replace only the element that shows signs of visible damage. Although replacing one broken glass theoretically possible, it’s better to order and install a new double-glazed window. The specifics of repairing a damaged double-glazed window are such that the cost of restoring it will be slightly less than the price of a product made from scratch.

In addition, in situations where a double-glazed window is cracked or broken, it is unacceptable to try to resolve the issue yourself. Sometimes window owners seal the cracks with tape or seal them with clear silicone. These are all useless measures, since the double-glazed window will continue to deteriorate. If this is caused by serious deformations, the structure of the window frame may be critically damaged, so you should immediately call a specialist and act according to his recommendations.

For those who have not changed their mind about replacing only the glass, when repairing a double-glazed window, it may be necessary not only to install new glass, but also its other components. For example, spacer frames. This also needs to be taken into account, as well as the fact that expensive sealant is consumed in any case in almost the same volume as in the production of a new product.

How to avoid replacing double glazed windows

Statistics of such breakdowns indicate that in most cases troubles can be avoided. To avoid the need to replace a broken double-glazed window, it is recommended to take a more responsible approach to ordering windows. First of all, the company to which their production will be entrusted plays a huge role. After all, even at the stages of measurement and design, competent specialists foresee problems and give practical advice Here's how to best avoid them:

To ensure long-term operation, it is necessary to carry out installation in absolute accordance with the requirements of GOST, since these standards initially provide for the ability of window structures to compensate due to assembly seam minor and even moderate deformations.

What should the glass unit itself be like?

Energy efficiency is not the only requirement for double-glazed windows. By default, they should have a stable design and, as far as possible, a high degree of resistance to external influences. Two- and three-chamber modifications, as well as products made from triplex or tempered glass, have these qualities to a greater extent. The rigidity of the spacer frames chosen for production also plays an important role. Learn more about these

Sometimes owners of plastic windows come to us with the following problem - plastic window glass burst. As a rule, they do not know what caused this, because trouble does not always occur due to a blow from the outside or from inside.

If the glass in a double-glazed unit breaks, one of four parties may be to blame. We are talking about the owner, the company that carried out the installation, the manufacturer metal-plastic construction, or external factors. In short, the owner is to blame for using the window incorrectly or carelessly, the installation company made mistakes during installation, the manufacturer produced a defect, and external factors are beyond human jurisdiction.

Without delving too deeply into the whole philosophy of the issue, we will consider the most basic reasons due to which a double-glazed window can burst, without taking into account direct mechanical impact. In fact, there can be a lot of them, but we have identified 6 of the most common. So let's get started.

Incorrect installation of windows and double-glazed windows in particular

If you make a mistake when installing a metal-plastic structure, there is a chance that the window will be installed crookedly. Over time, the bevel will become even greater, and as a result, under the influence of mechanical pressure, trouble will occur, and then the owners will wonder why the double-glazed window in the plastic windows burst.

It is also worth noting that the installation of the double-glazed window itself is the final stage in the installation of the entire metal-plastic structure. And quite often masters at the finish line try to finish quickly. As a result, due to banal haste, they Insulating glass gaskets are installed incorrectly- these are special plates that are laid out along the perimeter between the double-glazed window and the sash. What happens? Due to the incorrect position of the gasket, due to its incorrect installation or due to its size, uneven pressure is created on the window. If a double-glazed window bursts from the inside, then the first thing you need to do is look for the reason here, and only then check other options.

Window frame offset

Sometimes it happens that the plane of the window frame changes. This usually happens due to an installation error. One of the corners of the window can be pulled either inward or outward. If not noticed in time, this will lead to the formation of a crack. The fact is that the glazing beads press the glass unit quite tightly. If it takes the shape of the frame, then most likely this will lead to the appearance of a crack.

Who's to blame? In most cases, the company that installed the metal-plastic structure.

Temperature shock

Some owners of plastic windows are interested in whether the warranty is valid if the glass unit bursts due to thermal shock. It is difficult to answer regarding the validity of the warranty, but if the window cracks under the influence of temperature differences, the fault lies with the installer company, which chose the wrong installation method. Temperature shock is the difference in temperature applied to window glass. For example, one glass of a double-glazed window can become very hot, while the other cannot. Can a double glazed window burst due to the sun? Theoretically, yes, it is possible. As a result of uneven heating, the glass will be deformed, and as a result, cracks may creep along it. However, it is not necessary to influence window design must be from outside. If, for example, there is a big minus outside the window, and you start boiling a kettle on the windowsill, then you can create the same temperature shock.

Especially this problem concerns aluminum windows. The fact is that in them the glass unit is surrounded by metal. That is, even the slightest vibration can be transmitted to the glass. If the distance between the glass unit and the frame is small, then the glass will gradually begin to crack until it bursts.

Defects in production

Quite often it happens that the glass unit was initially defective. That is, a small, invisible crack formed in it at the factory, which could only manifest itself during operation. Unfortunately, this also happens.

Defects in the form of unfastened screws

No matter how paradoxical it may sound, this type of defect, such as an unfastened screw, is a fairly common thing in plastic windows. Moreover, despite its harmlessness, it can bring a lot of trouble. Over time, the glass unit can shift, rest against the same screw, self-tapping screw, anchor and begin to gradually crack. As a result, the crack will reach the middle, and the owners will be perplexed as to why the glass in the double-glazed window burst.

Whether a double glazed window burst due to heat or for some other reason is absolutely irrelevant. Another thing is important - after a crack has formed on it, the window ceases to perform the functions assigned to it. Plus, the aesthetic appearance began to leave much to be desired. Is it possible to do something about this? Of course you can. With this question, you can contact our specialist, who will tell you in detail how and in what direction you need to move.

Plastic windows are not at all uncommon; they are installed almost everywhere, in private houses, apartments and other premises. And this is not surprising, since they have good characteristics and when installing a window, most people hope for a long service life.

However, various troubles can happen, for example, a double-glazed window may burst. There may be several reasons for this.

1. Causes of cracks in double glazed windows

Very often, the window may not be defective at all, it may be new, and the glass unit may not cause any complaints, but a crack may form.

The reasons for the fact that the glass unit burst, may be:

Temperature fluctuations. In most cases, if there is a large temperature difference between interior space And external environment, this may negatively affect the strength of the product. In any case, the glass may begin to bend inward or, conversely, outward, which leads to the formation of a crack. In addition, the cause of a broken glass unit can be very low pressure in summer period and too high in winter.
Mechanical impact from humans. Very often, people tend to place a large number of flower pots on the windowsill, and at one point they can be carelessly moved or dropped, which will lead to a crack in the glass. In addition, the cause may be excessive force when closing or opening the window.
Loads from the house structure. Quite often, installing plastic windows in new home, windows may crack because the house shrinks over a certain period of time, window frame is compressed and a crack appears. In addition, old houses are no exception; the walls in them can deviate and create pressure on the frame, which will also lead to a crack.
Ingress of various debris during strong winds and other atmospheric phenomena.
Incorrect window installation or manufacturing defect. At improper installation the window design may be skewed, or some inaccuracies may have been made during the manufacture of the window.

There are other factors that are very rare, such as window overheating.

2. How to protect yourself from cracks in double-glazed windows?

In order to prevent the window from cracking, it is necessary to determine in advance the factors that can affect this and prevent them in advance. In addition, there are a number of rules that can reduce the risk of a crack in a window:

When ordering a plastic window, you need to know that the frame ratio should not be more than 5 to 1.
When installing a window, it is important that the room temperature is not lower than 5 degrees, otherwise it is fraught with consequences.
When using the window, care must be taken to ensure that no significant mechanical stress occurs.

3. What to do if a crack appears in a double-glazed window?

In most cases, the window manufacturer is to blame for the appearance of a crack, so if there is the slightest crack, you must immediately contact the company that manufactured the window and carried out the installation. If the warranty does not pass, then the company must send its representative, who will determine the cause of the crack in the glass and replace the glass unit. In this case, you cannot remove the glazing bead from the window, since if it is damaged, the warranty will be void.

If the warranty on the window has long expired and a crack has occurred, then you need to replace the full glass unit by ordering it according to size and paying money for it, or repair the crack yourself.

Is it possible to live through the winter with a cracked double-glazed window?? It is possible only if the double-glazed window is double-chamber or more. In this case, the window will not fully cope with its functions, but the cold will not let in much.

3.1. Do-it-yourself double-glazed window repair

If there is no time to repair a double-glazed window, then you need to do the following:

This allows you to prevent moisture, dust and dirt from getting inside the glass unit through a crack in the glass, and will also allow you to repair the glass unit in the future without much effort.

When the time comes you can start repair of broken glass. To do this, first of all you need to order 4 mm cut glass required sizes. Then you can start disassembling the glass unit and replacing the glass:

Conclusion, conclusion

In case glass broke in a plastic window, you shouldn’t rush to extremes, you need to look at the warranty window or not, and if there is still a warranty, the manufacturer should produce free repair glass unit, or replace it with a new one.

Human. People also gave them higher value- it was believed that through the window of your house you can see the future, with their help you can ward off trouble or, conversely, inadvertently attract it into your home.

Good signs about windows in the house

Accidentally look out of the window dark time days and seeing light there is fortunate. Likewise, returning home in the evening and unexpectedly seeing light in the window is a sign of changes in life for the better.

Swung open by a gust of wind window sashes- to receive news soon.

If you want something to finally happen in your life... light stripe, “sweeten” it - throw a pinch of sugar through the window on Sunday morning.

If you are not happy with something in life, if you are tormented by constant illnesses or failures, look at your windows - if they are dirty, wash them as best you can and you won’t notice how life will change.

What not to do with windows

looking out the window at the funeral procession passing by. It is better to completely curtain the windows when she approaches, so that death does not inadvertently look into your window;
cutting new windows in an old house - a sign says that this can lead to the death of one of the household members;
look out the window at the full moon for a long time - the night luminary draws strength from a person;
looking out the window at night - you can see a ghost or evil spirits;
throw garbage out the window, pour out slops - on the other side of the glass there may be the souls of deceased ancestors who came to visit you;
entering the house through a window means illness;
closing the windows with blind shutters or curtains (including roller blinds) for the day - the house definitely needs sunlight and air, otherwise bad energy will stagnate in it, and household members will feel bad. But it is possible and even necessary to close curtains and blinds at night so that evil spirits do not enter the house;
build a house with windows facing north - the owners will never feel good in it. Best option- place window openings on the eastern side of the building;
leaving broken or cracked glass in a window is a gap in the protection of your home, through which water will immediately begin to flow. negative energy from outside. A person who lives in a house with cracked or broken windows will never be happy and healthy.

When asked whether it is possible to block up a window in a house, we also receive the answer that this should not be done, otherwise there will be trouble. The meaning of the sign “putting up windows in the house” can be neutralized if you visually completely hide the former window opening - that is, do not leave it simply covered with bricks or blocks, but plaster it, paint it the color of other walls, cover it with panels, etc.

Signs about the weather

The behavior of the weather was also judged from the windows. Thus, it was believed that if the windows become covered with droplets of moisture in the cold, then a thaw is just around the corner. And if on February 4 the window panes were painted with beautiful frosty patterns, this meant that winter would remain in its rights for a long time.