Cracked floor of a fiberglass shower
Fiberglass showers are very durable and stylish, but a crack on its surface is something no one wants to see on their shower. This kind of damage might appear insignificant at first glance but, over time, cracks tend to get bigger, and, in case there is moisture inside the crack, it will seep under the shower.
Fiberglass showers are widely used due to their lightweight nature, durability, cost-effectiveness, and relatively simple maintenance. Nevertheless, such material may crack due to impact, aging, movement, lack of support underneath the shower base, or usual wear-and-tear.
So, in case you noticed a crack in your fiberglass shower, you may be wondering – can a cracked fiberglass shower be repaired or does it have to be replaced?
Luckily, it is possible to repair many cracks in fiberglass showers, especially if the damage is found earlier and the shower itself is not compromised structurally.
At Anew Bathtub Repair, we offer professional fiberglass shower repair in Reno, Sparks, and other areas of Northern Nevada.
Reasons Why Fiberglass Showers Crack
There are several common reasons why fiberglass showers start to show cracks. Some of them are minor surface cracks, while others may indicate a larger issue with your shower base.
Some of them are:
- Impact damage (dropping a heavy object in the shower)
- Insufficient support under the shower base
- Natural aging and wear of shower
- Incorrect installation
- Too much pressure on one spot
- Movement underneath the shower base
- Using harsh or abrasive cleaning products
- Previous damage that was not repaired properly
Even if the crack is a small one, it is better to address it immediately since further usage of your shower will lead to the crack getting bigger and water entering the damaged part.
Is It Possible to Repair Cracked Fiberglass Shower?
Yes, it is possible. Many cracked fiberglass showers can be repaired.
The method of repairing the crack depends on size, depth, and location of the crack. Small cracks often need cleaning, preparation of the area, filling, smoothing, and refinishing.
Deeper cracks may require reinforcement of the area in order to restore its strength.
Professional fiberglass shower repair will be able to check if the damage is only cosmetic or there is some issue with the structure underneath.
Also, in case the shower floor seems soft and flexible, or looks like it is leaking, it would be wise to inspect the support underneath the shower.
Why You Should Repair Fiberglass Cracks Immediately
As we have mentioned, cracks tend to get larger if there is some pressure and moisture affecting the damaged area.
Repairing cracks early can help you avoid:
- Bigger cracks
- Leaking water
- Hidden moisture damage
- Weak area in the shower floor
- More surface damage
- Higher cost of repairs
- Premature replacement of the shower
The sooner you repair the crack, the higher the chances that your fiberglass shower will last longer.
How to Repair Cracked Fiberglass Shower?
Professional fiberglass shower repair begins with the inspection of the damaged area.
The process of repairing includes several steps.
1. Cleaning Damaged Area
The damaged area needs to be thoroughly cleaned before application of repair material.
Any soap residues, oil, minerals, or dirt may interfere with the proper bonding.
2. Preparation of the Fiberglass Surface
Damaged areas may be sanded or shaped so that repair material can be attached to the fiberglass surface properly.
Preparation of the surface is one of the most important steps in the process of making the repair durable.
3. Filling and Reinforcing the Crack
Cracks are being filled by repair materials that are specially designed for fiberglass surfaces.
Depending on how severe the damage is, reinforcement may be required to make the repair stronger and reduce the chances of the crack appearing again.
4. Smoothing Repair
After the damaged area was repaired, it is being sanded and smoothed out to make it blend better with the rest of the surface.
5. Refinishing the Surface
After the fiberglass repair is done, refinishing can be used to restore the appearance of the shower and make the surface smoother.
Anew Bathtub Repair offers fiberglass repair and refinishing services for damaged showers and bathtubs in Reno and Sparks.
Should You Use a DIY Fiberglass Shower Repair Kit?
Side by side comparison of DIY vs professional fiberglass shower repair
DIY fiberglass repair kits are available in many hardware stores, but not all of them will give you the best results.
Cracks in the fiberglass might seem easy to repair, but proper preparation and reinforcement of the area are crucial.
DIY repair will likely to fail if:
- The crack was not fully cleaned
- The surface was not prepared properly
- Wrong repair material was used
- The damaged area was not reinforced
- The moisture is still under the repair
- The shower continues to flex
- The repair is not sealed properly
DIY repair might also result in a noticeable patch that will not fit the surrounding shower surface.
Professional fiberglass repair should be considered when the crack is deep, long, highly visible, or located in the shower floor.
What if the Shower Floor is Soft?
In case your shower floor feels soft and flexible, this means that there is not enough support underneath the shower base.
This is not a problem to ignore.
If the floor continues to move each time someone walks on it, the cracks will appear again even after the surface is fixed.
The underlying reason needs to be found before fixing the crack.
Our professionals will be able to establish whether the damaged area can be reinforced or not.
When Should You Replace Your Fiberglass Shower?
Sometimes, replacement is the only way to deal with cracked fiberglass showers. It is needed in case:
- The shower base is severely cracked
- Fiberglass is in bad shape
- The shower floor is structurally unstable
- There is a lot of water damage underneath
- Several large cracks appeared
- Previous repair efforts failed
- The shower is no longer structurally sound
If the shower is in a good condition and the damage is localized, fiberglass repair and refinishing may be the best solution.
Fiberglass Shower Repair or Replacement?
Replacement of the fiberglass shower is a procedure that requires much more than removal of the old one.
Depending on the bathroom, replacement will require plumbing, walls repairs, floors repair, replacement of trimmings, or changing shower enclosure.
Repairing your existing fiberglass shower will help you avoid many procedures described above.
For homeowners, property managers, landlords, and real estate agents, fiberglass repair may be a convenient option in case the shower is in good condition.
How to Protect Your Shower from Future Damage
After your shower has been repaired, it is possible to preserve it for a longer period with proper maintenance.
To reduce the chances of future damages:
- Avoid dropping heavy objects in the shower
- Do not use steel wool
- Do not use abrasive scrub pads
- Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products
- Fix small chips and cracks immediately
- Fix leaking fixtures
- Do not ignore flexible shower floor
- Do not put too much pressure on the same area
Proper care will prolong the lifetime of your repaired or refinished fiberglass shower.
Fiberglass Shower Repair in Reno and Sparks
Not all cracked fiberglass showers have to be replaced.
In case your shower has cracks, chips, stains, worn areas, or other kinds of surface damage, Anew Bathtub Repair will be able to assess the condition of your shower and establish whether fiberglass repair or refinishing is the best option.
We offer professional bathtub, shower, sink, countertop, and fiberglass repair and refinishing services throughout Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, Sun Valley, Carson City, and other areas of Northern Nevada.
Professional fiberglass repair will repair damaged areas, will restore the appearance of your shower, and will prevent small cracks from developing into bigger ones.
Need fiberglass shower repair in Reno or Sparks? Call Anew Bathtub Repair at 775-476-2639 or visit anewbathtubrepair.com to get a quote.
