Showering is a pleasant routine that helps you recharge with positive energy in the morning and relax in the evening leaving all your worries behind. However, showering can’t bring much joy without a beautiful and functional shower base. When choosing a new shower enclosure, the importance of a shower base should never be underestimated. No doubt, there is a perfect shower base for every bathroom.
An elegant and sophisticated shower base can add a touch of character and style to your bathroom creating the most welcoming atmosphere. Depending on the material you prefer, shower bases are designed to last for decades improving the way your bathroom looks and feels. But as time goes by, you may spot some problems with your base. Scratches, cracks or leaks will not just destroy the brilliant look of your shower base. They can lead to even more serious problems that may require too much time and effort to be fixed. When any signs of damage occur, you may wonder whether you should repair or replace the base. Let’s dig deeper to find out when repairing is the best solution. Plus, we’ll analyze the situations when replacement is the only option left.
What is Shower Base Repair?
Shower base repair is the process that involves removing the minor scratches or cracks from the surface of the base. If you choose to repair your shower base, you will be able to save money keeping your bathroom tidy and attractive. You will definitely agree that replacing your existing shower base would be a more time-consuming and expensive procedure. Fixing the shower base will also prevent water from leaking and damaging the floor. Repairing your shower base is also a great way to make sure that your bathroom is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Inspect your shower base from time to time to see whether there are any issues that have to be solved.
Reasons Why Your Shower Base Gets Damaged
In fact, there are many reasons why your shower base can get damaged. Improper installation is one of the main problems that can cause shower base damage. If some mistakes have been made during the installation process, the shower base can start moving or flexing. The problem has to be fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the situation will worsen significantly causing even more serious problems.
Heavy usage can cause shower base damage as well. Manufacturers usually provide a weight limit for each shower base. If you exceed that limit, problems may occur. So, if there is a family member who weighs more than the base can hold, you should consult a specialist to find the best possible solution. The aggressive cleaning agents can also damage the surface of your shower base.
Keep in mind that even the smallest crack on the surface of your shower base can cause water leakage. When you notice a crack, you may think that it’s not deep or wide. But in fact, it can turn out to be really dangerous. When the water starts leaking, mold and mildew occur. In this case, the integrity of the floor is at stake. The best thing you can do is to fix your shower base in time.
Repairing Your Damaged Shower Base
As you already know, it’s possible to repair your shower base. However, it’s not always easy. If you have only minor cracks on the surface of your base, patching would be enough to fix them. It’s necessary to fill the cracks with sealant. The repair will make your shower base beautiful and functional again.
If you have an acrylic shower base in your bathroom, you can use epoxy or polyester to remove scratches. Acrylic is a durable material. If maintained properly, acrylic shower bases can last 10 or even 15 years. But if you drop something heavy on the base, scratches may appear. Epoxy and polyester produce excellent results helping preserve the brilliant look of your shower base. Both materials have their own advantages. For epoxy, no primer is required. It adheres easily to different materials and produces no unpleasant odor. If you choose to use polyester to repair your shower base, keep in mind that it has some unpleasant odor. So, you should keep your bathroom properly ventilated when you apply the material. Polyester is easier to use. However, it requires primer.
Why You Should Hire a Professional to Repair Your Shower Base
If you have a small superficial crack on the surface of your shower base, you can try and remove it by yourself. But in most cases, you should seek professional help. A specialist can detect the problem easily. He will fix it properly making sure that your shower base will last for many years to come. As a result, you will save money and even avoid injuries. Remember that cracks can make your shower base dangerous to use.
Signs Indicating It’s Time to Replace Your Shower Base
Repairing the shower base can really save your time and money. But not all problems can be fixed. In some cases, it would be better to replace the base. If you notice that your beautiful and shiny shower base has turned yellow or grey, think about replacing it. Once the color is changed, it’s really hard to do something about it.
If some deep cracks appear on your shower base, the best thing you can do it to replace it. Even if you try to repair those cracks, you will not be able to prevent leaks. It will start sooner or later. So, removing and replacing the shower base will help you avoid more serious problems in the future.
If you are planning to renovate your bathrooms space, you may want to replace your current shower base just because it doesn’t fit the overall bathroom design any more. The good news is that you can easily replace your shower base and there is no need to replace the entire shower enclosure.
With proper care and maintenance, your shower base will remain in good condition for a long period of time. But don’t worry even if you have to replace the base. You really deserve to enjoy a safe and comfortable showering.
