What does crazing refer to in the context of glass after a fire?

Crazing in the context of glass after a fire refers to the development of a complicated pattern of cracks that may occur on the surface of the glass. This phenomenon is often attributed to the rapid heating and cooling that glass undergoes during a fire event.

When glass is exposed to intense heat, it can expand unevenly, leading to thermal stress. As it cools down, particularly if the cooling is also uneven, these stresses can result in a network of fine cracks—this is the crazing effect. The cracks may not penetrate through the entire thickness of the glass but can significantly impact its structural integrity and appearance.

Recognizing crazing is important for fire investigators as it can provide insights into the fire's intensity and duration, helping them further analyze the fire's behavior and effects on the materials involved. Other terms like complete shatter, discoloration, or fogging would refer to different types of damage to glass that do not capture the specific characteristic of crazing, which is noted for its intricate crack patterns.