If there are cracks in your bathtub’s floor, the good news is that, in most cases, you don’t need to replace the whole tub. You could try to do it yourself, but this isn’t a great idea. Often with DIY projects like these, you end up creating more problems than you solve. In an effort to save money in the short run, you actually lose money in the long run if the job isn’t done properly.
Instead, you should hire a local expert for shower repair in Glendale, AZ. A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC specializes in fixing cracked fiberglass tubs. Here are some things to know before you get started.
The importance of repairing a cracked shower
You may think that leaving a crack alone is no big deal. Sure, shower cracks are ugly, but who’s going to be looking in your shower that closely anyway? Well, the reality is that beyond the cosmetic issue, cracks in the tub are liable to do serious damage to your home’s foundation.
When a repair professional comes in, that means you’ll be able to get to the root of the problem. It could be issues with caulking, loose tiles, structural deterioration or poor materials.
Inspecting the area
Take a look at the crack in the shower floor. Does the floor flex around the crack when you put pressure on it? If it doesn’t, this is a good sign. If it does flex, then that means there may be an issue with the shower pan. Poor construction could mean that the shower pan will need to be repaired or replaced. This will be a more major repair.
Maintaining the shower
The professionals from A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC have taken care of everything in terms of repairs. Regular maintenance can help prevent future problems from popping up. Here’s what we recommend:
To ensure that the repairs are fully set, don’t use your shower for 48 hours afterwards.
When cleaning the shower, don’t use abrasives, scouring pads or harsh acids. This will help you avoid ruining the shower floor.
Sometimes dust particles will attach to the surface while it is still drying. No need to pick at it or try to solve it yourself. These will work out on their own as you continue to use and clean the shower.
Avoid using removable bath mats with suction cups.
It’s also good practice to regularly clean your shower. We recommend using cleaners like Lysol Tub and Tile, Dow Tub and Tile, Fantastis, 409 and bleach with a bit of water.
Shower repair in Glendale, AZ has never been easier with help from A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC. Over the last four decades, we’ve proven ourselves to be the leader in bathtub and shower refinishing services in the Phoenix area. Our trained experts do all manner of bathroom repair, including tubs, shower and sinks. We will also refinish tubs, showers, sinks, tiles and vanities. Call us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs!
Take a good, long look at your old bathtub. Maybe there are cracks or blemishes. Maybe it’s just looking dingy and run-down. Whatever the case may be, replacing it can bring life back to your bathroom’s aesthetic. A new, shiny tub could just be what your bathroom needs to sparkle.
Sure, you could watch a bunch of YouTube videos and then attempt to do it yourself. But do you really know what you’re doing? You’ll be risking damage to your pipes and taking valuable time, all for a less-than-guaranteed result. While it might seem that you’re saving money by going the DIY route, really you’re risking having a shoddy bathtub that winds up needing major repairs.
Instead, call in the experts in bathtubs in Glendale, AZ. A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC is the place to go when you’re thinking about replacing or refinishing your tub. Consider all the benefits to having a new bathtub:
Improve your quality of life: Probably the number one reason to upgrade your bathtub is that it will simply make your life better. You use your shower everyday, so why not make it a more enjoyable experience? You can choose the material for the tub and a new showerhead with stronger water pressure. You can also choose from a variety of finishes and colors. Make those showers and baths a truly relaxing experience by updating your bathroom.
Increase your home’s value: Let’s face facts—no one finds it appealing to go into a bathroom with a mildewed or stained tub. Broken tiles and peeling caulk aren’t going to do you any favors either. In fact, a full bathroom remodel offers the best return on investment when it comes to your house’s value on the real estate market. Potential buyers will look at a nice, new, updated bathtub and be impressed.
Use less energy: When you replace your tub, you can try out a new, more efficient showerhead. This way you can lower your water bill. If you choose to redo your whole bathroom, you’ll have more options with replacing the toilet as well.
Convenience: Replacing your tub is an ideal opportunity to make bathing a more convenient experience. You can outfit your new tub with storage caddies, shelves, seats, and grab bars. You may want to choose some new safety options as well, especially if you’re older or have children. And a new tub is less likely to need major repairs in the coming years, so you’ll save money in the long run on maintenance.
If you’re looking into new bathtubs in Glendale, AZ and surrounding areas, consider what A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC has to offer. Since 1975, we’ve proven ourselves the leader in bathtub and shower replacement and refinishing. Our experts will install beautiful new fixtures or repair your existing ones. We will also refinish tubs, showers, sinks, tiles and vanities. Our customers trust us when it comes to caulking, installation and replacement of all bathroom fixtures. Contact us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs.
If you have a porcelain sink that has been chipped, cracked or stained, you don’t necessarily have to replace it! This is a costly and messy process that can be quite inconvenient for you as a homeowner. If your sink is unique or complex in any way, you might also be reluctant to remove it.
Fortunately, there are ways you can bring your porcelain sink back to life and keep it looking great for years to come. Here are some step-by-step instructions for sink and vanity refinishing in Glendale, AZ to keep your sink looking good for the long haul:
Clean the sink: Before you get started with any other tasks, clean the sink thoroughly with an abrasive cleaner and a pad, then rinse and dry.
Prep the area: Mark off the area surrounding the sink with painter’s tape and plastic sheets to protect it from debris. Then, you can remove the drain from the sink and detach the pipe drain. Unscrew the nut below the sink that holds the metal drain and flange in place, and push up from below to loosen the drain from the plumber’s putty that was used to make a seal between the sink and the flange. You might need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry around the rim of the drain on order to be able to free it from its position.
Remove putty and caulk: Using a putty knife, remove all the caulk and plumber’s putty from the sink. You should hold the knife at about a 45-degree angle to the material you are removing.
Scrub: Use a hard water deposit remover and scrub the sink with your abrasive pad. Get rid of all hard water deposits. You should make sure to wear rubber gloves and goggles during this process.
Sand: Once you’ve removed hard water deposits, you can begin sanding the sink with a wet-dry sandpaper at 400 to 600 grits. Buff the surface in small circles. Creating this abrasion will allow the epoxy to better stick to the sink. Remove all sanding residue when complete.
Mix the epoxy: Mix the two-part epoxy following the directions on the packaging. Pour that mixture into a paint tray, and while wearing a rebreather mask, prepare to apply.
Apply the epoxy: Using a fine-bristle varnish brush or nap roller, begin applying the epoxy to the sink. Try not to overlap too much. Wait at least an hour, then apply a second coat. You should let the epoxy dry and set for three days before reassembling and using the sink. At that point you can clean it with rubbing alcohol.
This gives you a general idea of the processes used for refinishing a sink. For more information about sink and vanity refinishing in Glendale, AZ, contact the team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC today and we would be more than happy to provide you with some tips for how you can manage your specific bathroom circumstances.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love is officially in the air. Partners looking for the perfect gift or special treat for their loved ones might be struggling to come up with good ideas that aren’t corny or over the top. If you are in this situation, we have a suggestion for you!
This Valentine’s Day, give your partner the gift of an improved home area designed to foster relaxation: the bathtub! Outdated or dingy bathtubs can put a damper on what should be an inviting space, so consider investing in bathtub refinishing in Glendale, AZ to spruce up your home and give a gift your partner can enjoy for years to come!
Enjoy your bathtub again
Outdated, dirty or damaged bathtubs can turn your bathroom into an uninviting, gross-looking space. Additionally, worn-out tubs are breeding grounds for mold, mildew and bacteria. You and your partner likely spend a good deal of time in your bathroom, whether for personal grooming or bathing, and a newly refinished bathtub can work wonders to transform the space.
If you’re looking to give your partner a practical Valentine’s Day gift that they can enjoy long after the month of February, give A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. a call to learn more about our bathtub refinishing services. In just a few hours, we can turn your dirty, worn-down tub into a sparkling clean and inviting area of your home you can use to relax.
Additionally, bathtub refinishing provides you with an opportunity to add special accents such as tiling to your tub to really make a difference. We are also happy to refinish other areas of your bathroom, such as vanities and sinks.
More benefits of bathtub refinishing in Glendale, AZ
Apart from surprising your partner with a completely transformed tub, refinishing can provide a number of other benefits. For starters, you’ll increase the value of your home because the tub is sure to last longer and retain its high quality.
Compared to bathtub replacement, tub refinishing is cheaper, faster and less messy. Installation of a new bathtub can take multiple days and cause a mess of demolition in your home, disrupting your peace and your routines. Refinishing, however, is completed in a few short hours, with the tub ready to use the very next day. The costs are far lower to refinish tubs rather than replace them, because you’re able to save on plumbing alterations and installation and disposal fees.
Wow your partner with an updated bathtub this month!
Trust us when we tell you your partner will love the updated look of your bathroom and all the benefits it provides this Valentine’s Day. With over 40 years of experience, the professionals at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. are your local experts in bathtub refinishing in Glendale, AZ.
Our company specializes in the repair and refinishing of cracked fiberglass tubs, showers, sinks, tiles and vanities, as well as providing maintenance for all other bathroom fixtures. Call us today for a free estimate and to learn how we can help you!
Now that New Year’s Eve has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to change your life in 2018. Maybe you’re going to finally start your diet, quit some bad habits or go to the gym more often. Those are all fine resolutions, but have you thought about improving your home this year by refinishing your shower? Here are a few reasons why you might want to make shower refinishing in Glendale, AZ your New Year’s resolution:
Fresh new look: Don’t start 2018 with a tired-looking shower! Call a professional to refinish your shower and you could have a brand-new look in as little as one day. Refinishing doesn’t only make your shower look great—you’ll be amazed at how refinishing your shower can transform your whole bathroom.
Cheaper than replacement: Replacing your old shower with a brand-new one is another way to upgrade the look and feel of your bathroom. Unfortunately, that can also cost a whole lot of money. You can get the same or sometimes even better results by refinishing your existing shower. Call us today to learn more!
Boost property value: Shower refinishing isn’t just about having a great-looking bathroom. It also guarantees that your property value will go up. If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, be sure your home sells for more than you paid for it by having your shower refinished. Additionally, buyers are usually more attracted to houses with updated bathrooms. Ensure your home flies off the market by refinishing your shower today.
When it comes to refinishing your shower, it’s important to understand that this is not a task you’ll want to risk having to redo because of a botched DIY job. Here’s why you should get in touch with A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. instead:
Ensure the job is done well: On the surface, shower refinishing in Glendale, AZ might seem pretty straightforward, but in actuality, it’s an in-depth process that requires years of experience to master. The last thing you want is a novice trying to refinish a shower. You could very well mess up some important steps. That won’t just look bad—it’ll render the whole job useless. Call us today to ensure the job is done by a pro.
Save money: Paying a professional to do work that you could technically do yourself may seem like a waste of money. On the contrary, it’s anything but a waste! Supplies for refinishing a shower don’t come cheap. You may spend just as much on supplies as you would on a refinishing contractor. On top of that, if you mess up the job, you may have to bring a professional to fix what you started. In that scenario, you’re paying twice! Be sure to call us to refinish your shower. We have years of experience and offer some of the most competitive rates in the area.
Save your time: What’s more important than saving money? Saving time! You can never get time back after you’ve spent it on a frustrating DIY job. Spend your time with your family in 2018 and let us handle the task of refinishing your shower.
Make 2018 the year you finally get around to investing in shower refinishing in Glendale, AZ. Don’t go it alone, though—call our pros at A-1 Porcelain and Fiberglass Service L.L.C. to get a fresh new look without breaking the bank this year.