Fiberglass is a strong and versatile material that can be used to make a variety of things, including bumpers, showers, and boats. While it is a useful and lightweight material, it can be damaged relatively easily. To fix fiberglass that has cracked, you must first assess the extent of the damage and then prepare the surface. Cracked resin (solid surface) sinks should be repaired right away to prevent leaks. Cracks can also spread out and further damage the sink. You may be able to use a two-part epoxy to fix some cracks. Solid surface repair kits are also available, but some deep cracks require a professional to fix the damage. How to Fix Cracks in Fiberglass Sinks Step 1. Sand the crack using coarse grit sandpaper until it is no longer visible. Don't go through the fiberglass but. Clean the surface of the repair using a rag and acetone. Remove any dust or grease that may be on the surface. Apr 20, 2020 If these cracks are not repaired properly, they will develop into bigger cracks which may even break the bathtub apart. You can repair a crack in a fiberglass tub yourself using a fiberglass repair kit, which can cost as little as $50. If the crack is too big in the tub surround, you may need to get a professional to fix it for you. Clean the cracked area of the solid surface sink with a degreaser and cleaning cloths. The sink must be free of all dirt, grime, soap scum for the resin repair to set properly. Step 3: Sand the Cracked Area Place 400 grit sandpaper into an orbital sander.
- How To Repair A Crack In A Fiberglass Sink Look
- Repair Crack In Fiberglass Body
- Small Cracks In Fiberglass
- Repair Crack In Fiberglass Hull
- How To Fix A Crack In A Fiberglass Sink
Fiberglass tubs are known for being inexpensive and short-lived. Most of them will last between ten and fifteen years, on average, as opposed to twenty-plus years for a porcelain tub. That said, the first thing that usually happens with a fiberglass tub is that the bottom cracks or splits. While this does not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause a lot more damage than what you see. Here are some of the dangers of a cracked fiberglass tub and how to fix it.
Mold and Mildew
Just underneath the fiberglass bottom is a cushion of material that helps support the tub and keep water from seeping to wood below. The problem is, most of the time this layer also eventually cracks from the weight of the humans standing over and above the cracked tub bottom. Water, skin cells, etc., seep into this underlayer and gradually rot. It creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which you cannot clean out because you cannot get to it or see it.
Rotting Floor Boards
Worse still, if the shower/tub water gets way down past the support layer for the tub, it goes directly on top of the floor boards used to create the base floor in your bathroom. Now you have water damage and possibly more mold and rot accumulating right under the tub. As it continues to spread outward, the floor boards could weaken and bust out from underneath the tub, leaving no support. When this happens, every step on that crack leads to a possible cave-in or a collapse of the central part of the tub.
How to Fix It
How To Repair A Crack In A Fiberglass Sink Look
There are three ways you can fix this problem. Two are temporary solutions and the final option is permanent. Weigh each one carefully based on the length of time you have had this crack in your fiberglass tub.
Repair Crack In Fiberglass Body
Good old duct tape—it is waterproof and it will seal the crack, but you will have to avoid stepping on this area or skidding your feet across it. Baths are not recommended as it could loosen the tape.
Small Cracks In Fiberglass
Fiberglass crack filler—There are tub caulks that can temporarily fix this issue. Look for one that is specifically made for filling fiberglass cracks and is non-toxic to humans. It will seal the crack, but you should still not take a bath—showers only.
Replacement tub—Yes, this is the most expensive option, but it does restore full use of your tub/shower to you, and you do not have to worry about frequent bathtub repairs when the duct tape or crack fillers fail.
For more information, contact local professionals like Mountain Valley Septic Services.
Repair Crack In Fiberglass Hull
Surface Specialists offers various types of sink repairs including fixing chips, burns, stains, cracks and other sink damage for cultured marble, porcelain and cast iron sinks.
How To Fix A Crack In A Fiberglass Sink
Do you have cracks spiraling around the sink drain which look similar to a sunburst? This is referred to as a thermal shock crack and is a common issue with cultured marble. When hot water is run directly into the sink while it is cold, it can cause thermal shock cracks in a sink. Generally if you have 2 sinks in your bathroom, the sink bowl that will crack is used by the male of the household - as a result of running hot water for shaving first thing in the morning.
Fiberglass sink damage can result when the faucet is pushed too firmly into place. Sink cracks can also appear when hit from behind or items dropped in the sink bowl can cause chips or cracking. Porcelain and enamel sinks wear with age and can also be chipped or cracked.
Contact your local Surface Specialists for pricing and warranty information.
If we do not have a franchise in your area and you think a sink repair franchise might be right for you, please visit our sink repair franchise opportunity website.