Removing Mirrors Safely

How Mirrors Are Mounted

Mirrors are generally installed using 1 of 3 methods.  Most commonly, they are adhered to the wall using some form of “glue”.  Mirror mastic is the best and most commonly used as other adhesives can eat the backing off the mirror.  Make sure you check your labels before using something to stick a mirror to a wall, other than mirror mastic.  The second most common way to mount a mirror is with J channel.   That is the long metal strips at the bottom and top that the mirror rests in.   Mirrors can also be mounted to walls using clips.  Often people will use some combination of these three methods.

Check for Adhesive 

Regardless of how your mirror is attached, the most important thing to remember is that whatever the mirror is sitting on is holding the weight of that mirror.  Often times people think the mastic or glue holds the mirror to the wall, but the truth is, whatever the mirror is sitting on is holding the mirror up and the glue and clips are keeping the mirror from flopping off the wall.  I have heard numerous horror stories of people removing their backsplash only to have the mirror come crashing down on them.  The best way to check if the mirror has an adhesive on the wall is to press in and out gently on the mirror.  If it vibrates or moves then there is no adhesive, if it does not budge then it is probably glued.  

Removing a Mirror with No Adhesive

If there is no adhesive, then your mirror will come out by removing the top clips and lifting the mirror off the wall.  You will need a special suction cup or you will chip the mirror lifting it off the bottom clips.  A suction cup is also needed to evenly set the mirror back in place and avoid chipping.  A chipped mirror can quickly turn into a crack and the mirror you are holding will turn into a giant guillotine when it separates in your hands.  Standard mirrors are ¼” thick and weigh approximately 3.5 pounds per square foot and because of the silvering on the back produces razor sharp breaks when it cracks.  Every experienced glazier holds mirrors with a higher amount of respect than any other glass.

Removing a Mirror with Adhesive

If the mirror is adhered with glue, then the mirror can only be removed with a special suction cup.  The procedure is quite simple.  You put the cup on the mirror, pull as hard as you can, and pray that the mastic rips the sheet rock off the wall before the mirror breaks.  The good news is that if the mirror breaks, then the glue holding the broken pieces keeps it from falling off the wall.  The bad news is that even if you save the mirror it now has dried mastic on the back, old paint, water damage, and probably won’t fit back into the new opening when you are ready for it. 

Call a Professional

Mirrors should be removed by professionals.  Yes you can do it, even without the right tools, but is it worth it?  Mirrors are cheap, emergency room visits are not.  Call a professional.  Ace Discount Glass and Doors has several expert technicians, and we will be glad to help you remove and reinstall a new mirror for a great price.