Winter's effect on mirrors
Canadian homes swing from bone-dry January indoors (30% humidity, thanks to central heat) to muggy summer (60%+). Cheap mirrors don't handle that range. Symptoms of failure include: black spots forming around the edges (de-silvering), warped or bulging frames (MDF absorbing moisture), and rust bleeding through paint.
Materials that survive winter
- Powder-coated iron frame — the coating fully seals the metal against humidity swings.
- Safety-backed tempered glass — the film on the back protects the silvering from moisture penetration.
- Welded (not bolted) corners — bolted joints loosen with thermal expansion.
All Salkala Decor arched and window pane mirrors meet these three specs.
Placement — avoid the cold wall
Never mount a mirror on an uninsulated exterior wall in winter. The temperature differential causes condensation to form behind the mirror, which eventually ruins the silvering. Interior walls are always safer.
If you must hang on an exterior wall (bathroom, for example), add a thin foam board behind the mirror as a thermal break.
Care tips
- Wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth — never with paper towel, which scratches.
- For the frame, dry cloth only. Water on iron frames can eventually cause rust if the powder coat is scratched.
- Never use ammonia-based cleaners on the frame — they dull powder coat over time.
Shop our winter-safe wall mirror collection — 1-year frame warranty, 30-day returns.
