Crack In Fiberglass Shower Floor
Plastic shower stalls are usually made of fiberglass resin or from polystyrene. Although plastic is durable and long-lasting, it is possible to crack the stall. If you decide to replace your shower stall, expect to spend a good amount of money doing so. That looks like fiberglass (if it feels pretty flexible its fiberglass, if it pings when you tap it with your wedding ring its porcelain) which could in theory be patched with a fiberglass resin patch. Use the kind with the fiberglass mesh, not just Bondo it will crack. Aug 23, 2019 A crack in an acrylic, plastic or fiberglass shower isn’t just unsightly; it could also be a major issue if water leaks through the crack, causing damage to the area beneath or behind the shower. Dec 05, 2018 The strong waterproof adhesive permanently binds the inlay to your shower pan. When properly installed, the inlay is better than your original shower floor. The NuTub 22 in. L Shower Floor Repair Inlay Kit will work on any shower pan including fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain, cast iron, pressed steel enamel and plastic.
- HomeAdvisor's Shower Repair Guide provides easy steps on how to repair your fiberglass base, acrylic bathtub, or tile floor. Read tips to fix chips, cracks, holes, and other shower pan issues.
- When water infiltrates these openings, it can leak behind the unit and create pools of water, soak insulation, weaken studs, and even result in mold within the wall and floor cavities. Whether it is a bathtub, shower stall, or combination bathtub/shower surround, the process for minor repairs is the same for both fiberglass and acrylic materials.
- May 09, 2011 Fixing a crack in Stand up shower All Surface Renew. How to fix a Crack Hole in Bathtub - Fiberglass. How to fix a Crack or Hole in Bathtub - Fiberglass Shower tub chip gelcoat repair.
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A crack in an acrylic, plastic or fiberglass shower isn’t just unsightly; it could also be a major issue if water leaks through the crack, causing damage to the area beneath or behind the shower. Instead of tearing out the entire shower stall, purchase a DIY kit to fix the crack in the plastic shower wall yourself.
The right kit depends upon the nature of the problem. Use a shower pan repair kit for a hole or crack in the shower floor or for a crack caused by lack of support between the wall and the shower surround. A paste-type kit works well for minor cracks not caused by lack of support behind the shower.
How To Repair Shower Floor
Kit for Minor Shallow Cracks
While many companies sell basic repair kits for minor cracks or holes in a shower, some offer the kits in an assortment of colors designed to match common bathtub and shower hues. This paste-style repair kit includes enough material to fill several 7-inch cracks, large blisters or dings.
To use this type of kit, gouge the length of the crack so it’s V-shaped, cutting no deeper than 3/16 inch, so the cut only removes some of the surface plastic or acrylic material, not the fiberglass base beneath it. Create the notch with a rotary tool’s grinding attachment or use a sharp utility knife. Wear eye protection and a dust mask if working with a grinding attachment. Work gloves protect the hands from cuts when using a utility knife.
After creating the notch, smooth the area with the sandpaper included in the repair kit. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove particles. Once that dries, clean the surrounding area with nail polish remover to remove any soap scum or buildup. Work with the windows open to avoid breathing in the fumes.
Using the Paste Repair Material
With the windows open, squirt an ample amount of the paste material and catalyst into the provided mixing cup. Stir them together while wearing rubber gloves. The exact proportions vary by brand, so read the instructions thoroughly before use. If the kit includes tints to mix your ideal color, add a few drops at a time while stirring until the shade matches the shower surround.
Apply the pasty mixture over the groove with the included craft stick. Fill the hole as evenly as possible; then wipe the excess away with a plastic card or scrap piece of card stock to level the material. After the patch hardens in an hour or so, sand it gently so the shower surround and patch are level with one another. Buff the repair with the included compound and a soft cloth or buffing pad.
Shower Pan Repair Kit Preparation
Cracked Shower Base Repair Kit
Repairing the shower pan or any crack or split in the shower caused by lack of support from behind or beneath the shower surround requires a spray foam insulation to bolster the problematic area before patching it. Like the paste kits, these include a resin and catalyst to create a hard, durable patch. These structural repair kits sometimes include fiberglass mesh for added reinforcement in large holes.
Clean the entire project area with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover while the windows are open. Drill six to eight 1/4-inch holes through the plastic around the perimeter of the area that bends inward when pushed. Drill 1/4-inch holes at each end of the cracks as well, as this prevents them from growing larger.
Squirt a two-component insulating spray foam through the holes you’ve drilled to create a sturdy support behind or beneath the shower. This type of foam dries quickly, so it’s ideal for such a project. Use a utility knife to trim excess foam that squirts through the holes into the shower area.
Completing the Repair
Grind, gouge and clean the affected area around the crack or hole, as you would for a minor crack. For a large hole, place a small sheet of fiberglass mesh, cut to slightly larger than the hole, atop the prepared area for added support.
Mix the two-part polyester resin and apply it to every prepared hole and crack, including the drill holes, using a rubber scraper or the included application tool. Once the material hardens, sand or grind excess away while wearing a dust mask and eye protection. Use progressively finer sandpaper grits until the area is smooth and level; then wipe away the dust with a damp cloth.
Buff the repaired areas with a buffing compound or refinishing compound included in the kit. If your kit doesn’t include this, use a urethane automotive polish, following the directions on the polish container.
References (3)
About the Author
Kathy Adams is an award-winning writer. She is an avid DIYer that is equally at home repurposing random objects into new, useful creations as she is at supporting community gardening efforts and writing about healthy alternatives to household chemicals. She has also written many pieces on landlord and tenant concerns. She's written numerous DIY articles for paint and decor companies, as well as for Black + Decker, Hunker, Kroger and Landlordology, among others.
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I need some advice. My shower stall in my house has a crack in the base. I'm worried about the potential water damage below the unit. I've tried sealing it with Real Seal, but it wears away after a couple of days/weeks. I visited Home Depot today and the guy there recommended Homax Tub and Sink Refinishing Kit. But that looked like it was for porcelain and not whatever my shower is made of. Beyond that, he said the only thing left is to replace the shower which would be at least $400 plus labor.
My next step is to call out somebody for an estimate of some sort. But I thought I'd ask here for any recommendations first. Does anybody have any advise before I drop over $1000 on this? I have to imagine that this is a common problem so surely there is a simple solution.
1 Answer
That looks like fiberglass (if it feels pretty flexible its fiberglass, if it pings when you tap it with your wedding ring its porcelain) which could in theory be patched with a fiberglass resin patch. Use the kind with the fiberglass mesh, not just Bondo it will crack. Or you could try West Systems G/Flex Epoxy Kit WSY-650K, I've used it to do some hairy fixes and it is pretty impressive. Having said that, I would consider any patch to be a temporary fix at best. You've got water, regular stressing forces caused by your shifting weight in the tub, and a hole that may be leaking into an area that you can't see. Bad juju. Also, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the last time I replaced a shower/tub insert it ended up costing the homeowner about $2300 because we had to tear up and replace a lot of the sub-floor due to years of minor leaks and overflows. You may not be looking at water damage yet but I wouldn't be surprised if you have to perform a little surgery once that shell is out. Best of luck,ph
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