The market offers bathtubs in a huge variety of materials and shapes, from exquisite stone to low-maintenance fiberglass. Your bathtub's material affects how well it works, how long it lasts, how much it costs, and how it looks. Before you begin a minor project like cleaning or a big project like upgrading your bathroom, it is essential to determine what material your bathtub is composed of. In most cases, it's not possible to tell the material of your bathtub just by looking at it, but a few simple procedures can help you do so. Do you have any bathroom remodeling projects planned? Did your contractor enquire as to whether your tub was made of cast iron or acrylic? How can you possibly tell what materials are in your bathtub? When you know what to search for, the solution is not that difficult to locate. In this article, we'll cover the reasons you would want to know what material your bathtub is made of, how to identify it, and some often asked questions.
Reasons To Know What Your Bathtub Is Made Of
- Save your sanitary ware in case you decide to remodel your toilet but don't want to invest too much money. But, if your fiberglass bathtub is older than 20 years, you should consider replacing it. A tub with enamel will probably endure another 50 years while the fiberglass will continue to deteriorate.
- Do you live on the third story and think it would be difficult to carry an old cast iron tub down the stairs? A fiberglass tub can be disassembled into smaller pieces. Do you pay for your demolition debris by the weight? Getting rid of the cast iron will cost you more money.
- Finally, you could fix it if you have seen cracks along the drain or the tub's sides. But, you will require a repair kit that is compatible with porcelain, acrylic, or fiberglass. Incorrect repair chemicals could potentially harm the bath, necessitating an expensive replacement.
Easy Ways To Identify & Determine The Bathtub Material
Over the years, there have been significant changes in bathtub design and production. There are a wide variety of bathtubs, including ones made of steel, cast iron, acrylic, and fiberglass. There are various techniques to help you identify the material of your bathtub if you've had it for so long that you're not sure. If you want to identify the material, then here are some easy steps that will help you in identifying & determining the type of material used for a bathtub:
Tap And Press On The Side Of Your Bath
Try tapping and pressing on the edge of your bath for the simplest test. A hollow, higher-pitched sound will emanate from an acrylic or fiberglass bath. When you press on the sides, they can give somewhat. A metal tub feels completely firm on your knuckles and has a richer sound. Put your hand firmly against the bathtub's side. It is constructed of acrylic or fiberglass if it has some give. These substances have a small amount of give or flexibility. Steel or cast iron, however, will not give under applied pressure.
Evaluate The Surface Of Your Bathtub
Check your bathtub's surface for chips or scratches. The most vulnerable bathtub materials to cracks, scratches, and other surface damage are acrylic and fiberglass. If any heavy objects are allowed to fall on a porcelain-coated bathtub, chipping is okay. It is also advised to use fiberglass to cover any fading areas around the bottom of your bathtub. If the outer coating is chipped away to reveal the underlying material, you must examine for rust since rust is a clue that the underlying material is suitable porcelain-coated steel or cast iron.
Examine The Flooring Around Your Bathtub
Check the area of flooring near your bathtub. The weight of cast iron bathtubs frequently need additional floor bracing. Although this work is typically concealed in the subflooring, some bathrooms have frames that are specifically made to hold a large tub. If the floor below your bathtub allows access, you should check the subfloor for any additional joists or oriented strand board, both of which are easily able to sustain a cast iron bathtub's weight.
Hold The Magnet Against The Wall Of Your Bathtub
Moreover, you may attach a powerful magnet to the bathtub's outside. While acrylic, cultured stone, fiberglass, and wood tubs are not magnetic, cast iron and steel tubs are. Your tub is either cast iron or steel if your magnet attaches to it.
Extra Supports
There are several ways to inspect your bathtub's support structure, from removing panels and framing to peering in the crawl space or basement underneath the bathtub. Since they are so heavy, cast iron bathtubs frequently have additional supports underneath them. Most claw foot baths are made of cast iron. Observe the following:
- Cast iron supports have a pebbly appearance.
- Supports made of steel appear metallic.
- The supports made of fiberglass resemble a jumble of strings.
- Supports made of acrylic seem to be smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to determining the material your bathtub is made of are listed below:
How Do You Tell If I Have A Fiberglass Or Acrylic Tub?
- There are a few techniques to determine whether your bathtub is made of fiberglass or acrylic if you are unclear. Acrylic tubs often weigh more than fiberglass tubs. In contrast to acrylic tubs, which typically have a smooth bottom, they may also have a textured bottom.
- Examining the seams is another method for identifying the differences. While acrylic tubs are flawless, fiberglass tubs will have seams that are noticeable and feel harsh to the touch.
How Can I Tell If My Tub Is Porcelain Or Enamel?
- Tubs composed of porcelain and enamel are typically cast iron or steel. They are frequently quite strong and long-lasting. Examining the finish is one technique to distinguish between porcelain and enamel. Enamel tubs will have a more matte appearance than porcelain tubs, which will be more reflective and glossy.
- By observing the color, you can differentiate between the two things as well. Enamel tubs come in a range of colors, but porcelain tubs are commonly white or off-white.
Can Fiberglass Tubs Be Refinished?
Fiberglass bathtubs can indeed be refurbished. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that the effects might not be as durable as with other tub kinds. The finish might not last as long on fiberglass because it is more likely to sustain damage and deteriorate over time. Consult a professional if you're thinking about refinishing a fiberglass tub for the best results.