Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Consumer Guides

Replace a Mirror

Mirror basics: No longer relegated to the bathroom medicine cabinet or the inside door of a clothes closet, mirrors now stand alone, to be valued like other decorative art works. Heirloom or antique frames may be given new life with the addition of a custom mirror, and conversely, a good-quality mirror may be fitted with a new frame.

Custom, cut-to-order mirrors can be used to cover surfaces such as walls or doors. Some polished mirrors are embellished with techniques such as stone-ground beveling (cutting at an angle) and these beveled edges result in beautiful decorative pieces.

Scratched mirrors: If your mirror is scratched, try this do-it-yourself tip before calling a service professional: Rub a little toothpaste into the scratch. (Normally gel-type pastes are not as effective as regular pastes.) Polish with a soft cloth. Or try mixing one part dry mustard and one part white vinegar into a paste. Apply paste to the scratch. Polish with a soft cloth. Avoid eye contact; dry mustard can damage your cornea.

Mounting: Knowing how your mirror is mounted and the type of mirror it is will help your service professional give you a more accurate estimate. For instance, there are two time-proven techniques for mounting a mirror: brackets and adhesion. With brackets, you have four or more metal units that clip onto the mirror and screw into the wall. The bracket method is popular because it’s fast, easy to clean and reversible if you change your mind.

Adhesion: Adhesion requires a liquid glue you apply to the back of the mirror. When you place the mirror against the wall, it sticks. Adhesion works best in small places; however, it’s more or less permanent and requires professional expertise to remove with minimum damage to the wall. Small repairs to the wall may also be necessary if a glued mirror is removed.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Mortgage Prequalification and Preapproval
Renting or Buying: Advantages and Disadvantages
Single Family Homes

Appliances

Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Critiquing a Floor Plan
When to Expect a Free Bid
Residential Designer

Carpentry & Cabinets

Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops

Cleaning Services

The Importance of Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Fireplace Efficiency
Fireplaces
Tuck-pointing

Consumer Guides

Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System

Design Ideas

Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Air Conditioners
Tip: Electrical Safety
Surge Protectors

Expert Advice

Install a Front Door
Insulating a Crawl Space
Air Quality

Flooring

Hardwood Inlay
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout

Handyman Services

Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro
Checklist: Fall Maintenance
Checklist: Biyearly Maintenance

Heating & Cooling

Understanding Boiler Radiator Systems
Installing Central Heating
Checklist: Cold Weather Survival Tips

Home Construction

More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Panelized Homes
Do Homework Before Building a New Home

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Tennis or Game Court Facts
Metal Fencing
Masonry Materials

Moving & Storage

Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Finding a Truck Rental Service
Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Other Services

Assessing Storm Damage
Tents for a Special Occasions
Checklist: Protect Your House from Fire

Painting & Staining

Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting

Plumbing

Tip: Drain Clearing Service
Tip: Repair a Septic System
Frozen Pipes

Quick Tips

Tip: Basic Bathroom Remodeling Tips
Tip: Repair Your Own Roof
Tip: Radon Testing

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Install Roofing Snow Melt Protection
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

“Upgrade Batt, Rolled or Poured Insulation “
Tip: Insulation Basics
Nicotine Stains on Walls and Ceilings

Windows & Doors

Basic Door Lock Information
Installing the Correct Blinds or Shades
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades

copyright 2008 Realty.com