If your bathtub is looking a little past its prime, you may be considering your options. Cracks, dirt, rust and chips can all conspire to make your tub a less-than-relaxing spot. What should you do? You can replace your tub, of course, but that’s an expensive and time-consuming option. Alternatively, if the damage is cosmetic, you can refinish your tub to make it look brand new once more.
Here’s how to decide whether tub refinishing or replacement in Phoenix, AZ is right for you.
Refinishing your bathtub
Refinishing your bathtub is also known as reglazing, recoating and resurfacing. This is best for tubs that just have cosmetic issues like minor cracks, chips, stains and other surface problems. It’s not a permanent fix, but it can help you get years’ worth of enjoyment out of an otherwise old and outdated tub.
The refinishing process is easy. A tub refinishing contractor will come to your home and sand down the existing surface to make it smooth. Any cracks or chips are filled in and smoothed once again. Then the surface is primed and coated. You’ll need to wait 24 to 48 hours after the process to use it again, but once the new surface has cured, you’re good to go.
This option is far less expensive than replacing your bathtub entirely, but keep in mind that it can only be done once. When you have an old tub or just want to spruce it up on a short-term basis, refinishing is a great option.
Replacing your bathtub
If your bathtub is suffering from major damage like cracks, sinking and undefeatable grime, it might be time to scrap the whole thing and start fresh. As you might imagine, this is far more expensive. First, you’ll need someone to remove your existing tub from the bathroom and haul it away for disposal. This often involves removing wall tile and may require plaster or sheetrock repairs at the same time. If there are plumbing issues or your new tub requires different fixtures, that will add to the cost.
Next, there’s the cost of the new tub itself, which can range from budget fiberglass options to heavier porcelain or cast iron tubs. If you choose a heavier tub, you will probably need to add structural reinforcements, especially if the tub is being installed on an upper floor. The average cost runs about $3,000, but the benefit is that you can take the opportunity to totally renovate your bathroom at the same time if you want to. If you hate your old tub’s size or shape and plan to stay in your home for a long time, this is a good solution.
Knowing when to replace or refinish your bathtub in Phoenix, AZ is basically dependent on the damage to your tub and what your renovation goals are. For a fast, flawless finish on lightly-damaged tubs, refinishing is a great option.
Homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to bathtubs, but if you’re looking for a basic, practical and affordable option, you can’t do better than a fiberglass bathtub in Phoenix, AZ. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of fiberglass bathtubs to ensure you fully understand what to expect from this type of tub:
Easy to install: Fiberglass tubs are significantly lighter weight than other materials, which makes them much easier to install. They usually do not require additional floor support, making them a good choice for second- or third-floor bathrooms. Porcelain, stone and cast iron tubs are much heavier and may require special construction to ensure stability.
Affordably priced: Fiberglass is usually the most affordable bathtub option there is, even more so than acrylic. If you’re doing a quick renovation or just need an easy and inexpensive choice, you’re sure to find a fiberglass option in your budget. Other tub materials might last longer, but if that’s not your main concern, you’ll find plenty to love with fiberglass.
Can be refinished: Even though fiberglass doesn’t last quite as long as porcelain, stone, cast iron and other tub materials, it can still easily last a decade or more—and if it starts looking dingy, you can refinish the tub. This gives your tub a brand-new appearance for at least two to three more years. Whether you plan to sell or upgrade later, refinishing your tub is a low-cost way to keep your bathroom looking fresh for a longer time.
Not as durable as other tub materials: As the previous sections discussed, fiberglass simply doesn’t last as long as other tub materials, but many homeowners find this to be a decent trade-off for its low cost, easy installation and easy refinishing process. If you’re planning on installing a tub that will last forever, fiberglass isn’t the best choice—but if you just need something that looks nice, functions properly and can be easily repaired, it’s great.
Can have an inconsistent surface: When you’re looking for a fiberglass tub, keep in mind that the surface can be inconsistently finished. Fiberglass tubs are made by forming several layers of material and pressing them together, then spraying the tub with a resin finish. This can lead to inconsistencies in the coating, which doesn’t look as nice as other options. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you see the tub you’re getting before it’s installed. Of course, if the finish starts degrading after installation, refinishing is a simple and affordable process.
Fiberglass tubs are a great option for homeowners on a budget, especially if you’re making over a guest bathroom that won’t get used as often. They’re a popular choice across the nation thanks to their low cost and quick installation process.
If you have a fiberglass tub in Phoenix, AZ that has seen better days, let the crew at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. take care of it. Call today to learn about your refinishing options.
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.
So, you’ve recently restored your porcelain or fiberglass bathtub—congratulations! Now that it’s looking fresh and new, we bet you want to keep it that way. Professional bathtub refinishing can add years to your tub’s lifespan, especially if you care for it properly.
Here’s how to take the best care of your “new” tub so that it stays looking clean and restored for years to come. If you have any questions, be sure to ask A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.—we’re the experts on bathtub maintenance in Phoenix, AZ:
Wait for the curing period to conclude: Your bathtub refinishing will include a curing period, during which the refinished covering will have the opportunity to fully set. It takes about 90 days to cure completely, although you’ll be able to use your tub within 48 to 72 hours of the refinishing process.
Clean and caulk the faucet: Keeping errant moisture away from your tub ensures that you won’t have to deal with water damage or erosion. Check the caulking every month or so to make sure there are no problems developing.
Scrub with gentle cleaners only: Liquid soap or body wash is one of the gentlest ways to clean your tub—simply scrub and rinse away for a clean, fresh tub. You can also ask your tub refinishing team what kind of cleaners they suggest. As a general rule, stay away from abrasive soaps, brushes and cleaning tools. They will scratch the shiny new finish and make it harder for you to maintain your tub’s new finish.
Wax every one to three months: Much like your car, your bathtub needs to be waxed—and you can even use car wax to do it. About a week after your tub is refinished, wax it for the first time. Then wait a month and do it again in order to keep the finish looking brand-new. Simply take auto wax and apply it according to the directions, buff with a soft cloth and rinse away. Be sure to buff gently, as you don’t want to scratch the finish with too much elbow grease.
Repair chips right away: If you notice chips in your finish, repair them before they get worse—you can either have a professional come repair them, or get a porcelain repair kit from the hardware store. As a general rule, the bigger the chip, the more likely you’ll want a pro to handle the repairs, unless you don’t care whether it looks good (but if you’ve just had your tub refinished, we suspect attractiveness is on your mind).
Avoid suction cups: Non-slip bathmats and other items with suction cups are great to keep you from slipping, but hot water can react with the suction cups and damage your tub’s finish. Avoid using these in your tub.
Keep surfaces dry: Finally, wipe down your tub after using so the surfaces remain dry, and never leave washcloths or sponges lying in the tub.
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. performs bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ—call us today to get started with an appointment.
Eventually, all of our home fixtures will wear out at one time or another. Bathtubs are not immune—sometimes they can be refinished, but at others, it’s more prudent to replace your bathtub entirely. How do you know when you need to get a new tub, or when you can get by with bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ? Read on to find out.
When to replace your bathtub
The first thing to evaluate is how bad the damage is. Is your tub cracked? Is it buckling from repeated weight? Is it leaking from its drain or supply lines? That’s a sure sign that you need to go ahead and replace it with a brand-new tub. Otherwise, you could see water damage to your floors, walls and ceilings if left unattended.
When you notice these serious issues with your bathtub, you need to get it fixed right away. Try not to use the tub if you can avoid it—otherwise, you’ll be increasing the likelihood of more costly repairs to the surrounding room.
When to refinish and repair your bathtub
If your tub’s damage is minor, like dents, dings and discoloration, you can have the tub refinished and complete any necessary bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ. Both fiberglass and porcelain tubs are good candidates for refinishing, and they can often leave your tub looking like new. If your tub is otherwise in good shape, refinishing it can add new life to the tub and extend its lifespan by several years. It’s a much more economical option than simply replacing your tub—you’ll avoid needing to hire a contractor to rip it out, install a new one, fix the walls and pay for landfill fees and demolition services.
Refinishing a bathtub is a simple process that takes very little time from start to finish—you can start using your bathtub in as little as 24 to 48 hours after it’s refinished. First, the contractors will strip the caulking and remove the hardware like faucets, drains and more. Then they lightly sand the surface so that the new glaze can stick. If there are still dings and dents, they’ll fill those first so the glaze goes on smoothly.
Next, the contractor will prime the bathtub, which can require several layers. The primer needs time to dry in between. Then they’ll spray on several layers of a top coat. Depending on the top coat used, the contractor may need to come back to buff the tub before it’s finished, but many top coats are good to go as soon as they’re cured.
After the top coat is applied, it will need a period of time to cure. At that point, you’ll be able to use your tub once again, and it will look just like new.
In short, when your tub has major damage, you’ll need to bite the bullet to replace the entire fixture. However, if it just has cosmetic damage, you can hire a contractor for bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ.
When your sinks and tubs need a facelift, call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.
