Rochester · Kent
Bespoke Mirrors in Rochester
Mirrors with black edges in Rochester cannot be restored, but we can measure and replace them with new mirror bonded using a compatible adhesive to protect the silver.
- ME1
- ME4
- ME5
- Guide from £205
Wardrobe mirror doors in Rochester
Black edges, often called edge creep, are corrosion of the silver layer, usually started by moisture or cleaning fluid getting into the edges, or by an unsuitable adhesive. Once the silver has corroded it cannot be restored, so the mirror has to be replaced.
Templating lets a mirror follow sloping ceilings, curved alcoves, skirting lines and fitted furniture. Cut-outs for sockets and switches are marked on the template, and the faceplates are removed and refitted so the mirror sits neatly behind them.
The price depends on mirror size and thickness, the number of panels, the edge finish, tint or low-iron glass, safety backing, cut-outs and the fixing method. Gym walls, very large single sheets and difficult access also affect cost. See the guide prices for typical ranges.
Mirrors must be bonded with an adhesive made to be compatible with mirror backing. Some general-purpose adhesives and acidic sealants can attack the protective coatings and the silver, causing dark patches that spread from behind. We only use mirror-compatible products.
What's included
- Safety backing film where the position calls for it
- Cut-outs and drilled holes for sockets, switches or fixings
- Survey, measuring or templating of the wall or recess
- Mirror cut to size with your chosen edge finish
Local details for Rochester
- Postcodes covered
- ME1, ME4, ME5 and the surrounding area, including Chatham, Strood and Gillingham
- Coast
- Rochester is about 4 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are worth planning for. Mirrors are fitted indoors, but salty, humid coastal air can still reach the silver backing through exposed edges, particularly in bathrooms and near entrances. Protected edges, a compatible adhesive and good ventilation all help prevent black edge corrosion.
- Daylight and sun
- In Rochester the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.6 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.4 hours in midsummer. A mirror opposite or beside a window reflects daylight deeper into a room, which helps dark north-facing spaces through winter. Low direct sun on a large mirror can cause glare, so its position and any tint are worth considering.
- Access and setting
- Older rural homes often have uneven walls of stone or lime plaster, which can distort a bonded mirror unless the wall is levelled or a backing board is used. Damp solid walls also need checking before a mirror is fixed to them.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Rochester
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Polished mirror, 1200 × 900 mm | £205 – £265 |
| Safety-backed mirror, 1800 × 1000 mm | £365 – £465 |
| Gym mirror wall, 4000 × 2000 mm | £995 – £1,295 |
What you can choose
Safety-backed mirror
Mirror with a bonded backing film that holds fragments together if it breaks, recommended for doors, full-height mirrors, gyms and children's rooms.
Tinted mirror
Grey or bronze tinted mirror that softens the reflection and adds warmth or depth, often used as a feature wall or in hospitality spaces.
Heated demister pad
A thin heating pad bonded behind a bathroom mirror to keep an area clear of steam, wired in by a qualified electrician.
Bespoke Mirrors in Rochester: questions
What edge finishes can I choose for a bespoke mirror?
The main choices are a flat polished edge, a bevelled edge and an arrised edge. Polished edges give a clean, frameless look and suit mirror walls, bevels add an angled border that catches the light, and arrised edges simply take off the sharpness where a frame or channel will hide them. Bevel width can usually be chosen too.
How should I clean a mirror without damaging it?
Spray glass cleaner onto a soft, lint-free cloth rather than directly onto the mirror, then wipe and buff dry. That stops liquid running down and soaking into the bottom edge, which is where black edges usually start. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh chemical cleaners, and dry the edges after cleaning in bathrooms.
Can I have a bespoke mirror in a bathroom?
Yes, provided the room is well ventilated and the mirror is protected from standing water. We use mirror that meets the relevant standard for internal use, bond it with a compatible adhesive and keep edges away from splashes where possible. A heated demister pad can keep part of the mirror clear, wired in by a qualified electrician.
Why do mirrors go black around the edges?
Black edges are corrosion of the silver layer behind the glass, usually caused by moisture or cleaning fluid getting into the edges, or by an adhesive that reacts with the backing. Bathrooms are especially at risk because of steam. The damage cannot be reversed, so the mirror needs replacing, ideally with better edge protection and a compatible adhesive.
Do you cover Rochester for bespoke mirrors?
Yes. We can quote for bespoke mirrors across Rochester and the surrounding Kent area, including postcode districts ME1, ME4 and ME5, and nearby Chatham, Strood and Gillingham. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Rochester
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.