An acrylic security mirror is a special type of mirror that is not made of glass at all. The reflective silver paint that is normally painted onto a piece of glass to create a mirror is instead applied to a plastic sheet, called acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate). They are usually available in sheets that can be sold as is or cut to the shape that you require. They are measured out and installed along walls or used as security devices on a ceiling or a dome shaped mirror. The acrylic can be cut to a 3 mm or a 6 mm thickness.
Advantages of acrylic over glass
The biggest advantage of an acrylic security mirror over one that is made of glass is that it is more resistant to breaking. They are not only lighter because they are based on plastic, but they are also stronger and can resist shattering and impact more often. In situations where glass would be unsafe (such as in nurseries or gyms), acrylic mirrors make a perfect surface that cannot be broken as easily as glass and is not a safety hazard.
Here are some of the businesses and institutions where you might find an acrylic security mirror:
- schools, universities
- gyms, dance studios, changing rooms, public swimming pools, shower rooms
- bathrooms, bedrooms
- stables, horse boxes, farms
- portable urinals, caravans and gardens
Convex mirrors made with acrylic
Acrylic security mirror brands that are made in a convex shape are also commonly found in both indoor and outdoor venues. They are light weight and are much cheaper than glass mirrors and are also much more difficult to break in case of vandalism. Because of this they are commonly deployed in outdoor situations where glass mirrors would be broken frequently or might be a safety hazard. They can also be used at intersections, traffic lights and other locations on the street such as pedestrian crossings or school crossings as they are more weather resistant than traditional glass mirrors.
In modern cars, they are also used on the rear view and the side mirrors.
The following are some of the locations where you might consider installing an acrylic security mirror:
- convenience stores
- retail establishments such as department stores
- offices
- homes
- churches and community centers
- car parks/parking lots
- service stations and gas stations
- traffic lights, intersections and pedestrian crossings
The acrylic security mirror is often treated with a hardboard backing if it is to be used in an outdoor situation to provide extra resistance against the elements. If a mirror is going to experience constant wear and tear, then there is also a type available that has a steel backing. Heavy duty stainless steel provides extra protection against rain, snow and other forms of precipitation.
Integration with other security systems
Mirrors can be integrated with other security systems, such as a motion detector or an entrance alert. If you have an acrylic security mirror set up opposite a doorway that has an entry chime on it, then you will instantly be able to see who is coming into the store when the chime goes off, even if you are at a different angle to the door.
