Numerous scientific research has shown that taking a bath can enhance one’s physical and emotional well-being.
However, taking a bath can be anything but relaxing if you are using a chipped, damaged, or otherwise ugly tub. Despite this, it does not necessarily mean that you need to get a replacement right away.
This data has been gathered to help you decide whether it would be more cost-effective for you to replace your bathtub rather than simply have it renovated.
So let’s get started!
What Does "Bathtub Reglazing" Actually Mean?
Bathtub reglazing, often known as recoating or refinishing, is a wholly aesthetic method of repair. Removing any small surface flaws, will restore your tub’s original appearance.
What happens is as follows:
A skilled and knowledgeable professional in bathtub repair will begin by sanding down the bathtub’s surface. Any imperfections or minor scratches on the surface are removed as a result. They will then fill up any remaining chips or cracks after that. The bathtub will then receive a coat of primer before being painted. They might need to apply several applications, depending on the kind of tub you have.
One last buffing will be done after the painting is finished.
The reglazing procedure can give an old bathtub new life, but some bathtubs need more substantial repairs than just reglazing. Discover whether it is appropriate to save your tub and when it is time to replace it by reading on.
How Frequently Should a Tub Be Reglazed?
If your bathtub is in what is thought to be a very good maintenance-wise condition, it can be worth retaining. Reglazing can restore a surface’s beauty and smoothness while hiding undesirable flaws.
Your bathtub, though, can’t be in too bad a shape. Here’s how to decide if reglazing your bathtub is the right course of action.
Stains
Over time, use will cause your bathtub to turn discolored. Even if you regularly clean it, the surface will ultimately acquire an odd discoloration that appears to have a yellowish hue.
Although this is not unique, the location is definitely spoiled.
Even if the stains are very dark, the refinishing process can bring your tub back to its original white appearance. The stains will either be completely removed by sanding and repainting, or they will be covered up so that they are hidden after the procedure is finished.
Rust on the Surface
Your tub will be protected from minor scratches once it has been reglazed. You can also patch up the majority of the cracks.
However, if a tub has one or more noticeable cracks in it, you shouldn’t reglaze it. It’s likely that these cracks will endanger your tub’s structural integrity or cause leaks. The replacement of bathtubs that have developed large cracks is strongly advised.
In that instance, your bathtub may suddenly and without much notice turn into a flood zone.
Budgetary Limitations
In many circumstances, reglazing a tub is less expensive than buying a brand-new one.
You will need to pay someone to remove the old bathtub from your property in addition to investing money in the purchase. The majority of the time, this entails paying a professional to remove and dispose of it for you.
As a result, the price may end up being greater.
Reglazing your bathtub might help extend its life while costing less if you only have a small amount of leeway in your budget. As a result, you won’t have to spend all of your money to buy a “new” bathtub.
How Frequently Should a Bathtub Be Replaced?
However, some tubs are too damaged to be reglazed, despite the fact that reglazing can improve your tub’s appearance and give it new life. The following are some indicators that it could be time to switch out your bathtub.
Your bathtub is beginning to look old
An average bathtub lasts for 25 years on average. If the tub you currently have is getting close to that age or is already older than it, you should definitely consider buying a new one.
Even if it is now operating normally, there is a possibility that it will break down at some point soon. Even while reglazing your tub is less expensive than buying a new one, doing so is not worth the money if you intend to replace the tub soon anyhow.
It constantly needs upkeep and repairs
You might think about buying a new bathtub if your old one keeps breaking down and requires repairs. Reglazing a broken tub is a waste of money if you need to keep spending money on repairs because you will need to do it repeatedly.
There is nothing to be concerned about, though, as this only needs a small fix.
After the problem is fixed and the surface is reglazed, you will have a bathtub that works well for a long time. On the other hand, it is not advisable to spend money, time, and effort maintaining a bathtub that needs numerous repairs every year
Limitations of Time
The reglazing process could take more than one visit to finish. Since the primer must first cure before any form of painting can be done on the tub, the expert will not be able to buff your bathtub while it is still covered in wet paint.
This means that it’s conceivable you’ll have to wait a week or two for your bathtub to be finished.
If you don’t have the luxury of time, buying a new bathtub is perhaps the fastest course of action. You might be able to buy your new tub and have it installed on the same day.
Large Leaks
You should start shopping for a replacement bathtub as soon as a leak appears in one. Fixing large bathtub leaks can be difficult and only offer a short-term fix. It would be wiser to spend money on a new bathtub rather than paying for an expensive repair that might or might not fix the issue.
Both mildew and mold
If mold or mildew is growing inside of your tub, you should get rid of it as quickly as you can. Although reglazing the surface might conceal the mold, it won’t solve the issue completely. Major health issues might arise from using a mold-filled bathtub for an extended period of time.
Exposure to mold can result in a wide range of symptoms, such as the following:
- respiratory difficulties
- Headaches
- Responses brought induced by allergens
- Fatigue
- red, itchy, dry eyes, etc.
- If addressed, exposure to mold can potentially result in more serious health issues like anxiety and despair. It is essential that you replace a bathtub with a new one as soon as mold is found in it.
Identifying the Occasions in Which Bathtub Refinishing Is Worth It
It will be money well spent if your tub is still in good working order after being renovated. Surface imperfections like scratches, tiny fractures, and stains can be removed with the reglazing procedure.
However, if your bathtub is ancient, leaky, or mold-covered, reglazing it is a completely expensive waste. Very soon, you won’t have a choice but to get a new bathtub.
Does your bathtub appear to be deteriorating?
To learn more about the bathtub repair services we provide and how we might be able to help you, only click this link.
