Can you break up a Fibreglass bath?

Author: Dr. Jabari Lind  |  Last update: Friday, March 21, 2025

The tool of choice for many who must cut a fiberglass tub is a sawzall tool. Set the tool so it will cut only 1/8 to 3/8-inch, since fiberglass is a thin substance. A smooth blade with 14 to 18 teeth is ideal, but you may want to experiment. Watch for any electrical or plumbing lines and be sure you avoid nicking them.

How to cut up a fibreglass bath?

It's acrylic. A heat gun and a disposable utility knife will cut it up it it is not fiberglass reinforced. Get it hot and pliable and cut it. If it's reinforced with fiberglass, that won't work. You need to cut it with abrasive methods. For quiet purposes, hand saws work well.

Can a fibreglass bath be repaired?

Bath Repairs

Whatever the damage and whatever the surface: enamel, steel, plastic, or fibreglass. We've got the skills and expertise to make your bath right again. We can fix any material and our professional finishers will ensure the exact colour and texture is matched to make the reconstruction blend in perfectly.

What is the lifespan of a fiberglass bathtub?

It's one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install. This super lightweight material is commonly used in two-story homes because there is no need to install additional support between the bathtub and the floor. Fiberglass tubs have a life span of 10-15 years.

How heavy is a fibreglass bath?

Visual and Physical Differences

A standard acrylic tub can weigh around 100 pounds, while a fiberglass tub typically weighs around 70 pounds. If you can access the tub's underside or lift it slightly, this can be a helpful indicator.

Breaking Up a Cast Iron Tub: Which Tool is Best?

Do fiberglass tubs crack easily?

Most common causes of bathtub cracks

Some material such as fiberglass is highly flexible, meaning it will bend if weight it placed on it. If this sort of material is installed improperly or without additional support, overtime the weight pressure will cause cracks to form.

How much weight does a fiberglass bathtub hold?

On average, acrylic bathtubs can support the following weights: Standard acrylic bathtubs: 300-400 lbs (136-181 kg) Reinforced acrylic bathtubs: 400-600 lbs (181-272 kg) Acrylic freestanding bathtubs: 550-1000 lbs (250-454 kg)

What are the cons of fiberglass tubs?

On the negative side, fiberglass tubs are thin; they flex and don't have a stable feel; they're not very durable; and the finish is prone to fading, scratching and cracking. Personally, it's one of my least favorite materials.

Is it worth replacing a fiberglass tub?

At the end of the day, why you should replace your fiberglass tub or shower revolves around prioritizing your comfort, safety, and long-term satisfaction. A worn-out fiberglass fixture is more than just an eyesore—it can also pose potential health and safety risks.

Can fiberglass tubs grow mold?

Also, because fiberglass is porous, it can hold water, which allows mold and mildew to grow. High-maintenance: A fiberglass bathtub requires a bit more work to keep looking its best.

How much does it cost to repair a fiberglass bathtub?

Most bathtub chip repair will cost $195 to $300 and $25 per chip after that using epoxy products, and matching a custom tub color costs an additional $25. If your bathtub has extensive damage beyond small chips, scuffs, and scratches, you may be considering a full reglazing.

Can you resurface a fibreglass bath?

You can resurface most materials of baths, including acrylic, plastic, fibreglass and cast iron, but there can be risks involved in DIY resurfacing kits. And with the right care and the right enamel providers and experts, your enamel can last years.

How to tell if a tub is fiberglass or acrylic?

  1. Fiberglass: Run your hand across the surface. Fiberglass often feels lightweight and slightly rough in areas where the finish might have worn down over time.
  2. Acrylic: Acrylic tubs are known for their smooth, glossy finish that feels solid and polished.

Is it safe to cut up a fiberglass tub?

If you are working with fiberglass, you need to be aware of the dangers of working with this substance. Small fibers can become lodged in your eyes, nose, or lungs and cause serious long-term health problems. Therefore, before you cut fiberglass you should dress properly. Always use eye protection.

How to break up a bathtub?

Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to cut past the enamel and into the cast iron itself. The dual aim: Less sledgehammer force, and more control over where the tub breaks. Swing that hammer: With your PPE on and prep work done, start beating on the tub.

Is it safe to cut up fibreglass?

Wear gloves and long sleeves — Fiberglass is made up of tiny, thin particles of glass. They can become airborne as fiberglass insulation is cut. Without proper protection like gloves and sleeves, the fiberglass can get stuck in employees' skin and cause irritation, pain, redness and swelling.

Can you fix a broken fiberglass tub?

When these scratches and cracks are left untreated, they'll certainly grow larger or deeper which can then lead to more problems. With the use of a fiberglass tub repair kit, you can easily fix these cracks and scratches without any trouble.

Can Bathfitters go over a fiberglass tub?

Bath Fitter has a system to replace your worn out or cracked fiberglass unit. We manufacture a custom acrylic unit to replace it to custom fit the same space as your old unit.

Is it cheaper to resurface or replace a bathtub?

Resurfacing a bathtub costs an average of $459 while replacing a tub costs an average of $3,020.

What should you not use on a fiberglass tub?

A: The nice thing about fiberglass tubs and showers is that no matter how dirty they become, they are fairly easy to clean. Be careful not to use any abrasives on the fiberglass, such as scouring pads, steel wool or gritty cleaning solutions. “Soft Scrub” may be used sparingly on soap scum buildup.

What are the problems with fiberglass?

Exposure to fiberglass can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause itching and irritation when the fibers get stuck in the skin.

How heavy is a Fibreglass bathtub?

A standard acrylic bathtub tips the scales at around 100 pounds, while a comparable fiberglass model weighs only 70 pounds. So if you're installing a tub upstairs, a fiberglass one is easier to carry.

How much does it cost to replace a fiberglass tub with a shower?

Tub to shower conversion costs homeowners an average of $3,000 but typically ranges from $1,200–$8,000. See which factors will impact your total cost.

Can a bath hold two people?

Regarding the dimensions of the perfect two-person bathtub, you'll want to look for a unit measuring approximately 1500mm-1800mm x 700mm-800mm. Select a double-ended bath, as this will mean the taps and plug are positioned in the centre of the tub, with both ends sloped to allow for two people to bathe together.

Can you cut a fiberglass tub to make a walk in shower?

Most contractors are also equipped to cut through different bathtub materials, including acrylic, cast iron, and fibreglass. Our team uses a reciprocating saw or grinder to smoothly cut through the wall, then we measure the interior and cut the step insert to match (if adjustments are needed).

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