Fiberglass is a flexible material, which makes it a great and affordable option for showers and tubs. However, overtime fiberglass can become brittle which makes it easier for it to chip and crack. Fiberglass showers can also crack if they were installed improperly or without enough support.
In most cases, a fiberglass shower will need to be replaced after 10 or maybe 15 years at the most. If you use lots of harsh or abrasive cleaners and chemicals, the shower is likely to wear out and need replacing even sooner.
Bottom line is that acrylic is a stronger material than fiberglass. Acrylic tubs effectively resist wear and tear for years on end, while fiberglass is prone to scratching and cracking.
Create a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. If your fiberglass shower is especially grimy, prewash it with several drops of dish soap, like Dawn, mixed with 2 cups of warm water prior to applying your vinegar wash.
They're attractive tubs that are easy to install and repair. However, they are also prone to damage if you aren't careful. Specifically, they can become cracked or chipped, which damages their appearances and can undermine their structural integrity.
It is critical to safeguard the components beneath against vapor and water damage. Fiberglass-coated gypsum board eliminates the need for any type of moisture barrier. In this instance, even so, a concrete backer board may be ideal. This is because it is more durable and stronger than a gypsum board.
It can strip the top, protective layer off of the. fiberglass creating hard to remove stains. It can even. cause the fiberglass to yellow.
Bleach will destroy the resin in the fiberglass, so you don't want to rub it on the bathtub or shower wall. Ammonia is safe on glass fiber, so it is a viable option. This is particularly good at removing watermarks.
Porous surfaces are also more prone to staining and attracting mold and mildew growth. Shower materials that are easier to clean are therefore those with smooth and nonporous surfaces such as glass, fiberglass, and acrylic.
For shower walls that are easy to keep clean, consider investing in porcelain, ceramic, PVC laminate, or even glass. Depending on the material, there is a wide variety of colors, patterns, tiles sizes, and shapes to complete the renovation project.
Acrylic shower bases are long-lasting and stain- and scuff-resistant, all at a reasonable price, especially considering their lifespan. Fiberglass bases may be more affordable, but they show signs of wear earlier than acrylic bases.
Durability. Ceramic tile is one of the most durable materials you can choose for your shower. It will stand the test of time against daily wear and tear, and with the right grout and regular care, ceramic tile will be fairly low maintenance.
Fiberglass can easily bend under weight because it is very flexible. Improper support and pressure from frequent use and harsh cleaning detergents can cause cracks after some time. Also, dropping heavy objects in the bathtub can cause dents and small divots.
Since they are often in contact with water, you may very well find mold in showers from time to time. Though it does not grow directly on fiberglass, mold and mildew are both fungi that can grow on dirt, soap scum and grease on the surfaces.
Some people insist that there's no better method for cleaning your fiberglass shower than to use a magic eraser. They recommend that you use an oven cleaner with the magic eraser. In as little as 10 minutes or so, which includes soak time, all of the scum comes off and all that's left is a clean shower.
Bar Keepers Friend cleans porcelain, tile, fiberglass, and more. Our products have even been known to save customers from having to replace their tubs and shower tiles. It's often considered one of the best bathtub cleaners.
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. “Lime-Away” may be used for hard water mineral deposits.
If you can catch the oxidation early, or that's all you have available, vinegar might do the trick. However, it's best to find a quality restorer and wax that you can trust to remove the oxidation and provide protection in the future.
Shower bounce usually means water infiltration.
The squishy, spongy, bouncy feel typically means water is caught between the new liner and your old shower/tub.