No matter how bad a crack or an indentation may look, the process is the same as if it was a little pit. In either case, it’s surprisingly simple. By using a basic epoxy kit with a few essential items, repairing a fiberglass tub takes as little as one day, with most of that time spent as the compound dries.
Do cracks in fiberglass tubs leak?
Fiberglass is a material that tubs are commonly made out of. After a few years of use, though, fiberglass tubs are notorious for becoming rather dull in appearance, and often times they develop stress cracks or structural cracks and holes , which can lead to water leaks.
Why did my fiberglass tub crack?
Some material such as fiberglass is highly flexible, meaning it will bend if weight it placed on it . If this sort of material is installed improperly or without additional support, overtime the weight pressure will cause cracks to form. ... Generally, cracking is commonplace in fiberglass bathtubs.
Why would a tub crack?
Cracks can form in your bathtub when heavy items are repeatedly dropped onto it . Think large bottles of shampoo being knocked over, or your child slamming toys onto the side of your tub. Every time something heavy comes into contact with your tub, small divots and dents are created.
How long do fiberglass bathtubs last?
It’s one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install. This super lightweight material is commonly used in two-story homes because there is no need to install additional support between the bathtub and the floor. Fiberglass tubs have a life span of 10-15 years .
How do you fix cracks in fiberglass?
- Drill a tiny hole at each end of the crack. This will stop the crack from extending any further.
- Examine the crack. ...
- Wipe the crack with a dry rag to make sure it’s clean and dry. ...
- Fill the crack with a fair amount of fiberglass epoxy resin, using a plastic applicator. ...
- Let the epoxy dry for a day.
Is my tub fiberglass or acrylic?
Look around the tub’s edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic . Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.
How do you fix a leaky fiberglass tub?
Fill the crack with fiberglass filler. Apply the filler with a putty knife, then scrape the surface of the tub with the knife to remove excess putty around the crack. Allow the putty to dry completely before continuing with the repair. Sand the patched area using a fine grit sandpaper.
How do you fix a hairline crack in an acrylic tub?
Mix a two-part polyester filler and apply along the crack , using a rubber spreader. Ensure the crack and the drill holes at the ends are completely filled. Allow the filler to dry completely.
Can you fix a cracked bathtub with Flex Seal?
One of the most common ways people think they can fix a cracked bathtub is by applying a flex seal. ... Unfortunately, no , because flex seal doesn’t have structural properties to fill up the crack. Though a thick layer can stop the leak, this will be temporary.
Can a cracked bathtub be repaired?
Use the Right Repair Kit
Chips and small cracks in your bathtub are easy to repair using a two-component epoxy bathtub repair kit from your local hardware store. ... There are epoxy repair kits available for porcelain, enamel, ceramic, acrylic, and fiberglass bathtubs.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked tub?
How much does it cost to fix a bathtub crack? According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to fix a fiberglass tub can run from $20 to $240 . The exact price will depend largely on whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional: A DIY $20 repair can become a $200 repair if you hire someone else to take care of it.
How much does it cost to replace a fiberglass tub?
Fiberglass tubs are harder to reglaze, so the costs can run between $300 and $1,000 . Porcelain tubs are easier to tackle, so the cost is lower at an average of $475. Resurfacing a cast iron tub costs $350 to $600.
Is fiberglass good for bathtubs?
Both acrylic and fiberglass are great options for tubs. If you want something more flexible, then gelcoat or fiberglass is the better option. Since most tubs include fiberglass in the final product, fiberglass is one of the most important materials in tub sustainability.
What is best cleaner for fiberglass tubs?
Before you give up on trying to scrub away the stains, try the cleaning process Home Depot recommends for tough stains on fiberglass: Smear on a paste of baking soda and water , and cover that with a towel soaked in vinegar. Wait one hour, then rub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse.
