Maybe you dropped something heavy in your bathtub, or maybe it appeared out of the blue, but either way, you’ve noticed a problem: a crack in your tub. Bathtub cracks, while they may seem to be a primarily aesthetic issue, can cause significant damage down the road if not addressed. Even a small crack can become larger over time and may lead to bigger problems. This article covers some common causes of the problem and types of repairs for bathtub cracks.
Why is my bathtub cracking?
Bathtub cracks can have a few causes and fiberglass tubs are particularly vulnerable to all of them. Heavy impacts like dropping a large object can cause the tub to chip or crack. Fiberglass tubs in particular are brittle and may flex or crack after an impact. Another cause can be the use of abrasive cleaners, which can weaken the glossy surface of the tub. This allows water to seep under the protective coating and into the tub structure itself which causes cracks from the inside outward.
Improper installation can also cause cracks. Because fiberglass tubs flex under the weight of the user and require support underneath the tub. If not properly installed, the tub will eventually crack from the stress of unsupported weight. In particular, cracks around bathtub drain areas are a sign of insufficient support. A small crack that has gone unaddressed lets water into the tub and can make the crack worse. If you’re wondering why a small crack is getting bigger, water damage could be the source of the problem.
Should I be looking for tub replacement near me?
Fully replacing your bathtub isn’t necessary. Bathtub crack or chip repair is a more affordable solution that gets your tub looking and working as good as new. Knowing that repair is possible, you may be tempted to get a DIY repair kit from a home improvement store. While these kits are affordable, they won’t repair internal damage or improper installation, and can also give you an amateur result.
What does professional bathtub crack repair cost?
While bathroom projects have a reputation for being prohibitively expensive, bathtub crack repair and bathtub chip repair cost only a fraction of tub replacement, which can involve costly and time-consuming demolition and plumbing work. Professional repairs done by TheTub Pros save you money in the long run, and only take a few hours.
Chips and cracks can generally be repaired during the process of bathtub resurfacing. During this process, the tub is sanded down, the damage repaired, and a new, high-gloss coating applied to the tub. The new finish is smooth and damage-free, and the choice of color is up to you—the tub can be restored to the color it was before the damage or a bathtub renovation can include a color change—such as from outdated avocado green to modern clean white.
Where can I find bathtub repair companies near me?
When they’re looking for bathtub refinishing, residents in the greater Memphis TN area turn to The Tub Pros! We refinish tubs, sinks, showers, and more—check out our full list of services to see more of what we do. Give us a call at (901)-871-8827 or send us a message get started on repairs.