Different Types of Bathtub Replacements: The Good, Bad, and Ugly!
First Things First
When it comes to bathtub replacements, there are plenty of options—but not all of them are right for you. Before making a selection, it’s important to evaluate the amount of space available to house your tub. Will it be situated in the corner of your bathroom or will it be the main focal point? Additionally, giving some thought to the capacity of hot water your hot water heater can produce is important. No one enjoys taking a cold bath! Some tubs are made of materials that are extremely heavy. This means you will need to have the floors supporting your bathtub to be evaluated to be certain they will safely support your bathtub. The final consideration is determining who will be using the tub. Will it be used by children only? Then the extra expense of a whirlpool or soaking tub may not be needed. Once all these practical issues have been addressed it is time to decide on what type of tub you will want to buy.
Pick Your Tub
There are many different types of bathtubs for you to choose from. The most basic and most utilized of all bathtubs is the alcove tub. This tub is set adjacent to three walls leaving one side exposed and finished. This type is almost always a shower-tub combination. Another option is a whirlpool tub which has jets that pump out bubbly streams of water providing a high-pressure body massage. This type of bathtub is a great stress reliever. Another tub that offers deep relaxation is a soaking tub that holds enough water so that your body can be completely submerged. A free-standing soaking tub known as the garden tub is the most luxurious of all soaking tubs.
Not All Tubs Are Alike
Bathtubs come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. The most common is cast iron, which is heavy and durable. It can last for many years without much maintenance. Another type of tub is fiberglass. This material is molded into a tub shape using a reinforced polyester gel coat which creates a smooth high sheen that will last for years.
Another type of tub is cultured stone which combines crushed stone with polyester to create a strong surface that resists staining and mildew growth. A very luxurious surface is made with a cultured surface produced by combining crushed stone and polyester. This is then coated with gel core to create a strong, durable surface that resists staining, mold growth, and mildew.
You may have heard that porcelain and enamel are the same things, but they are not! Porcelain is a much stronger surface than enamel, and it can hold up to the abuse of many years of use. It also has a higher gloss finish than enamel, which means it’s easier to clean and maintain. However, it is more susceptible to rust than enamel, especially if you live in an area where there’s high humidity. Enamel is much more durable than porcelain, but has a lower gloss finish—which means it’s harder to clean and maintain. It also has a tendency to crack over time due to its steel base underneath.
The Good, Bad and Ugly
It can be very tempting to just caulk up the cracks in your bathtub, or even try to refinish the surface. But that’s not going to solve the problem. Old tubs can be hiding some nasty conditions that, if left unattended, can lead to some costly repairs. Ineffective caulk can allow water to get between the tub and walls creating wet wood which is attractive to termites. Wet wood also creates the perfect environment for mold growth and mildew. In addition, unwanted water may rot subflooring creating an unsafe situation where a bathtub is no longer adequately supported. If you have an old tub that needs replacing, why not go ahead and get it done? It’s easier than you think and worth the investment! It is important to know when it is time for a bathtub replacement and just as important to act on its replacement before it is too late!
Ready to replace that old bathtub of yours? Contact us today! We are bathtub replacement experts in Vista, North County.
