Fiberglass bathtubs and showers are affordable, durable and attractive, but they’re prone to cracks and pitting after years of regular use. Luckily, fiberglass repair can bring these features back to their original, beautiful condition. This project can be challenging for the average DIY-er, which is why hiring a fiberglass repair professional is your best bet for a quality fix.
Here’s a brief summary explaining how to get the job done the right way.
Repairing a fiberglass tub
From small pits to large cracks or indents, all it takes is a simple epoxy kit and a few tools to fix a tired-looking fiberglass bathtub. Your repair technician will wear protective gear, including goggles, a respirator and gloves, during the process. After assessing the type of damage to the tub, the technician will form a plan to tackle it.
Small chips and cracks only require a simple filling and refinishing, while larger holes or cracks require significant intervention. In these cases, the technician will typically add extra support to the tub structure before patching and refinishing the fiberglass.
Your technician will follow a similar process to the one listed below:
Preparing the area: The technician will use a cleaning solution and sponge to remove oil, soap scum and loose glass fibers.
Drilling: If any extra support is needed below the tub, the technician will drill a few small holes in the surface and inject a foam support below.
Patching: To repair large holes, the repair technician will lay fiberglass mesh as a patch and then seal it with resin putty and hardener. For smaller holes, all it takes is a small amount of the putty to fill them effectively.
Drying: The mixture will dry and set on the tub surface for about three hours or longer. After setting, the technician will sand the surface and then use finishing polish to help the repair blend in with the rest of the tub.
Repairing a fiberglass shower pan
Fixing cracks and holes in a shower pan follows a similar process to the one described above. The only real difference in the process is that the shower pan can be reinforced with plywood or any type of board instead of with foam. Your fiberglass technician will perform the following additional steps:
Sealing: The repair technician spreads epoxy on the plywood and presses it into the hole or crack from the unexposed side, sealing it effectively.
Applying the topcoat: To complete the repair, your technician adds a top layer of epoxy on the exposed surface of the shower pan. Finishing follows the same process as that for bathtubs, with the surface sanded and carefully polished to blend in with the surface.
Looking to bring back the original look and feel of your bathtub or shower with professional fiberglass repair? Reach out to the experts at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. We’ll restore the appearance and function of a tired bathtub or shower in as little as a day.
If you have a chipped, discolored or just plain grungy tub, you might be considering replacement. Bathtub replacement can be expensive, though—between removal and disposal of the old tub, reinstalling a new one and addressing any tile or plumbing issues, the project can cost thousands of dollars. Plus, your bathroom will be out of commission for weeks. If your tub is structurally sound, however, bathtub refinishing can be a great option.
Bathtub refinishing, also known as bathtub resurfacing, is a cost-effective way to restore your tub’s appearance.
What kind of tubs can be refinished?
Cast iron, steel and fiberglass tubs are all suitable for refinishing. As long as the tub only has surface damage, the refinishing process will restore the tub’s former glory. You’ll be able to get rid of discoloration and stains, minor cracks and chips and restore the original glossy look. Bathtub refinishing can make your tub look new—and it’s great if you’d like to change the color of the tub, too.
If, however, your tub has major cracks or leaks, is more than 25 years old, is too outdated for your bathroom or is full of mold and mildew, it’s better to replace the tub altogether. Large cracks and leaks are structural damage, which can’t be solved by refinishing. If the tub is on the older side, it’s best to replace it—modern tubs generally last a couple of decades. Finally, mold and mildew are health hazards, and need to be removed as soon as possible. That’s especially important if the mold has spread to the walls.
How much does bathtub refinishing cost?
Bathtub refinishing typically costs $300 to $600, depending on your refinishing contractor and your specific tub. Compare that to bathtub replacement, which can be upwards of $1,500 when you factor in labor and disposal.
How does the bathtub resurfacing process work?
To resurface your tub, your contractor will first strip off the old finish and sand down the entire tub. If there are any minor cracks, chips or holes, they’ll fill them in before continuing.
Next, a primer is applied and allowed to dry. Then multiple layers of the coating are applied, and finished with a sealant. Once completely dry and cured, the bathtub is ready to use.
How long does bathtub refinishing take?
The entire process, from stripping to curing, takes one to three days. Once it’s finished, the new surface should last 10 to 15 years. It’s a fast, easy process that offers long-lasting results.
Is bathtub refinishing worth it?
If your bathtub is suitable for refinishing, and you still like its style and features, refinishing is definitely worth it. Your bathtub will look brand new, without the cost, hassle and delay that comes with tub replacement. When you want to get another 10 to 15 years out of your tub, resurfacing is the way to go.
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. can restore your aging bathtub to look new once more. If you’re interested in bathtub refinishing, call us today to schedule a consultation.
Taking a nice, hot shower is one of the best ways to start your morning. So, when you go to hop in the shower only to find that it’s leaking, has low water pressure or needs other repairs, you’re starting the day off on the wrong foot. But how much will shower repair cost, and should you even attempt it yourself? Keep reading to find out.
The average cost of shower repair
The nationwide average to fix a shower ranges from $140 to $180. However, that price tag can be as high as $600 or more in some situations. You can generally expect to save some money by hiring a plumber to fix your shower as soon as you notice something’s amiss.
Factors affecting that cost
It’d be nice if plumbers could just charge a flat rate for all shower repair jobs. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Here are a few of the factors that make your repair cheaper or more expensive:
Type of repair: The first thing to consider is the type of repair required. If your shower is slow to drain, a plumber can come out and snake it to free up the clog. This is a quick, easy and cheap fix. However, addressing poor water pressure or replacing tiles could cost $600 or more.
Type of shower: The type of shower you have also plays a role in the cost. If you have a standard shower/tub combination, your plumber probably won’t charge as much as they would for someone with a stone tile shower with a rain shower faucet. This price difference is due to the intricacies involved and the parts required for repair.
Repairs vs. replacement: Sometimes, the shower is beyond repair, and the entire fixture needs to be replaced. When that’s the case, you could be facing a bill of anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the type of shower you want. The national average for complete shower replacement is about $5,800.
The benefits of professional shower repair
Homeowners with some basic plumbing know-how may be tempted to fix their shower by themselves, but we don’t recommend it. These are a few reasons to call an expert instead:
No hassle: Plumbing is never an easy task. Even a relatively simple job like snaking a clogged drain can be a challenge for a homeowner. Save yourself a ton of trouble by just bringing in a professional to take care of it.
Guaranteed results: When you hire a professional, you can trust that the problem will be solved once and for all. Whether it’s a clogged drain or cracked tiles, an expert will solve all of your problems.
Cost savings: It sounds counterintuitive, but a plumber can actually save you money. This is because the problem will be solved as soon as possible, and you won’t run the risk of causing water damage to your home.
Call us from the get-go
The next time you need shower repair, just call our team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. Our pros can perform everything from minor to major shower repairs and resurfacing, and we even offer free estimates for all of our services.
Could your fiberglass tub or shower use a little TLC? Fiberglass repair isn’t for everyone, but it can be a DIY project if you’re familiar with bathtub refinishing. To try fiberglass repair yourself, use the following step-by-step guide.
1. Get your kit
For bathtub refinishing, you will need a fiberglass repair kit. Verify that your bathtub is actually fiberglass before you proceed. If you tap on it with a wooden spoon or your knuckle, it should make a hollow, non-metallic noise.
Fiberglass repair kits come in a variety of colors, so choose the color that matches your existing tub. If you need to alter the color slightly, most kits come with tinting products that allow you to do so. Your kit should also contain hardener, a fiberglass mesh or mat, polyester resin, sandpaper, protective gloves, thickener, a mixing container and a stirring tool.
2. Clean thoroughly
Before you complete your fiberglass repair, you must clean the area that requires the repair. Remove any jagged fibers from the area. Sand it to remove any contaminants. Then, rinse it with solvent to prepare the area for the repair product. The area must be very clean and smooth for proper adhesion.
3. Reinforce with fiberglass cloth (if needed)
If the area that needs repair is more than one quarter-inch wide or is an open hole, you will need to use fiberglass cloth reinforcing. Cut a piece of cloth that is slightly larger than the area that needs repair. If the area is particularly large, you may need to use more than one layer of fiberglass cloth.
4. Read the instructions
Review the kit instructions for mixing and tinting the materials before you proceed. Each product varies slightly, so be sure to have a good understanding of how to properly mix and tint before you proceed.
5. Mix (don’t forget to protect your floor!)
Use cardboard or heavy construction paper to protect the surface where you will mix your fiberglass repair material. Measure the recommended amount of resin and mix it according to the kit guidelines. Don’t forget to include any colorant that is recommended to make the mixture the right tint for your bathtub.
6. Thicken and harden
Again, following the kit instructions, add the thickening and hardening agents to the mixture.
7. Mix again, quickly
Remember, the longer you stir, the better results you’ll get. However, once you add the hardener, you’ll only have up to 15 minutes of working time.
8. Apply the mixture
Use a putty knife or other flat tool to apply the mixture to the damaged surface. Spread evenly, making it slightly thicker than the original surface to allow for sanding to finish.
9. Dry
Allow the material to harden. This typically requires about two hours.
10. Sand and buff
Use coarse sandpaper to smooth the repaired area. Work your way from coarse to smooth paper as you sand, until the area is even with the rest of the bathtub surface. Your kit should include a buffing compound that you can use to buff the area and give it a gloss finish to match the rest of the surface.
Call for backup
To skip all of these steps and let the experts handle your fiberglass repair, contact the pros at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., LLC. We specialize in bathtub refinishing. Call us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs.
At some point, a porcelain object in your home might crack, chip or otherwise break. In such a case, you may find it beneficial to know how to repair porcelain items, be they cups, figurines or even bathroom appliances and fixtures, such as porcelain showers in need of refinishing.
Here’s an overview of the steps you need to take when repairing porcelain items:
Get an adhesive: You’ll need an adhesive designed to be used with porcelain. If the porcelain object will be coming into contact with food, holding hot liquids or need to be microwave or oven safe, the adhesive should be safe for those applications. If you’re simply filling chipped porcelain, you’ll need one designed for filling gaps. If you’re joining broken pieces together, you’ll need a clear-drying adhesive.
Gather materials: Before you start applying the adhesive, make sure you also have the other materials you need to get the job done. Wear gloves and an apron to protect your skin and clothes from the adhesive, which could cause irritation and be difficult to wash off. Have paper towels to use to wipe the adhesive.
Get the pieces ready: All of the pieces should be clean and free of dirt. Pre-fit them together, making sure not to cause any additional damage while you’re handling them.
Apply the adhesive: Use adhesive on the adjoining surfaces according to the directions on the adhesive’s packaging. You will likely only apply the adhesive to one surface. Make sure you apply sparingly—a common mistake people make when repairing porcelain is that they apply too much adhesive, and then the results are actually worse.
Hold the pieces in place: The bonds need some time to set, so make sure you hold the pieces together until that occurs—otherwise, the curing process will be disrupted. You may be able to do this by hand, but otherwise you can use masking tape if you have a very slow-drying adhesive that will make holding the pieces by hand unrealistic.
Clean: Wash your hands, and then clean up the porcelain, using a sharp blade to remove any excess glue.
The process of fixing chipped (rather than broken) porcelain is similar, though you will be using a filler or touch-up glaze rather than a glue. As with broken porcelain, the area should be clean before you begin. But rather than attaching pieces together, you apply the filler (mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions) into the area until it is filled in and rebuilt.
Afterwards, all you need to do is let the product dry. You may need to sand it down using a fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool until it conforms to the contours of the object. Then you can apply a glaze after it’s completely dry.
When the broken porcelain occurs in your bathroom, such as with a toilet, sink or shower, we strongly encourage you to seek professional assistance. Porcelain shower refinishing and other such tasks are best left to people with experience and training, so you don’t cause further damage that becomes only more expensive and difficult to fix.
