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.
These hairline cracks are caused from movement of the tub. Fiberglass tubs expand and contract when changes in temperature and weight is applied to them. Over time the movement causes stress cracks which are normally just on the surface.
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.
Your fiberglass tub is a beautiful and durable plumbing fixture. It is relatively stronger than the traditional ceramic and metal tubs and more beautiful, too. However, with constant use and abuse, it will eventually incur cracks, scratches and get chipped off as well.
You can expect to pay an average of $100 to $350 for a repair of a cracked fiberglass tub or shower, plus the cost of the fiberglass tub refinishing service.
A variety of fibreglass-based structures are prone to cracking. These range from (but are not limited to) yacht, dinghy and canoe hulls, car body kits and spoilers.
That means your acrylic replacement bathtub will look and feel brand new for years. Long lifespan: The average acrylic tub can last up to 20 years or more. That's longer than the lifespan of a fiberglass tub, which typically needs to be replaced after 10-15 years.
Even if it seems like it only impacts the bathtub's surface, a small crack can eventually lead to a damaging leak. Regardless of where the crack is located, water may seep out of it, which could damage the materials on your bathroom floor. Getting cracks fixed quickly is necessary to keep repair costs low.
The advantages are low cost, light weight, ease of installation, and a finish that can be repaired. 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.
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.
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.
Cast iron is the most durable and longest-lasting type of bathtub you can buy, and vintage cast iron tubs are very popular. However, if a cast iron tub is too cumbersome to get to a second-floor bathroom in your home, an enameled steel tub is the next best thing.
Push Test: Gently push on the sides of the tub. If it feels flexible and has some give, it is likely fiberglass. Acrylic tubs are more rigid. Magnet Test: If you're still unsure, use a magnet.
Crack repair:
Fill the crack with epoxy, smoothing it out with a putty knife. Allow it to dry, then sand it until smooth.
Cutting a Fiberglass Tub for Removal
You will likely need to cut a fiberglass tub into pieces to remove it from the bathroom, particularly if it is a one-piece tub and surround system. Cut the tub into as large a piece as you can safely take through the bathroom door.
You'll pay between $200 and $800 to install a new fiberglass bathtub.
Broken bathtubs are common in circumstances where the tub insert is not properly supported on the bottom. Because the relatively thin fiberglass is flexible, it can succumb to stress cracks after some time from supporting a person's weight.
Yes, Depending on Your Tub. Refinishing a bathtub is more cost-effective than replacing it. The average cost to refinish a bathtub is $490, compared to $5,700 to replace it. Refinishing can fix minor cracks, scratches, and discoloration.
Most common causes of bathtub cracks
There are three main reasons why cracks tend to form in, bathtub materials which is lack of support or if the material is flexible, damage from heavy objects and damage from heavy cleaners.
While they don't threaten your home's structural integrity, water can still make its way into these hairline cracks and seep through the wall.
A fiberglass bathtub can last anywhere from 10 up to 15 years or longer. They are an affordable option and easy to install. You'll pay less for these types of tubs because the materials used to make them are thinner, but this makes them more susceptible to leaking and cracking as time goes by.
Cast iron bathtubs are the most durable and are made by pouring molten iron into a shaped mold. The mold is then smoothened and coated with enamel. The tubs are resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting, and they can last as long as a house.
Fiberglass blisters occur because water passes through the gelcoat. Water soluble chemicals inside the laminate exert an osmotic pull on water outside, and some water molecules find a way through the gelcoat. As more water is attracted into the enclosed space, internal pressure builds.