Mirror Mirror on the wall...

[Rando]

OK... I think just about every topic has been posted and resolved from this board. Time to move away from politics...



Here's my problem... I'm remodeling my kitchen and I have this mirror (about 7'x11') glued to my wall. I've called a few (well several) glass companies and they don't "salvage" mirrors and they want to charge a fortune to remove it. I got 2 actual qoutes to remove .$150 and over $200. Buying and installing a comparable mirror is about $4 to $500. It would be a shame to just break and throw away the mirror. I've searched on many options on how to doit-yourself including piano wire and googone. All suggestions advise EXTREME caution as the mirror can break at any moment and slice you like a Honeybaked Ham.

1: anyone know someone who would need/want a mirror that size? Near my area of course.
2: anyone got any other ideas on how to remove it?

Oh and I also have a bathroom vanity mirror 8'x3.5' The former owners really loved mirrors

I'm in the Mission Viejo (So Cal) area

TIA

Randy

[concentric]

Originally posted by Rando

1: anyone know someone who would need/want a mirror that size? Near my area of course.
2: anyone got any other ideas on how to remove it?

Oh and I also have a bathroom vanity mirror 8'x3.5' The former owners really loved mirrors

I'm in the Mission Viejo (So Cal) area

TIA

Randy

Can't help you with the removal, but if you put the mirror in the Freebies section of the Recycler, someone might come pick it up for you. Recycler advertising is free for private parties.

Jason

[Zeke]

7 x 11 is a huge mirror and it weighs a ton. A buck fifty is not too much to pay for two men and equipment (suction cups, glass gloves, etc.) and a truck. I assume they are going to haul it away whole or in pieces. I install windows for a living and glass is freaky dangerous. I've never known a glass man that didn't have a big scar somewhere. No one is going to come to your house for a mirror that large. And you don't want any amatuers in your home. It has to go on a glass truck with glass rack. Le the pros do this one.

[Rando]

Thanks guys,
Have to admit the thought of a non professional coming into the house and possibly killing themselves... Hmm... no thanks. Seems a shame to me that even thought I don't like or want the mirror that it's going to get smashed up and put in the dump. Oh well.

Thanks agagin.

[MFAFF]

That's a biggggg mirror.

Getting it off in one piece will be 'almost' impossible...
Do you know how thick it is?

The thicker the better, but if its normal thickness then even the pros will have job not breaking it.

What ype of wall is it 'stuck' to?

[Rando]

Yeah I know... it basically covers the entire "eat in" dining area wall (drywall/gypsum). My guess it's 3/8 or 1/2 in thick. Haven't measured that part.

I'll be sure to be fa fa away when they come take it down. What's the saying? One mans trash is anothers treasure... oops I got it backwards one womans treasure is this mans trash he he he.

[RickM]

I have several of these mirrors in my house....5 x10s actually.
To remove I supported the face of the mirror with a frame made from a couple of 2x4s and few cross members. I then used a long thin prybar to gently wedge the mirror away from the sheetrock. When it comes free from the wall two helpers walk the mirror back to the floor which is supported by the frame. It's not easy.
I have a stack of these puppies in an unused room. Wonder if I can get them onto the ceiling...lol.

I was going to call a couple of glass places as well for the mirrors and for a few very thick plate glass windows I'm going to remove....Hmmm

The local Want-Ad press type publication is probably best for getting rid of them. Maybe make a few bucks as well.

[johnco]

be very careful with glass and mirrors. 3 years ago I fell against one, slicing a chunk of meat as big as my hand on my calf. I've only got partial use of my right foot due to nerve damge. took a split second to do but a lifetime of problems. but I do have some gory photos of the cut and stitches. and one more war story to tell

[vash]

you dont want to stack a bunch of them up against the wall, if they are not tempered glass. you can load a sheet with internal stresses and that could be very dangerous.

cliff

i have seen some pros do it. they dont save the mirror. they tape it up and break it out. safer.

[UconnTim97]

I'm sure that would make a great ceiling mirror....lol

[Moneyguy1]

If you have it removed, consider having the wallboard itself sliced off as well. It provides backing support for the mirror should it break, and replacement wallboard is inexpensive and relatively easy to do. I have had to remove a few, albeit not quite that big (up to 4 x 6)

The adhesive they use is really tough stuff. I tried wire, solvents, and found the above was the easiest. But with one that big, I think it is time for the professionals. I may be crazy, but I ain't stupid....