You would be hard pressed to find a bath you can truly put your feet up and enjoy if all the time goes into scrubbing at intractable stains. Or perhaps no matter what you do, the shower has a worn look about it. You may be at the point of asking yourself if another repair is justified.
There is no need to make guesses about such things; those who have been in your shoes are many. The folks at Charleston Bath Experts have made it our business to advise homeowners from all over coastal South Carolina on when a bathtub or shower has had its day. For a discussion of the matter, pick up the phone and call (843) 203-0255.
We have set out some of the telltale signs below as to why replacing is preferable to yet another patch job.
Cracks, Chips and Other Surface Damage
It is tempting to overlook a cosmetic flaw here and there but cracks and chips have a way of not staying small. Water will seep into any opening and once behind the walls of your tub or shower the damage is quick to follow.
Some of the surface problems to be on the lookout for:
- A hairline crack that seems to be extending
- Chips in the fiberglass or acrylic showing what is under them
- Softness to the floor of the shower or tub
- Any flexing when you put weight on it
- Dirt and grime making a home in deep scratches
A compromised surface means you will never win the battle with cleaning. It also suggests the structure beneath might require some work.
Stains That Defy Cleaning
Do not mistake this for ordinary soap scum. When discoloration has taken hold of the material, not even the harshest cleaner on the shelf will do you any good. In that case it is the surface, not your efforts, at fault.
With age an acrylic or fiberglass can yellow and fade, holding onto stains for good. Elbow grease will not restore the finish. If the bathroom looks dingy in spite of your best efforts to clean it, take it as your cue that the fixture is finished.
Mold and Mildew That Lingers
The humidity of coastal South Carolina is not kind to an old bathroom. Worn caulking and cracked surfaces are an invitation to mold and mildew. Should you see dark spots reappear in the same spot, moisture is probably reaching places out of sight.
Beyond the unsightly appearance, persistent mold can taint the air in your home and be indicative of water damage behind the wall. A new, well sealed unit will not have the seams and gaps for it to hide in.
Water Damage and Leaks
One does not have to be an expert to know a leaking tub or shower means it is time for a change. Look for these:
- Staining on the ceiling under the bathroom
- Flooring around the base of the tub that is soft or warped
- Paint peeling or walls that have bubbled
- An abiding mustiness
- Grout and caulk that will crack despite being redone
Leaks are only going to worsen. The more water is left where it ought not be, the higher the cost of the repairs will be.
Function and Design Have Fallen by the Wayside
Then there is the matter of a design that is simply no longer suited to your lifestyle. Whether it is the difficulty of getting over a high tub wall, a desire for the safety of a walk-in model, or the urge to turn an unused tub into a roomy shower. And let us not forget a style that is decades old. All are sound reasons to make a change, technical operation or not.
The Cost of Constant Repairs
Put a pencil to paper and total what you are outlaying to fix the same thing time and again. In the long run you will spend more on an old tub or shower than you would for a quality replacement. There comes a time when putting money into an aging fixture is not sensible.
A Family Business in Which to Put Your Trust
We have been serving the greater Charleston area in our capacity as a family-owned remodeling firm for years and we like to think of our customers as part of the family. As a Luxury Bath dealer we put our own tubs and showers to work, with installation done by one of our certified contractors. Our Express Two-Day Remodeling is capable of a tub-to-shower conversion or installing a new shower in two days flat. We provide free estimates and in-home consultations as well as no-interest financing.
Should you have noticed any of the above in your bathroom, it is better to act before the issue gets bigger. To see what a new tub or shower can do for your home, contact Charleston Bath Experts at (843) 203-0255 and put in for your free consultation.
