Outdoor Polycarbonate Convex Mirror — HDPE Plastic Back

Polycarbonate Lens with High-Density Polyethylene Backing

Polycarbonate convex mirrors combine a polycarbonate lens with high-density polyethylene backing. If you weren't aware, they are constructed from the same materials that bulletproof glass is made of, with an impact resistance 250 times stronger than glass (acrylic is 15 times stronger).

Acrylic lenses are rigid and practical in most situations. Still, if you place safety mirrors where vandalism may occur or shattering/breaking simply cannot happen, polycarbonate is the right choice. We have experience with customers who've had their mirrors hit with a sledgehammer, and they did not break. We won't go as far as to say they are indestructible; anything can be, but this is as tough as it gets in the mirror world.

Polycarbonate convex mirrors are renowned for their exceptional durability, making them the ideal choice for safety and security purposes. The material used in their construction is the same as used to manufacture bulletproof glass, underscoring their robustness.

The strength of polycarbonate is remarkable, with an impact resistance that is 250 times stronger than that of glass. This is significantly more durable than acrylic, which is only 15 times stronger than glass. Though acrylic is robust and practical for many situations, it does not have the same level of durability as polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate mirrors are, therefore, ideal for areas with a risk of vandalism or where the mirror absolutely must not shatter or break. In such circumstances, polycarbonate's resilience is unrivaled. We can draw from our experience with customers who reported that their mirrors withstood being hit with a sledgehammer without breaking.

While it would be an overstatement to claim that polycarbonate mirrors are indestructible - as anything can break under the right conditions - they are undoubtedly the toughest option available in the world of mirrors. Their superior strength and durability make them the top choice for situations that demand the highest level of safety and security.

High-Density Polyethylene Backing is a Better Convex Mirror Choice than Galvanized Steel

Even though galvanized steel costs significantly higher than high-density polyethylene backing (heavy-duty plastic), we always do our best to steer our customers toward HDPE backing. HDPE is a durable, long-lasting backing material that will last a lifetime. It provides protection against wind, rain, water, and saltwater.

This is the same material NFL football helmets and commercial-grade toilet seats are made of. At 1/8'' of an inch thick versus 20 AWG galvanized steel (for steel backing mirrors), you get a better bang for your buck and a thicker barrier to protect your lens with a much lighter weight. In addition, over time, extreme heat and cold, with slight warp galvanized steel, will affect the mirror. HDPE will not do this. Finally, there is the cost. The galvanized steel is significantly more expensive than the heavy-duty plastic backing for convex mirrors.

Choosing the Right Mounting Brackets for Your Polycarbonate Convex Mirror

Scrolling below and looking at the different mirror options, you will see "z-brackets" and "telescoping brackets." Although the metal material of the z-bracket is okay for outdoor use, the z-bracket does not provide the give-and-take your mirror will need for outdoor mounting. In addition, the z-bracket is a one-size-fits-all bracket and does not do as well for larger mirrors. That's why you won't see it offered with some of the larger mirrors.

If you mount your convex polycarbonate mirror outdoors, always use a "t" bracket with a telescoping, adjustable arm. If your mirror is 26'' or larger, I recommend a double telescoping mount with a triple mount if you expect above-normal wind conditions. To help you understand mounting in more detail, I invite you to visit our support page for additional information on convex mirror mounting options.

The heavy-duty plastic backing comprises 1/8'' High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This is rigid and resistant to most chemicals, salty air, water, and moisture.

• The heavy-duty plastic backing comprises 1/8'' High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This is rigid and resistant to most chemicals, salty air, water, and moisture.
• The plastic back mirror's lighter weight does better in windy conditions than the steel's. Over time, the galvanized steel will deteriorate, while the HDPE backing will not.
• The HDPE plastic mirror backing is significantly less expensive than steel
• HDPE is resistant to most chemicals.
• HDPE is great in extremely & hot weather conditions. Steel will expand and contract more than HDPE.