I’ve been looking into a new bath mirror, as well as it seems that it may not live as simple as selecting a design that yous similar. A lot of people tell that a bathroom mirror needs to be made from tempered glass. Now, tempered drinking glass mirrors are obviously going to live more expensive than a regular mirror, and then I did some earthworks to find out just what is required too what is recommended.
I’k going to take y'all through the International Residential Code (IRC)—not the whole affair!—only the parts well-nigh bathroom mirrors. Then nosotros can expect at the necessary differences and the possible differences betwixt bathroom mirrors too regular mirrors.
Section R308.three of the IRC says bathroom mirrors must live tempered if they are placed inward a hazardous topographic point or they are not mounted on a firm wall. Most regular mirrors are not tempered. Bathroom mirrors tin likewise come up amongst extra blueprint features, like anti-fogging tech, waterproof frames, too inward-built lighting.
You Decide the Differences
There are many options for y'all to take nether consideration when it comes to a bath mirror.
For the almost office, you lot are inward control over what type of mirror yous install; even regular mirrors are an choice. So, what decisions volition determine the differences betwixt a regular mirror and your bath mirror? There are 2 primary ones:
- Where is the mirror going to hang/stand?
- Do y'all want particular features?
Differences: Mirror Location
Technically, at that place make not have to be whatsoever differences between a regular mirror together with a bathroom mirror. However, there is often at to the lowest degree i departure: bathroom mirrors are more than probable to live made from tempered drinking glass.
Some people will tell you that this divergence is a “difficult in addition to fast dominion”, i.e., that bath mirrors have to live made from tempered drinking glass, but this is non really true. It actually depends on where the bathroom mirror is positioned.
What Does the Code Say About Mirrors?
Section R308.3 of the IRC covers man touch loads inward consider to glazing. Here is what it states:
“Individual glazed areas, including glass mirrors in hazardous locations such every bit those indicated every bit defined inward Section R308.4, shall pass the exam requirements of Section R308.3.1.”
We volition talk over these other two sections in a instant, but first, I desire to betoken out that already this means that whatsoever mirror not located in a defined hazardous place does not have to live specially designed or tempered inwards society to live installed inward a bathroom and nevertheless be code-compliant.
Then, at that place are 3 exceptions to the dominion in Section R308.3. The applicable exception in our case states:
“Mirrors as well as other drinking glass panels mounted or hung on a surface that provides a continuous backing back up.”
This agency that a mirror mounted onto a solid wall, as is typically the instance inwards bathrooms, volition non have to adjust to the requirements of Section R308.iii.ane.
It is tempting to translate this exception to farther supposed that if the mirror is mounted onto a firm wall inward a hazardous location, then it nevertheless does non postulate additional fortification.
However, this does non brand reasonable feel, every bit you will see in the next section, as well as all mirrors hanging inward hazardous locations, fifty-fifty if they are on a solid wall, should pass away the affect exam.
What Is a Hazardous Location?
Section R308.four.one covers glazing inwards doors, as well as Section R308.four.ii covers fixed glazing (like a mirror) next to doors. Applying these to a mirror, nosotros tin can order that the following locations are hazardous:
Location ane:
- The mirror is located on any swinging, sliding, too bifold doors.
This is considered to be a hazardous place because the mirror is constantly moving, increasing the chance of damage.
Location 2:
- When the bottom of the mirror is less than threescore″ (1524 mm) to a higher place the flooring.
The argue this is considered to live a hazardous place is because things depression to the floor are more than at take chances of existence kicked, bumped past pets, etc.
Location iii:
- The mirror is located on the same wall equally the door AND
- The mirror is within 24″ (610 mm) of either side of the door itself.
The argue why this is a hazardous location is that the door could swing open up in addition to hitting the mirror, causing it to shatter. Additionally, if the door was slammed, it could movement noise inwards the wall, too the mirror could live bounced off the wall.
Location iv:
- The mirror is on a wall that forms an angle of less than 180 degrees amongst the wall that the door is inwards, AND
- The mirror is inside 24″ (610 mm) of the hinge side of the door AND
- The door swings inwards.
The argue why this is a hazardous place is that the door could swing against the mirror, causing it to shatter.
Location five:
I would similar to suggest another hazardous place, although this one is a petty more upwardly for interpretive argue when it comes downward to it.
Section R308.4.iii covers fixed glazing inwards windows. Mirrors are non installed every bit windows in bathrooms. However, in that location is a signal that I mean we tin can apply to mirrors based on logic together with reasoning.
- Wherever the exposed expanse of the mirror drinking glass is more than than ix sq. ft. (0.836 1000two).
The reason that I suggest this is an applicable hazardous place is that near mirrors are larger than ix sq. ft. Larger panes of glass, or mirrors, are heavier in addition to thus more than vulnerable to falling. They are also larger targets, and if smashed, they can make a lot of unsafe debris.
What Are the Mirror Test Requirements?
Section R308.3.ane indicates that mirrors should live tested according to CPSC sixteen CFR 1201.
CPSC stands for Consumer Product Safety Commission, and CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations.
I am non going into the examination details hither, just mirrors located in hazardous locations together with those which are not mounted onto a solid wall necessitate to buy the farm an touch on exam too an accelerated environmental exam. Both tests are all nigh prophylactic.
Now, equally you tin imagine, it is non a viable effort to exam every mirror! So, how make nosotros become about this? The answer is elementary: a mirror made out of tempered glass.
Tempered drinking glass, if made correctly, tin can withstand Category II bear on tests (400 human foot pound touch on examination), and it is exempt from accelerated environmental testing; so, it is the perfect pick for bath mirrors.
Differences Based on Mirror Location: Final Thoughts
I would similar to betoken out hither that these rules regarding mirrors are not really specific to bathroom mirrors, although it can live tardily to brand that assumption because the IRC section on glazing speaks a lot near shower doors, hot tub enclosures, etc.
However, equally I mentioned before, bath mirrors are more than likely to be tempered than regular mirrors. There are iii reasons for this:
- Bathrooms are more likely to live of a size that necessitates installing a mirror inward a hazardous location.
- People are more than likely to fall or sideslip inwards a bathroom because of the “moisture-floor constituent”.
- Furthermore, they are more probable to live inwards a country of undress when slipping occurs, eliminating the protection that article of clothing would ordinarily render.
This makes shatterproof drinking glass a really skillful idea in bathrooms.
Differences: Special Features
Now nosotros get to the more obvious differences betwixt bath mirrors too regular mirrors.
There is no doubt that bathrooms oft involve specifically designed equipment. After all, they real easily prepare a climate of their own—a moist and warm climate.
Moreover, they serve a really specific role.
Bathroom Mirrors Counter Moisture
You’ll have to pay extra for it, simply you can buy bathroom-specific mirrors that accept built-inward anti-misting technology. Regular mirrors make not have this characteristic.
The major benefit of anti-misting bathroom mirrors is convenience. No more than waiting for the mirror to clear up before you lot tin shave or place on your makeup. No more than ugly streaks that look when you lot effort to wipe the condensation off of the mirror alongside a towel. Bliss!
I take written countless articles revolving around extractor fans in addition to the terrifying results of hapless bathroom ventilation, merely the truth is that no thing how effective your ventilation system is, anything inward your bathroom volition live subjected to prolonged too repeated exposure to moisture (steam).
This is why many bathroom mirrors accept a frameless design. Regular mirrors more frequently come in frames.
Alternatively, bathroom mirrors are set up inwards wet-resistant frames, piece regular mirror frames tin live made of wood in addition to metallic that have non been treated to withstand the high levels of wet that be inwards a bathroom.
Function-Oriented Bathroom Mirrors
Regular mirrors are only that—regular mirrors. Their function is to reflect an ikon of whatsoever is inwards front of them.
Bathroom mirrors, on the other mitt, are often decked out with bells in addition to whistles that brand them ideally suited for bathroom activities.
Mirrors alongside built-inward illumination are most frequently designed for function in bathrooms equally they create perfect task lighting for shaving, putting on makeup, inserting contact lenses, etc. Check out the mirror pictured below; it is a frameless mirror amongst anti-fog applied science, too built-inwards lighting, peculiarly aimed at bathroom role.
OONNEE 26×eighteen Inch Led Mirror for Bathroom ,Wall-Mounted Vanity Mirror alongside 3-Colors Lights,Waterproof too Anti-Fog (Horizontal/Vertical)
- 【LED long-life bath mirror】 New applied science five-layer argent-plated high-Definition mirror, corrosion complimentary & environmental friendly ensuring clear, undistorted reflection. 26x18 inches is...
- 【Smart dimming】Chip applied science stepless dimming. The brightness of the LED makeup lighted bathroom mirror can be adjusted from 10% to 100% of its lumen by long pressing the power push. And you...
- 【IP44 Waterproof in addition to Anti-Fog】The anti-fog part controlled past independent button tin continue the mirror clearly visible inwards the humid as well as foggy bath environs.You tin can run across a clear reflection...
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Last update on 2023-04-xv / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You besides become bath mirrors that come up equipped alongside a plug betoken for an electric razor, hairdryer, etc. This is not a characteristic inwards your criterion mirror.
Furthermore, because H2O in addition to electric appliances are non the friendliest of combinations, the wiring of these mirrors in addition to the installation instructions volition live specifically tailored to brand them safety to function inwards bathrooms.
Summary: Differences Between Bathroom and Regular Mirrors
| Bathroom Mirrors | Regular Mirrors |
| More likely to live tempered | Less probable to live tempered |
| Often equipped amongst anti-fog technology | Seldom equipped alongside anti-fog applied science |
| No frames or moisture-resistant frames | Wood in addition to metal frames |
| Often have built-inwards illumination | Do not accept built-in illumination |
| Can menage electric sockets for electrical razors | Are not wired at all |
Sources
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/bath-mirrors-different-other-mirrors-101239.html
https://www.plumbworld.co.uk/web log/bath-mirror-buying-direct
https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2012-title16-vol2/CFR-2012-title16-vol2-part1201