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Re: How safe are mirrored closet doors?

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Windows and Doors
Date: 10 Dec 1999
Time: 21:36:27
Remote Name: 205.188.192.153

Comments

Mirrors are made from plate glass and are therefore subject to potential breakage just like windows. However, there are several factors that influence the durability and breakage resistance of mirrored wardrobe doors. These include:

1) Mirror thickness. Inexpensive wardrobe doors are typically made from 1/8" glass (3 mm) whereas quality doors such as those found in more upscale homes are made from 1/4" (6 mm) select float plate glass. The thicker glass offers significantly more strength and can provide a surface free of ripples or distortion.

2) Frame construction. Frames can be made of steel, wood, or extruded aluminum. The quality of the frame, its overall thickness, and the corner attachment details can affect the stability of the door.

3) Backing. Most wardrobe mirrors have some type of backing to provide tensile strength to the mirror. For example, the wardrobe doors made by Contractors Wardrobe at http://www.contractorswardrobe.com use a "multi-layer white Polylam safety backing" over 7.0 mil thick. Not only does this backing help to prevent the mirror from accidental shattering, but it seals out moisture to prevent de-silvering.

4) ANSI Standards Conformance. The American National Standards Institute at http://www.ansi.org developed a safety standard in 1984 called "Glazing Materials Used in Buildings, Safety Performance Specifications and Methods of Test." The standard number is ANSI Z97.1-1984 (R1994).

Be sure your mirrored doors meet this safety standard. A label on the back side of the doors should attest to meeting this ANSI standard along with Consumer Product Safety standard 16 CFR 1201 Category II. If you don't see a label, consult the manufacturer and ask for safety test reports for your model number.

As a rule of thumb, most mass-market mirrored doors tend to use 3 mm glass (1/8") to keep prices as competitive as possible. However, any quality vendor or local glass shop can order 1/4" glass at a price premium.

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