The Advantages of Fiberglass Bathtubs

Bathtubs are made in a variety of materials, from acrylic and steel to fiberglass. Fiberglass tubs have some definite advantages and, depending on the type of bathroom and the homeowner's needs, might be the best choice.

Fiberglass is the most affordable material for bathtubs. Fiberglass tubs are created by covering a mold with a polyester resin and allowing it to harden in the desired shape. The materials used, including the foam padding that goes underneath the coating, are much more affordable than other bathtub materials such as marble or porcelain. Fiberglass tubs can also be partially constructed out of balsa wood, which is as affordable as foam.

Bathtubs that are acrylic or gelcoat are both fiberglass tubs. The product name is determined by the process that is used to finish the tubs, and in both cases the final coating gives the fiberglass a surface that is easy to clean. Soap scum and dirt can be wiped off with a rag and a mild cleaner, while other surfaces might require some serious scrubbing to get the same effect. The surface of the tub can be scratched just as other materials can be, but fiberglass tubs are easy to repair with filler compounds and scratch removers. The sheen and luster of the tub can become faded or discolored; but the fiberglass tub can easily be resurfaced to restore its original shine.

Since fiberglass tubs are formed by painting the resin over a mold, these tubs can be made in almost any shape or size. This gives the homeowner endless options when designing a new bathroom, enabling the bathtub to be built in custom shapes that could not be created with other materials. For someone looking for a non-traditional or extremely large tub, fiberglass allows many more options than less flexible materials. The ability to create custom shapes and sizes with fiberglass can also benefit those trying to replace a difficult-to-find tub.

Although there are several advantages to fiberglass tubs, these do not come without disadvantages. While these tubs are easy to clean, they must be cleaned frequently because of their porous nature. Without frequent cleaning, the surface can absorb moisture and grime, creating a mildew problem that is next to impossible to get rid of once it develops. And although fiberglass is more reasonably priced than other bathtub materials, it may be necessary to replace a fiberglass bathtub more often, as the lifespan -- depending on wear and how much effort is put into cleaning -- can be significantly shorter than a more expensive material.

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