After a certain amount of time, any bathtub—no matter how well you care for it—will start to show signs of wear and tear. Your bathtub might be a place for relaxation and solitude, but it takes a beating over the years.

When you start to notice cracks, dents and other wear, it’s time to recruit a professional for bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ. Most fiberglass tubs can be refinished to make them look and feel brand-new once more.

Why bathtubs crack

Bathtubs typically see two different types of cracks: hairline cracks and stress fractures. Stress fractures tend to be larger, but make no mistake—if you ignore cracks in the bathtub, they will worsen over time. The bigger the crack, the more likely it is that water will leak underneath your tub and cause structural damage, mold and other homeowner’s nightmares. Here are some things to avoid:

• Harsh chemicals: If you’ve been using harsh cleaners to scrub your tub, you might be doing more harm than good. Harsh chemicals erode the glossy finish, which contributes to faster degrading. Eventually, the bathtub will start to crack.
• Lack of support: Your fiberglass tub is durable, but if there isn’t enough support underneath the floor of the tub, the material can start to flex and bend. Eventually, your tub will bend, particularly if you stand in the same spot for a shower every day. The more your tub bends, the faster you’ll notice cracks forming.
• Heavy objects: Finally, dropping heavy objects in your tub is the fastest way to see cracks form. Accidents happen, but they can leave behind damage. To mitigate this possibility, try to keep all heavy items away from your tub, including the sides and shelves above the tub. You’ll be much less likely to drop or knock things over that way.

How to fix your cracked tub

When you notice bathtub cracks in Phoenix, AZ, it’s important to take care of them right away. Some cracks can be repaired with DIY kits from your local home improvement store, but you risk an ineffective and unattractive result. Some cracks are so large or lack so much support that you’d be better off replacing the entire tub.

The best option for repairing your cracked fiberglass tub is to hire a professional company to fix the cracks and refinish your tub. In addition to restoring old, grungy tubs, refinishing does wonders for hiding the evidence of cracks, chips and other problems. This tends to add years to the overall lifespan of your tub and is much cheaper than paying to remove and demolish your old tub in order to install a new one.

When you opt to refinish your tub, you’ll also benefit from the company’s expertise—they will be able to recommend ways to ensure your tub doesn’t crack again, including preferred cleaners.

Don’t let your tub cause water damage and other problems in your home. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. to discuss bathtub crack repair in Phoenix, AZ.