Your bathroom is meant to be an oasis of peace and solitude that helps you unwind at the end of a long day. But what happens when you notice a large crack on your tub? If anything, this can be a source of stress. If you let it be, the problem will get worse and cause more headaches in the long run. Hence, bathtub cracks need to be addressed immediately to stop further damage from happening. And the first step towards its repair is to find out what caused it to crack. Only then can you take appropriate measures towards the solution.
Generally, the occurrence of cracks is more common in fiberglass bathtubs. After all, the material is quite inexpensive, so it is highly porous. This means it will absorb water over time and when it cannot withstand it anymore, cracks will form.
As for the main causes of bathtub cracks, there’s three that are so commonplace. First, the bathtub materials may lack adequate lack support, which strains it over time and cause cracks.
Second, if the material is flexible, damage may result from heavy objects and heavy cleaners. Some material such as fiberglass is highly flexible, meaning it will tend to bend if heavyweight is placed on it. If this sort of material is installed improperly or without additional support, the weight pressure will cause cracks to form over time. Cracks will also form when objects are dropped on the bathtub as this creates small dents that will eventually develop into much larger cracks and crevices over time.
Finally, with the constant use of highly abrasive cleaners such as bleach, the finish and gloss of the bathtub will inevitably get eroded, thereby allowing more moisture to penetrate into the material and ultimately cause cracks.
Types of Bathtub Cracks
Stress Crack
Stress cracks form when a heavy object accidentally gets dropped in the bathtub. While these types of cracks are usually on a surface level, immediate action is needed to prevent further damage. After all, these are easy to repair. Just go to the nearest home improvement store and buy an inexpensive repair kit and you can easily patch these types of cracks as this does not require a professional level of expertise.
Hairline cracks
These types of cracks form due to consistent use and abuse. It starts with small cracks that ultimately develop into larger, more troublesome cracks that can destroy the integrity of your bathtub. Fortunately, hairline cracks can be repaired using basic DIY repair kits.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Cracked Bathtub?
Depending on the extent of the damage, bathtub cracks can be repaired through DIY repair kits or by employing professional tub repair services. If you noticed the cracks early on and they are still minimal, then you can take it upon yourself to fix it. However, if the problem is already quite severe, it is best to rely on professionals to do the job meticulously to ensure outstanding results.
DIY Bathtub Cracks Repair
If you decide to take repair matters into your own hands, you can easily go to your local hardware store and pick up a bathtub repair kit. Although this does not guarantee repair quality and longevity that is on par with professional work, it will do in a pinch.
At present, there are two common repair kits in the market: surface repair kits and internal repair kits. Surface repair kits usually come in the form of a polymer based tape or paint that will seal the crack on the outer surface of the tub. On the other hand, internal repair kits usually consisting of glue or paste are used to fill in the cracks from the inside. Both of these repair kits are inexpensive and easy to use. It only ranges from $30 to $40 dollars each.
Once you have obtained your DIY repair kits, follow the following steps to seal the bathtub crack:
Step 1: At the end of each crack, drill a ¼ inch hole. This is known as a ‘stop-drill’ hole.
Step 2: Fill the crack using a 2-part polyester filler. Mix it according to the instructions on the label and apply the filler to the crack with a clean rubber spreader until the stop-drill holes and the cracks are completely filled. Then, let the filler dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Once the filler has dried, sand it down with a light sandpaper. Rub it lightly and carefully until the surface gets even and it matches with the rest of your bathtub.
Step 4: Wipe the surface with denatured alcohol to prepare it for spraying.
Step 5: Using the bathtub repair paint, spray a light coat over the filled area and allow it to dry before adding more coats as necessary.
Step 6: Finally, add a finish using an auto polish urethane compound. Apply it to the repaired area to give it a harder finish and feather the edges of the paint.
Professional Repair Costs
It will definitely be more expensive to hire a professional to fix your tub. However, the results are surely worth it because you know that the work will be done by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. Although it will vary from professional to professional, general contractors and plumbers will expect you to pay about $65 up to $250 per hour, depending on their skills and experience. The good news is that by hiring a professional, they can handle your current issue flawlessly and they can also be a great resource for consultation on future projects along with further advice on proper upkeep. They also come with the added benefit of additional knowledge that will help with the installation that might be a bit more complicated when you do it yourself.
However, the tricky part is that hiring a trustworthy professional is quite complicated. Although there are plenty of plumbers listed online, you cannot be so sure whether they have good reviews and track records. This is where VT Lakewood Tub Reglazing and Refinishing services come in handy. We offer professional and unparalleled bathtub repair services that are guaranteed to satisfy clients. Our fool-proof process is guaranteed to be time- and cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and most importantly, it is a long-term solution that will revitalize your bathroom entirely. We can transform cracked bathtubs into glossy, fully repaired ones in just a matter of hours.
If you have a cracked bathtub and you don’t want to risk further damage, give us a call today at (848) 233-3008 to get a free quote.
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