Good call on sealing the mirrors—regular indoor mirrors outdoors are usually a recipe for disaster. A couple things I'd add from experience:
- Silicone caulk definitely helps, but make sure it's specifically rated for outdoor use. Some indoor silicones degrade pretty quickly in sunlight and temperature swings.
- Even under cover, humidity can still creep in. I've had better luck adding a coat of outdoor-grade paint or primer to the back before sealing. It gives an extra barrier against moisture.
- Also, mounting them slightly tilted downward helps water run off instead of pooling around the edges. Learned that one the hard way after a mirror started rusting at the bottom edge.
Honestly, though, if you're not into regular maintenance or checking up on them every few months, outdoor-rated acrylic mirrors might save you some headaches. They're pricier upfront but hold up way better long-term.
I've actually had decent luck using regular mirrors outdoors without sealing—just mounted them under a deep overhang. Been up for almost three years now, no rust or moisture issues yet. Maybe climate plays a bigger role than we think?
"Maybe climate plays a bigger role than we think?"
Climate definitely matters, but I'd say placement and airflow are just as crucial. I've installed standard mirrors outdoors a few times, and the ones tucked under deep eaves or porches always fare better. Moisture buildup happens mostly when there's limited airflow or direct exposure to rain. Curious though—did you mount yours directly against the wall, or did you leave a small gap behind for ventilation? I've found even a tiny gap can make a noticeable difference over time...
"Curious though—did you mount yours directly against the wall, or did you leave a small gap behind for ventilation?"
I learned this the hard way myself... mounted mine flush against the wall initially, and moisture was a constant headache. After adding just a small gap, things improved noticeably. Placement really does matter.
I went with a small gap from the start—mostly because I overthink everything and spent way too long reading horror stories online, lol. Glad to hear my paranoia paid off for once... moisture issues sound like a nightmare.
