While acrylic is well known as one of the most durable materials available, it doesn’t mean that it is indestructible. An acrylic shower tray could crack if you have dropped something heavy on it and can also flex overtime under the weight of the users. Consequently, forming small cracks throughout the tray, will in turn allow water to leak, which will eventually cause mould and bad odour in your bathroom.
It's only a little crack... does it matter?
Even if the crack that you have identified in your acrylic shower trays looks small or superficial, it does matter! This is because every time you get in to have a shower, your weight puts stress on the acrylic tray, potentially increasing the depth and length of the crack. Over time, your floor integrity (be it concrete or wood), may be compromised due to water damage, leading to an expensive problem to fix. With that in mind, you might be wondering what you should do to avoid any cracks, and if your tray is already cracked, then is it even possible to fix it?
Well, let’s get to it!
So, first... How long does an Acrylic Shower Tray last?
You can expect acrylic shower trays to last up to 10 years, as long as they are properly cared and maintained for. Another contributing factor is the proper installation of your acrylic shower tray. If your shower tray was installed on a base that was not level, or not properly secured on all sides of the floor and the wall, then the concentrated stress on these will eventually lead to a crack on your shower tray.
If you see a crack, we always recommend that you first and foremost contact your acrylic shower tray manufacturer, to check if it is under warranty. If it is, then they might send a technician to either repair or replace the entire acrylic shower tray (if under the warranty). Note that each manufacturer, will have its own terms and conditions for their warranty cover, you will have to check with yours. As for Newline Showers, our acrylic shower trays have a 10 Year Warranty, and you can read our Newline Warranty Conditions here. If you would like to have your acrylic shower tray repaired by professionals, then we recommend our friends at NZ Top Repairs. If you want to take the matter into your own hands, then check below.
How to Fix a Cracked Acrylic Shower Tray
1. Choose the right materials
Before you attempt to repair your acrylic shower tray, you must ensure you have got the right repair kits for your shower. Sometimes, a manufacturer will sell repair kits for their acrylic shower trays or might have specific brands that they recommend for their product. If you are unsure, you can always go to your local store to discuss the best material for your DIY project. Once you have purchased the right kit, it is time to get cracking (pun intended)!
TIP
Don’t assume that any kit will work on your shower tray. Remember to check if your shower tray is made of fiberglass, acrylic or resin. Check with your local store the best option for your tray. Check below some of Shower Base Kits you may be able to use fix your respective tray:
2. Check the crack
Is the crack on your acrylic shower tray long and deep? Or do you have a series of cracks? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then most tradespeople would agree you should go for a brand-new replacement. If the crack or chip on your acrylic shower tray seems to be small and superficial, then you can go ahead and repair it.
TIP
Don’t assume that there is only one crack. Make sure to examine thoroughly your acrylic shower base, so that you can pinpoint the exact location of your crack(s). If you find any loose pieces of acrylic, clear them away with a putty knife but ensure to not further damage the acrylic by digging it too deeply.
3. Clean the shower base
Once you have removed the loose pieces, make sure that your acrylic tray is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry.
4. Choose your method: Filler or Patch
Remember that the type of product that you will choose will depend on the type of material your shower base is made of. For example, for acrylic shower trays made of fiberglass, you will need to purchase a fiberglass repair kit, while for acrylic shower trays, you will have to buy an Acrylic repair kit. Some repair kits might be suitable for ceramic, enamel, and acrylic all-in-once. There are two main methods of fixing an acrylic shower tray crack. One is to use a filler, and the other by applying a patch. Remember to check with your local store what is the best option for your tray before you use any of these methods.
Filler: Follow the instructions as directed on the filler product you have purchased. It usually consists of two elements that need to be mixed. Apply a generous portion of the filler in the crack – since you will smooth it later, don’t worry too much about how it looks at this stage. Let it dry overnight, or as indicated in the instructions. To complete the repair, sand away the excess filler until you have a smooth surface, and you are happy with how it looks. That’s it, job done!
Patch: Follow the instructions as directed on the patch kit you have purchased. Usually, you will need to apply the glue and patch to the crack, leave it to dry, and then just trim away any excess. To recap, we recommend that if you spot a crack on your acrylic shower base you contact your manufacturer straight away to see if it is covered under warranty. If it is not covered under warranty and your crack is small and superficial, you might just get away with a simple DIY repair. If you have more cracks, then contact our friends at NZ Top Repairs, and they will be able to assess if your acrylic shower base is repairable or if you will have to purchase a new one. If you need a complete replacement of your acrylic shower tray, then check our Newline Acrylic Shower Trays. If you are not sure what is the best acrylic shower tray option for you then give our friendly team a call on 0508 639 5463 or email us at [email protected].
