Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - fiberglass crack repair
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tae
08-30-04, 11:09 PM
Reading through the posts, i noticed several about fiberglass tubs having cracks. A possible solution could be a product sold at home stores by rustoleum called "Epoxy Shield".
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1129089178.1093927739@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccedadcmgliiighcgelceffdfgidgnl.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=Super%20Categories/Building%20%26%20Remodeling&MID=9876&pos=p03
"This 2-part water-based epoxy is specially formulated to resist hot-tire pick-up and withstand the harsh effects of road salt, oil, gasoline and other chemicals. Protects and beautifies in. just one coat. Each kit contains epoxy coating, concentrated cleaner, decorative chips, stir stick, detailed instructions and free instructional video."
We had the pro version put down in our bathrooms at work. the installers were the ones who told me about it at the home stores. basically they rolled a layer of epoxy down, then "broadcast"(sprinkled by hand) some plastic pellets for color, then rolled another layer of epoxy over it. it all bonds so there is one solid layer of water/chemical proof coating that should last a long time. They even had it go up the wall about 4 inches. it's not heavy. Only possible downside is would it safely bond with the fiberglass? Anyone have any ideas?
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1129089178.1093927739@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccedadcmgliiighcgelceffdfgidgnl.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=Super%20Categories/Building%20%26%20Remodeling&MID=9876&pos=p03
"This 2-part water-based epoxy is specially formulated to resist hot-tire pick-up and withstand the harsh effects of road salt, oil, gasoline and other chemicals. Protects and beautifies in. just one coat. Each kit contains epoxy coating, concentrated cleaner, decorative chips, stir stick, detailed instructions and free instructional video."
We had the pro version put down in our bathrooms at work. the installers were the ones who told me about it at the home stores. basically they rolled a layer of epoxy down, then "broadcast"(sprinkled by hand) some plastic pellets for color, then rolled another layer of epoxy over it. it all bonds so there is one solid layer of water/chemical proof coating that should last a long time. They even had it go up the wall about 4 inches. it's not heavy. Only possible downside is would it safely bond with the fiberglass? Anyone have any ideas?
homebild
09-03-04, 08:59 PM
Fiberglass tub should be repaired by certified manufacturer's rep only lest you void any warranties and waste your time with a poor repair.
Color matching is one of the biggest issues since any homeowner repair remains mere guesswork as far as color matching goes.
In my professional experience, the only repairs to fiberglass or acrylic tubs should be attempted by the manufacturer's reps only.
Otherwise you are on your own and you get what you pay for...and usually end up replacing the tub or shower.
jmpo
Color matching is one of the biggest issues since any homeowner repair remains mere guesswork as far as color matching goes.
In my professional experience, the only repairs to fiberglass or acrylic tubs should be attempted by the manufacturer's reps only.
Otherwise you are on your own and you get what you pay for...and usually end up replacing the tub or shower.
jmpo
Doug Aleshire
09-04-04, 07:10 AM
Homebild,
I totally agree. I do, however, understand that everyone is trying to save money. We all do. The problem is "What does the homeowner really acheive by trying to do this themselves?"
After many years in Property Management and as a Maintenance Supervisor, we routinely hired to have fiberglass units repaired by professionals. I have to say that the equipment they use and the fumes were more than I could afford nor endure. The outcome though, was always unbelievable! They matched colors, looked as though it was never cracked or in some cases, we had small holes. They saved the property lots of money and usually had this done within 1 day! As I have mentioned before, many cracks are caused by continuous flexing that was due to inadequate support.
Even though Tae made a recommendation for the Epoxy Shield, it is a commercial product that is designed for "foot traffic", not for waterproofing. Initially the thought might be inviting however I would not suggest using this as it is not intended for fiberglass repair.
The other issue is for this type of repair if not done by a professional usually will not last nor will it look good. So you repeat the repairs, spending more time and money on an issue that could be fatal to other parts of the home if not done right. Mold and mildew is just one issue let alone the damage to any structural issues and its components.
Just some thoughts
I totally agree. I do, however, understand that everyone is trying to save money. We all do. The problem is "What does the homeowner really acheive by trying to do this themselves?"
After many years in Property Management and as a Maintenance Supervisor, we routinely hired to have fiberglass units repaired by professionals. I have to say that the equipment they use and the fumes were more than I could afford nor endure. The outcome though, was always unbelievable! They matched colors, looked as though it was never cracked or in some cases, we had small holes. They saved the property lots of money and usually had this done within 1 day! As I have mentioned before, many cracks are caused by continuous flexing that was due to inadequate support.
Even though Tae made a recommendation for the Epoxy Shield, it is a commercial product that is designed for "foot traffic", not for waterproofing. Initially the thought might be inviting however I would not suggest using this as it is not intended for fiberglass repair.
The other issue is for this type of repair if not done by a professional usually will not last nor will it look good. So you repeat the repairs, spending more time and money on an issue that could be fatal to other parts of the home if not done right. Mold and mildew is just one issue let alone the damage to any structural issues and its components.
Just some thoughts