Maintaining your shower and tub is crucial. Over time, fiberglass tubs may begin showing signs of wear and tear, including small cracks or holes that require repair.
If you’ve recently discovered an issue with your tub, fear not! While all repairs and bathroom plumbing issues should always be handled by a professional (as they’ll have the know-how and the right tools on hand), this article will go over what they’ll do to get your tub back in tip-top shape. Our goal is to offer guidance to ensure you’re in the loop about what to expect when it comes to repairs.
So, let’s dive in!
Identifying and assessing damage in fiberglass tubs
To assess the damage to your fiberglass tub, a professional will start by inspecting for visible signs of wear and tear.
Cracks are common and can vary in size. They may appear as tiny hairline fractures or larger, more noticeable splits. Don’t ignore even the smallest crack, as it can quickly grow and cause significant leakage issues down the line.
Next, they’ll look for chips. These are areas where the tub’s surface has been gouged or worn away, often leaving a jagged edge and noticeable color blemishes on the tub’s surface. Chips can be caused by dropping heavy objects in the tub or simply from regular use over time.
Lastly, they’ll keep an eye out for other types of damage. This could include discoloration, peeling, or bubbling of the tub surface. They might also notice areas of mold or mildew, particularly in the corners or around the drain.
Determining the extent and severity of the damage
Before beginning any repairs on a fiberglass tub, assessing the extent and severity of damage is a must-do. This can help determine what materials and work are necessary to make the necessary repairs.
Minor damages like small cracks or chips often require only a simple patch kit, time, and patience. If the damage is isolated to one part of the tub, this is often an indicator that it can be resolved quickly through simple repairs.
However, if there are multiple areas of damage or deep cracks that require repairs, this could be an indicator of more serious underlying issues. This could involve structural weaknesses in the tub or continuous water seepage causing extended deterioration. The repair might be more complex in such cases.
Discoloration, peeling, or bubbling may be telltale signs of age and wear-and-tear damage on tubs, which, while sometimes addressable with refinishing kits, may signal that their useful lives have ended.
Fiberglass tub repair techniques
Repairing minor cracks and chips in your fiberglass tub may seem daunting, but with professional help, your tub will look brand new!
Below is a guide detailing the step-by-step that a professional will follow.
Step 1: Gather the necessary materials
It’s important to gather all the appropriate tools for the task at hand before commencing. This will include:
- A fiberglass tub repair kit (containing a two-part epoxy mixture, fiberglass cloth, and application tools)
- Sandpaper
- Clean cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
Step 2: Clean the damaged area
Start by cleaning the damaged area thoroughly with a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol. This removes any grime or body oils that could prevent the repair material from adhering properly.
Step 3: Apply the fiberglass cloth
Cut a piece of fiberglass cloth from the repair kit to cover the damaged area. This cloth acts as a backing for the repair, providing additional strength to the patched area.
Step 4: Mix and apply epoxy
Next, mix the two-part epoxy according to the instructions on the kit. Apply the mixed epoxy over the fiberglass cloth, covering the entire damaged area. Make sure to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the epoxy with the application tool.
Step 5: Sand the repaired area
Once your epoxy has set (usually several hours or overnight), you can sand the repaired area using coarse-grit sandpaper to smooth out its surface and eliminate any high spots. Gradually switch over to finer grit sandpaper until achieving an even surface.
Step 6: Clean and polish
After sanding, clean the repaired area with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Finally, polish the tub with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner to restore shine to the repaired area.
Even if you consider yourself to be an experienced DIY enthusiast and the process looks easy on paper, if the damage to the tub is extensive or structural integrity is compromised, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance.
Precautions to take during the repair process
While repairing a fiberglass tub, taking certain precautions is important to ensure safety and avoid any further damage. Here are some key precautions that must be followed:
- Wear protective gloves to avoid direct contact with the repair materials
- Work in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator mask to prevent inhaling any harmful fumes
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper application and drying times
- Avoid using the repaired tub until the filler is fully cured to prevent any damage to the repair
Why you should hire a professional
When it comes to repairing a fiberglass tub, the benefits of hiring a professional cannot be overstated. Here are some key advantages:
- Quality repairs: Professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of fiberglass tub repair. They can provide high-quality, durable repairs that will last for years to come
- Time-saving: Hiring professionals means you don’t have to spend time researching and experimenting with DIY techniques. They can complete the repairs quickly and efficiently
- Expertise and experience: Professionals have extensive experience working with various types of fiberglass tubs and addressing a wide range of problems. They understand the best techniques and materials to use to ensure a successful repair
Looking for plumbing repair? Contact Plumb-Tech!
Maintaining the longevity and appearance of your fiberglass tub requires timely and efficient repairs. Minor and extensive damages necessitate the expertise of a professional.
If you need assistance with any plumbing fixture, advice, or recommendations, don’t hesitate! Contact us today!
