Lead poisoning is a topic that we’ve all heard about. We know lead can live in our walls, floorboards, doorframes and other common living areas, and we’ve all been warned to make sure our water is clean. But one place that is often overlooked as a source of lead poisoning is the bathtub. This is especially dangerous, as we all spend a lot of time in our tub, whether we’re having a soak or taking a quick shower. Even worse, our children are bathing in that same tub, too, which means they are possibly being exposed to high levels of toxicity.
If you think you might have a problem with lead in your bathtub, call the experts at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ.
Here are a few must-know facts about lead poisoning in bathtubs:
High levels of lead can exist in multiple tub types: Whether you have an enamel or porcelain tub, you are at equal risk for lead, which can live in both the glaze (known as surface coating) and the substrate (or under coating). Tubs can frequently hold 300,000ppm (parts per million) of lead or more, and they are often left as is, even during extensive bathroom remodels or updates. This problem is worsened as the tub starts to deteriorate, letting potentially high levels of lead out into your bath water.
Older tubs have a high risk:Multiple studies have found that about 75 percent of tubs manufactured before 1978 have a glaze that contains lead. In fact, about 40 percent of them will even show lead dust levels that can be easily measured, just from a collection of surface particles. We appreciate an elegant, vintage tub as much as the next person—especially those beautiful claw foot varieties—but unfortunately, such tubs are also very likely to contain lead.
Blood tests can reveal lead issues:Sometimes a home sample kit isn’t enough to determine a high lead level in your home. This is a case for the experts, and A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC will be able to tell you for sure if there is a risk of lead in your bathtub. Many people discover they have a lead problem after conducting blood tests for their children. If your children show any level of lead in their blood, call in an expert right away.
Lead affects kids in dangerous ways: Any level of lead in the blood can be extremely detrimental. Kids can experience lowered IQ, as well as suffer from attention deficit disorders and problems with behavior. It can even delay puberty and cause diminished hearing.
The old adage applies here: better safe than sorry. Do you have an older tub? Did you move in to a house without knowing the status of the bathtub? Whatever your situation, it’s imperative that you protect the health of your family. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC to inspect your bathtub today. We can provide bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ that reduces your risk of lead exposure and looks great in the process.
If you have a vintage, antique bathtub in your home that is beginning to look a little worn, it’s much more cost-effective to refinish the bathtub than to go with a complete replacement. You might be surprised to learn that purchasing a similar tub (or paying to design a similar tub) could cost you thousands of dollars, depending on its age and the materials used to create it.
Of course, refinishing is no easy task, either. You must have a certain amount of skill to complete the job correctly and be comfortable working with certain types of chemicals. The job will also require a fair amount of time and patience, though you should be able to complete the transformation within a weekend if you are committed.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you achieve better bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ:
Calculate what the cost will be: Figure out all the materials you need to refinish your tub and then determine how much it will cost to purchase them. Sometimes you are able to get refinishing kits that will include pretty much everything you need, but if these kits are unavailable, you will need to collect the materials yourself. These materials could include certain painting tools (brushes, rollers, painter’s tape), protective eyewear, rubber gloves, a respirator, drop cloths, mineral spirits and chemical cleaning agents. You might be able to just get a good finish by using a brush and roller, but if that doesn’t work out well, a paint sprayer will be your best bet to give you the most professional looking result.
Know what you’re in for: This is not a simple project. Much like any do-it-yourself project, you must do your research ahead of time so you know the scope of the project and the order in which you must complete the steps. Your first step should always be to completely clean out your bathtub, getting rid of any scum, mildew or residue that has collected over time. If there are any areas that have chipped or pitted, you will need to fill these areas in with putty or epoxy and sand them down before you proceed. You should also remove the drain cover, lever plate and any caulking located around the edge of the tub.
Work with the chemicals carefully: Because these chemicals can be harmful to the human body, make sure you are wearing appropriate protective gear while performing the job. Keep the room well ventilated throughout the process, as well, so you don’t breathe in too many fumes. You may have to apply the chemicals multiple times, so make sure you allow it to dry sufficiently before each application. Once the entire project is complete, you will not be able to use the tub for several days, so make sure you have planned around this in your home. If it’s your family’s only means of bathing, you might need to make other arrangements.
Be aware that you can never be fully prepared: Just about any DIY project in your home requires you to expect the unexpected. With a bathtub refinishing job, you never know when the project could require you to just overhaul a significant portion of your bathroom. Removing the caulking could uncover some severe issues with moisture in your walls, which would require some major remodeling and wall repair, depending on the extent of the problem. Be ready for basically anything when you take on a job like this.
For more information, or to have the project done professionally, contact A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. today for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ.
If you’ve had your tub for a long time, it’s probably starting to look a little unpleasant. After all, tubs are in constant use, and they take a lot of wear and tear over the years. It’s to be expected that after some time, there will be chipping, staining, mold and rust buildup. If you’re ready for an upgrade, it’s time to consider bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ. Here’s why.
A new tub is probably unnecessary
You might be thinking, “Forget refinishing, I’ll just buy a brand new tub.” This is understandable, but hold on for a minute before you rush out to the store. First of all, it’s easier than you think to restore the tub you currently have. Second of all, a new tub usually ends up being more expensive than the initial sticker price. You might be able to find a new tub for a few hundred bucks(if you’re willing to get a pretty basic model, but the work involved will add up in real money.
Why a new tub costs so much
To start with, most tubs aren’t moved into an existing house—they’re installed during the building process. Getting an old tub out and a new one in is actually pretty difficult. Surrounds, tiles, plumbing and trim will probably need to be torn out, and you’re apt to get dinged for the cost of cutting the tub into manageable pieces just to fit it through your doorway. And then there’s the fact that you’ll have to then re-plumb the tub, put back in the tiling, and possibly widen or shorten the tub surround space. Before you know it, you’re spending thousands on a bathroom remodel, when all you initially wanted was a prettier tub.
How refinishing can be better
When you opt for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ, you’ll be getting what looks like a brand new tub for a fraction of the cost. Instead of showering in the basement tub for weeks or months while work on a new tub installation is in progress, you can get back into that refinished tub in a matter of days. The cost of refinishing—usually three or four hundred dollars on average—will be far more affordable than the thousands you could spend on a brand new tub.
Steps to refinish your tub
If you look online, you’ll probably find some DIY tutorials. Don’t get sucked in, though, because this type of work is best left to the pros, such as the crew at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC, who have years of experience in the field and will make sure the job is done safely and professionally.
Steps include: sanding down the current finish on the tub; repairing any damage (such as cracks, chips, rust spots or unsound areas); priming the tub; applying a new surface layer; and lastly, applying a new sealing top coat.
When an experienced company performs your bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ, you can expect another 10 to 15 years of good use before another refinishing is required. Now that’s money well spent! Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC today to learn more!
When it is time for bathtub refinishing or tiling, the problem is not the lack of ideas—it is choosing the one that looks best in your bathroom! Restoration work and bathtub refinishing in Glendale, AZ helps your bathroom look better, and it is also a good time to add new embellishment. You can add a few tile features or go for a completely new look. Take advantage of this opportunity with these new trends and ideas:
The Mediterranean look: Old World style is making a big comeback with its elegance and simplicity. Offer a nod to ancient cultures with these designs inspired by the décor customs of Spain, Morocco and Portugal. You can also choose unique shapes that interlock neatly. Metallic surfaces are popular, as well as painted terra cotta designs. This is a classic look that is unlikely to go out of style and will maintain the value of your home.
Mosaics: This is a favorite among people who like to do their own design or who have an artistic streak. Use tiles of different shapes to create simple pictures, like repeating stars or flowers. You can do this on an entire bath or shower wall, or just add them in as accent pieces. If you see many shapes before you, let your imagination go wild. You will create a bathroom look that is uniquely you and unlikely to have a duplicate anywhere else.
Classic white: Perhaps you are renovating a rental property or you believe less is more. The classic white subway tile look never goes out of fashion, and that is due to its flexibility. You can highlight your bathroom in different ways with a different colored floor, or add mosaic accents throughout the white. Going classic allows you endless decorating possibilities.
Three-dimensional tile: Are you feeling up to adding a new texture? Raised surfaces and monochromatic appearances give these tiles a simple yet elegant look. It creates an inviting space while also giving a nod to the funky days of the 1970s, when three-dimensional tile was last popular. There are many interesting patterns available in circles, symmetrical patterns and classic looks. It is very likely that one of these approaches will appeal to you if you are looking for something different, but do not want to put in the effort required by the mosaic.
Accessibility: As the population ages, ways of making bathrooms safer are developing quickly. Tile is not excluded in this realm. Textured tile can make it harder to slip in the bathtub, and tiles made to work around hand railings can combine aesthetics with function. While resurfacing, you can even take the opportunity to install a tile shower bench or lower the rails to help you age in place better at home. Making things a little easier does not mean sacrificing beauty.
When it is time for new tile or bathtub refinishing in Glendale, AZ, call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC to start work on your home. We can fix cracks and blemishes or give your bathroom a whole new look!
Bathtubs are (probably) the most used amenity in our homes. Since they’re used so often, they get dirty pretty quick. Dirty tubs are germ infested, look terrible and can start to smell gross after a while.
In addition to those short term consequences, a dirty bathtub can lower the value of your home if you’re trying to sell. There’s not one single factor that contributes to a dirty tub. Many small things people do (or neglect to do) lead to dirty bath tubs in Glendale, AZ. In order to keep a clean tub that’s sure to impress guests, pay attention to the following tub pitfalls.
Soap scum and shampoo buildup
The hard surface that builds up over a while around your tub in a natural reaction to water and the ingredients in soap and shampoo. After prolonged tub use, this buildup hardens and becomes increasingly hard to clean.
Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew are bound to grow in any damp area. A tub that’s constantly in use is a hotbed for mold and mildew growth. Not only are mold and mildew gross, breathing mold can be harmful to your health in the long run.
Dead skin and other body debris
We obviously take showers and/or baths to wash away the dirt and grease that we accumulate on our bodies throughout the day. The dirt, grease, hair and dead skin that doesn’t go down the drain all gets stuck in the tub. Over time all of that accumulates and causes a real big mess.
Hard water stains
Many parts of the country have water with a high mineral content, or hard water. If you happen to live in a part of the country that has hard water, over time those hard water deposits will stain the base of the tub.
Unless properly cleaned, hard water can also rust the drain cover making an unsightly red mess.
Pet cleaning
Cleaning your animals, especially dogs after they’ve been playing in the mud, is a must. However, getting them into your bathtub to get clean is always a challenge and can be equally hard on the wellbeing of your tub. Your pets’ claws will scratch the tub further damaging the tub’s protective coating.
Cleaning chemicals
Hardcore cleaning products will definitely clean up the afore mentioned problems that bathtubs often run into. However, if used in excess, these chemicals can end up damaging bath tubs in Glendale, AZ in the long run. Chemicals like bleach will slowly erode the protective coating on your tub. If this occurs, you’ll need to have your tub either repaired or completely replaced.
What can I do to fix it?
One great way to combat the build-up of all of the aforementioned is to clean your tub after each use. Bathroom cleaning experts recommend taking a few minutes after each shower or bath to wipe the tub down with a sponge or other cleaning device. If the situation gets out of hand call us at 602-531-4453 to find out how we can refinish your tub or any other amenity that is full of dirt and grime!
