Should I Repair or Replace My Bathtub?

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.

Benefits of a Fiberglass Bathtub

When you’re working on a home design or remodeling project, it can be overwhelming just how many options are out there. Consider the typical bathtub—most tubs look generally the same, and you would think that it wouldn’t lead to many design choices. However, once you start designing a bathroom, you’ll find out you can choose between porcelain, ceramic tile, fiberglass, acrylic… and the list goes on. After weighing all these options, you’ll likely turn to affordable and reparable fiberglass.

Fiberglass is a great option, and there are plenty of great places to call for fiberglass bathtub repair in Glendale, AZ. Read on for more information on why a fiberglass tub is one of the best options for your bathroom:

If you have a fiberglass tub that needs some love, make sure to seek a quality company to provide your fiberglass bathtub repair in Glendale, AZ. One first-rate option in the Phoenix area is A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C., a company committed to making sure you get the bathroom you desire at the best possible price.

For over 40 years, the team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. has offered a wide range of services, including repair of tubs, showers and sinks and the refinishing of anything in your bathroom. On top of this, you can also call us for any type of maintenance you’d like to have done, including installations and caulking. Call our experts today for more information!

Common Causes of Cracked Bathtubs

If you notice a crack in your tub during your morning shower, you might not think much of it. After all, the tub still drains and the shower still works, so everything seems status quo. But the reality is that a crack is a sign of serious damage. It’s liable to spread and deepen, causing water to leak out every time the tub is used.

By addressing the problem early on, you can save yourself money and hassle. You’ll want to bring in professional experts in bathtub repair in Glendale, AZ to ensure that your tub functions long into the future. Read on to find out about what exactly was causing this problem in the first place:

If your tub is cracked or damaged, you may think you can do the repair job yourself. But if you don’t want to risk the investment you’ve made, you’ll need to call in the experts for bathtub repair in Glendale, AZ. Since 1975, A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. has been providing the highest-quality bathtub and shower repair services in the greater Phoenix area. We specialize in repairing cracked fiberglass tubs, along with refinishing tubs, showers, sinks, tiles and vanities. Our customers know they can rely on us for every maintenance item, including caulking, installation and replacement of all bathroom fixtures.

For more than three decades, we’ve provided quality service no matter how simple or difficult the job may be. Call us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs and get a free estimate!

Five Common Types of Bathtub Repair in Phoenix, AZ

Stains and surface damage on a bathtub often fill homeowners with dread, as they anticipate replacing their bathtubs and other fixtures. However, less expensive types of bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ often reduce anxiety and save money. At A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC, we have restored a number of seemingly hopeless cases, and can bring our skills to your home. Here are five common bathtub issues and their repairs that can help you avoid purchasing a new tub:

Before you look for a replacement, consider investing in bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC today and allow us to work our magic and restore your bathtub to nearly new condition!

Two Solutions for Worn-Out Bath Tubs in Glendale

When your tub needs an overhaul, but you just aren’t ready for a remodel, you do have options—two of them, to be precise, as you can have a tub liner installed or a spray finish applied. Both are very different options for your bath tubs in Glendale, but they can make a world of difference to the appearance of your bathroom.

Installing tub liners

Having a tub liner installed takes some precision, as a mold is made of your bath tub using a sheet of acrylic. Weighing in at 35 lbs or so, the tub liner will slip fully over your existing tub shape. It will be designed to provide an exact match of the dimensions of your existing tub structure, so it fits snugly in place.

A tub installer can easily install this liner into your bath tub by prepping your old tub with alcohol and removing the drain and trim. This will allow the liner to snap into place against the walls, where two-sided tape and a silicone adhesive will attach it in place.

Then, a new drain will be added, and the seams will be caulked. The time needed to create the bath tub liner into a mold can take four to six weeks, but only six to eight hours to install when completed. Once liners for bath tubs in Glendale have been installed, you can begin using your tub immediately. A tub liner will drastically change the look of your whole bathroom, giving it a clean and fresh appearance.

Applying a spray finish

Having bath tubs in Glendale re-glazed takes some effort, as the process requires respirators due to the strong chemicals used. Your bathroom will be protected from head to toe so that none of the finish gets on a surface that it shouldn’t. Proper ventilating will also be taken into consideration.

First, hydrofluoric acid will be applied to dissolve the existing porcelain glaze. It preps the surface, so the new finish application will adhere. Once clean and dry, two coats of epoxy will be added. This also helps to adhere the finish.

All dust and dirt will be wiped away, and then four coats of polyurethane finishing coat will be applied. Bath tubs in Glendale will have to be lightly sanded between each coat, but then the tub will be polished with the final application to give it a nice sheen.

In total, it will take a tub refinisher approximately four to six hours to complete this process. The tub will need to cure for 24 hours or more before water can touch its surface. The end result will amaze you, as you will have a new looking bath tub without having to rip your old tub out.

Having a liner installed or investing in re-glazing for your bath tubs in Glendale are the ideal ways to freshen up a bathroom without the headaches and hassles of remodeling. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. to have your bath tub redone using either process. We can get your bathroom looking like new again, without the added cost of tearing out fixtures or knocking down walls.