There’s going to be a point in your time as a homeowner when you look down at your counter and see a spot. You’ll sponge that area or rub it with your thumb, but nothing will happen, so you’ll break out the chemical cleaners and really put some elbow grease into it… only to see that nothing is working. And then you’ll finally realize that the stain, spot or blemish that you’ve been toiling to remove isn’t going anywhere.
It’s disheartening and you’re likely going to think that you’re out of options when you discover a spot on your countertop that’s permanent. But, thankfully, there are some options that you can look into to salvage the integrity of your materials, including professional counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ.
Too many people think that counter top refinishing and counter top replacement are the same things, but the truth is that they couldn’t be more different. As the name might imply, counter top replacement pertains to ripping out and replacing your counter materials entirely, whereas counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ simply means stripping the surface coat off of a material, cleaning it, then restoring the protective coating that was damaged in the first place!
You see, the spot that won’t come out of your counter top usually has nothing to do with the material itself—virtually all counter materials are protected by a clear coat or other layer of protection that shields the material itself from abrasive contaminants. When this layer is damaged, it’ll be easily spotted and hard to eliminate without professional knowledge. But, with the right tools and understanding, counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ can be implemented to clean off the seemingly permanent blemish without forgoing the material underneath.
There’s a reason that professional knowledge is required to complete counter top refinishing, however—without knowledge of how the process works and what needs to be done to ensure its success, you could find yourself damaging the very materials that you’re seeking to preserve! Once the clear, protective layer of your countertop is gone, it leaves the underlying materials exposed to any number of damages—all it takes is one misstep in the process and your quick fix will turn into a very expensive overhaul.
So when should you seek counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ? Is it cost effective for a small blemish that’s easily hidden by the toothbrush cup or is it something that’s better invested in when your countertop is on its last legs? The answer all has to do with the severity of the blemish and where it’s located on your counter top. If the blemish is severe (distinct discoloration) it should be taken care of right away. If the blemish is located in a highly visible location, it’s also a smart investment to see that it’s taken care of right away. Either way, attention should be paid to it before it becomes severe enough to penetrate the surface of your counters, down into the materials themselves!
Take a look at some of the most common questions we get about fiberglass shower repair in Phoenix and the answers that come with them. And, if you don’t see your question listed below, don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about the process and the many benefits that come from having a professional repair your fiberglass shower!
Should I replace or repair my fiberglass shower?
This answer is almost invariably in favor of repairs. Because fiberglass can be repaired even when extensively damaged, repairs are almost always going to be cheaper than a full replacement. That being said, however, if your tub is getting on in years, it may be time for a full replacement. So, the true answer to this question is: repair is the best way to handle your shower, but a replacement is warranted if the material is getting old.
Can you repair heavy damage?
As mentioned in the last answer, yes, heavy damage can be repaired completely! Fiberglass is highly repairable, making it convenient to work with in any stage of damage.
Will I notice the repair after it’s done?
No, fiberglass repair is seamless and won’t differentiate from the original material in any way. The only time when a repair might be noticeable is if the tub or shower has a textured pattern that cannot be replicated by a repair professional, but even this is unlikely.
How long will it take to repair my shower?
Fiberglass shower repair in Phoenix can be accomplished in just a few short hours or less, depending on the severity of the damage. Some repairs may take longer based on where they’re located as well. All in all, a professional will be in and out of your home in under a few hours.
How long until I can use my shower after the repairs?
The resin used to repair your shower will be dry in a matter of minutes, but it won’t be fully cured for another eight to ten hours. It’s best not to use your shower in any capacity for at least 24-hours, however, since different repairs can cure at different rates, depending on their complexity and size.
Can fiberglass repairs to my tub be painted to match the original color?
Absolutely! When repairs are made to your tub, a repair professional will sand the fiberglass around the area where the repair is being made, to prime it for painting. When the color is matched, it can be painted and resealed so that it matches the original color of your tub.
These are just some of the most common questions we’re asked regularly by our customers—if you have a unique question pertaining to your home, we’re always happy to answer it to the fullest of our abilities! Contact our professionals today to learn more about the fiberglass repair process and all that comes with it.
Countertops are the essence of any bathroom or kitchen for a reason—they’re an anchor for design, optimal for functionality and can represent a huge investment in your space, as well as your home altogether. But, when it comes to counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ, it can be hard to make a decisive move in regards to which material is right for your space. To help, we’ve outlined some of the most popular types of countertops and what they bring to the table:
Granite and stone: Obviously the cream of the crop when it comes to countertop materials, granite and stone represent the highest price range of materials, along with the most resilient. These countertops are very resistant to any type of abuse and hold up aesthetically for years without fail. They’re also incredibly easy to maintain and clean, however if you do manage to damage them, they’re tremendously hard to repair.
Quartz: For those that like the look of granite and stone, quartz represents a compromise—a lower price for something that looks the same, yet lacks the extreme durability and resale value of authentic granite and stone. More and more people are putting their trust in quartz as a counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ, however, because it proves to be very versatile in virtually any kitchen or bathroom and can really add a sense of sophistication to the mix.
Laminates: This material is even cheaper than quartz, but unfortunately, it’s also not on the same investment tier. Laminate is great for more versatile households, where damages to countertops might be a concern or constant abuse from multifaceted uses prevents investing in stone or quartz. With a laminate countertop, you can create appeal with patterns and colors, instead of textures.
But, when it comes to picking out your next counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ, the decision isn’t solely based on the material you’re choosing to install—it’s also about the fixtures and other materials that will complement it. Take a look at some good tips to keep in mind:
Even with the investment in granite or stone for your counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ, it can look cheap when paled by low-end fixtures or cheap materials elsewhere in the bathroom or kitchen. Consider upgrading your fixtures at a bare minimum, to keep with the sophisticated style.
If you’re retrofitting a heavily trafficked area, relying on laminate counter treatments and the long-proven porcelain sink is the way to go. Both laminate and porcelain are easy enough to repair and can represent a great investment if properly maintained over the years.
Know how to care for and maintain each of the materials you’re picking out for your bathroom renovation. Research each type of counter top finishing in Glendale, AZ to make sure that you understand its benefits and drawbacks, as well as how it will complement the rest of your room and its materials.
When it does come time for you to make the upgrade to your countertops—whether in your bathroom or your kitchen—do so knowing that you’re making a decision that you’re comfortable with, as well as one that will remain sustainable and give you the most bang for your buck.
If you’ve owned your home for a few years now or have ever rented an apartment that needed a little refresh in the amenities department, you’ve probably experienced cracks or chips in the porcelain in your bathroom. They can occur virtually anywhere—from the sink to the bathtub and everywhere in between—and once they’re there, it’s virtually impossible for any homeowner to fix them without sending out a distress call to a local porcelain repair contractor.
Sometimes, these imperfections seem to appear, as if by magic overnight; other times, we’re ultimately responsible for them and don’t realize what we’ve done until it’s too late. Whatever the case for porcelain cracks, having to look at them day in and day out can be maddening for anyone. Take a look at a few of the most common reasons for cracked porcelain and how investing in porcelain repair in Phoenix can help to restore the splendor of these surfaces:
Age-related damages
Things get old and they break—sometimes, there’s just no other reason for it! Much of the time, age-related porcelain cracks start as something small: a hairline fracture or a crack that hasn’t yet broken the surface. These can appear for a number of reasons, but ultimately time will be what makes them worse. It could take months, years or even decades for a crack to really become pronounced in your porcelain!
Temperature changes
In kitchens (and some bathrooms), temperature changes can be a major culprit in the formation of porcelain cracks. Because porcelain is usually layered over metal, it tends to remain cool and heat up quickly—imagine pouring a boiling pot of water down your drain and how fast the temperature change would occur on your porcelain! This quick temperature change is a real shock to the material and after a while, it can result in cracking.
User-error
Dropping your toothbrush in the sink surely isn’t going to do any harm to your porcelain, but accidently dropping something heavier could damage your porcelain in major and minor ways. The most common occurrences of this generally happen when medicine cabinets are opened and things fall out of them, such as a can of shaving cream—avoid dropping heavy items onto your porcelain and you’ll be able to better avoid porcelain repair in Phoenix!
Making the cracks go away
So, with all of these ways and more for your porcelain to become damaged, what makes porcelain repair in Phoenix the answer, as opposed to a new installation or an alternate material?
The answer is really quite simple: it’s highly cost effective and helps your existing fixture to retain its value. Because porcelain repairs are seamless and invisible once cured, no one will ever know the wiser when it comes to detecting previous imperfections! You’ll save a bundle of cash and reap the benefits of having sinks, countertops, bathtubs and more that all look as though they’ve been freshly installed or newly renovated.
When something breaks or wears down, it’s human nature to want to replace it with something better and your home’s countertops are no exception. If they’ve suffered damage over the years or have fallen victim to a chance accident recently that has left them scarred, it’s quite tempting to start squirreling away money for a brand new countertop installation. But, instead of shelling out all of that cash for brand new materials, why not give counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ a shot?
Counter top repair is much easier, far more cost effective and quicker to complete than a brand new installation—not to mention effective at restoring your existing aesthetic to a brand-new level. Take a look at the top three reasons to choose counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ over an unnecessary installation:
New countertops are expensive! What material are your current countertops? High-end granite or marble? Affordable laminate? How about quartz or travertine? No matter what material you currently enjoy, it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg to replace it, as compared to simply fixing up your existing installation. Plus, if you redo your countertops, you’ll be tempted to go big or go home and few homeowners plan far enough ahead to budget once they’ve made the decision to replace their countertops, let alone upgrade them!
Your room will be useless while the replacements are taking place. In a room like the bathroom or kitchen, you need full access all of the time—access that you aren’t going to have when you have to worry about how long it’s going to take to fully replace your countertops. Counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ is far quicker and only centers on the affected areas, allowing you to still make use of the areas not being treated.
You get more bang for your buck with repairs. Everyone always says, “make improvements to your home and its value will increase.” While these people may be speaking the truth, no one ever said that the improvements had to be brand new to bestow value! In fact, fixing up your existing countertops to look like new will instill value in your home almost as well as investing in new countertops will—both perceived value and actual value! It’s all about how they look and feel when it comes to determining their real value.
If you’re scrubbing down your countertops one day and realize that they’re a little worse for the wear, don’t be so hasty to jump to conclusions—doing so may cost you far more than you had anticipated. Instead, consider the cost-effective choice of counter top repair in Phoenix, AZ, as opposed to a complete renovation. Better yet, give the professionals at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC a call today to learn how refinishing your countertops can be just as good, if not better, than investing in brand new materials!
