Why Do Bathtubs Crack and What To Do About It
Your bath is meant to be a relaxing place. A place to soak and unwind after a long day. But when you notice a crack in your tub, it is anything but relaxing. Although cracks are no major cause for concern, they should be dealt with in a timely manner in order to avoid further damage. Find out what causes bathtubs to crack and what to do about it.
Common Causes of Cracks
There are three primary causes of cracks forming on or in your bathtub. Damage can be caused by lack of support, heavy objects, and harsh cleaners. Lack of support underneath your bathtub can be a strong contributor to the downfall of your tub, especially when it comes to fiberglass surfaces. Fiberglass is very flexible and easily bends under weight. Continuous pressure from weight combined with improper support can lead to cracks over time.
A heavy object is the second culprit. When heavy objects are dropped in a bathtub, small divots and dents begin to form. These divots eventually lead to cracks. Finally, highly abrasive cleaners, such as bleach, can weaken your tub. These harsh cleaners cause the finish and gloss of your tub to erode, leaving openings for moisture to seep into the material and cause cracks.
Types of Cracks
There are two types of cracks that can show up in your bathtub. The first is a stress crack. Stress cracks form when a heavy object is dropped on the surface of the tub. They are surface cracks and are not cause for major concern. They may begin as a small divot or dents. Stress cracks are easy to repair.
The second type of crack you may see is a hairline crack. Hairline cracks will occur after consistent use and abuse of the material. They begin as small cracks and over time can damage the integrity of your tub. Similar to stress cracks, hairline cracks are repairable. Depending on the size and number of cracks, it may be worth it to contact a professional.
Maintenance Tips
To prevent cracking here are a few tips. First, if you are installing a new tub, be sure it has the proper supports. This is the most prevalent cause of cracks but can be avoided with proper installation. Second, avoid consistently using harsh cleaners. Be sure the products you’re using to clean your tub are meant for the material your tub is made of. Lastly, be gentle. Your bound to drop a shampoo bottle every now and then but try not to continuously drop or throw objects against your tub. All things considered, bathtubs are typically very durable and when taken care of they will serve you and your family for many years.