Bathrooms endure a lot of wear over time, and tub and shower damage can sneak up on you, leading to more costly repairs or replacements down the line. Here’s a look at the most common types of tub and shower damage, ways to prevent it, ways to treat it with a quick fix, and how EZPro’s high-quality materials and expert services can help keep your bathroom looking its best.
Prevent Tub and Shower Damage with Regular Maintenance
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your shower is essential to keeping it in top condition and avoiding common problems like staining, mold, leaks, and discoloration.
Consistent cleaning helps remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew, all of which can weaken shower surfaces over time if left unchecked. Wiping down surfaces, using gentle cleaners, and ventilating your bathroom properly can reduce the accumulation of damaging residue and moisture buildup, making your shower easier to maintain in the long run.
Mitigating small issues early on can also save you from larger, costlier repairs down the line. For instance, addressing minor mineral buildup or occasional discoloration prevents these from becoming stubborn, permanent stains.
Regular inspections can also help identify small cracks or signs of caulk deterioration early, allowing you to make quick fixes before any water damage spreads into walls or subfloors. Taking these steps doesn’t just keep your bathroom looking good—it protects your investment and keeps your bathroom more functional, clean, and safe.
Cracks
Cracks in tubs and showers are often caused by impacts, structural weaknesses, or poor support, especially in materials that lack reinforcement. Cracks can develop over time simply from standing in your tub or shower that has a weakened surface.
To prevent cracks, avoid placing heavy items in your tub or shower, and ensure your tub or shower pan is installed with proper support. Typically, most fiberglass surfaces will start to deteriorate after just a decade. Continued use without replacement will inevitably lead to cracking as the material weakens. Once you get a crack, water is likely to leak through the pan and into your subfloors causing all kinds of problems.
Small cracks can sometimes be repaired with specialized fillers, but larger cracks usually require surface replacement to prevent leaks or further damage.
EZPro’s acrylic tubs and showers resist cracking, and our expert installation team ensures a secure, supported fit to reduce the likelihood of structural stress and extend the lifespan of your bathroom surfaces.
Fading
Fading is a common issue, and luckily is usually only a cosmetic issue, but can often show indications of weakening. Often caused by prolonged UV exposure or the use of harsh cleaning chemicals that gradually wear down the surface color, you’ll typically notice fading after 3-5 years of intense UV exposure and harsh cleaning.
To prevent fading, stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners and consider minimizing direct sunlight exposure with curtains or frosted glass.
If fading does occur, options like refinishing or repainting might temporarily restore color, though they may need repeated applications over time.
EZPro’s acrylic surfaces are UV-resistant and designed to hold their color without fading, ensuring that your bathroom retains its vibrant look without the need for touch-ups.
Persistent Mold & Rot
Moisture in bathrooms combined with porous materials can lead to mold and rot, particularly in grout lines in tile showers and tubs, porous shower walls, and in damaged caulking.
Avoid rot and mold by regularly ventilating your bathroom, opting for non-porous materials, and being sure to dry the area after use to prevent mold growth.
Mold can often be cleaned with specialized solutions, but rot may require replacement of affected areas.
EZPro’s grout-free, non-porous acrylic wall systems minimize mold-prone crevices and are incredibly easy to clean. Our acrylic’s resistance to moisture and mold makes it an ideal choice for a cleaner, low-maintenance bathroom.
Leaks
Leaks are usually the result of poor installation, cracks, or worn-out seals and can cause damage to the surrounding structure if left unaddressed.
Prevent leaks by choosing high-quality, well-supported materials and ensuring proper installation by experienced professionals.
Small leaks can often be repaired with caulk or sealant, but major leaks may require partial or full replacements.
EZPro’s installations are handled by a team of skilled professionals, providing a watertight fit with each project. We also install moisture-resistant board between the shower and the interior walls to help prevent leaks from reaching your home’s subfloors and framing. Our durable, crack-resistant acrylic surfaces further reduce the risk of leaks, keeping your bathroom watertight and damage-free.
Peeling
Peeling often results from excessive moisture, harsh chemicals, or low-quality finishes that can’t withstand humid bathroom environments.
Prevent peeling by choosing materials specifically designed for bathrooms and by avoiding abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners.
Once peeling has started, resurfacing may temporarily fix it, though peeling can often reoccur with certain materials.
EZPro’s high-quality acrylic is built to withstand humidity without peeling, and if it ever does, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty—so you get a smooth, polished look with minimal upkeep.
Stains
Stains are common in tubs and showers, especially when there’s hard water, soap scum buildup, or mineral deposits.
Prevent stains by wiping down surfaces after each use and using gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to minimize buildup.
Stubborn stains may require more intensive cleaning, but certain materials like fiberglass are more prone to permanent staining.
EZPro’s acrylic surfaces are non-porous and stain-resistant, making them easy to maintain. Our acrylic products resist hard water buildup and soap scum, so your bathroom remains stain-free and looking fresh with minimal effort.
Dull Surfaces
Daily use, hard water, and soap can all cause surfaces to lose their shine over time.
To prevent dulling, avoid using abrasive scrubbers and clean regularly with mild products like vinegar and dish soap, drying the surface after use to help maintain its natural shine.
Polishing may restore shine, but this can be labor-intensive and may require specialized products.
Our acrylic maintains its natural shine over time, and our non-porous surfaces are easy to clean, making it simple to keep your bathroom polished and free from dulling.
Holes
Holes in tub and shower materials often result from impacts from heavy items or wear over time on low-quality materials.
Prevent holes by avoiding heavy or sharp objects in the bathroom and choosing durable, reinforced materials for high-use areas.
While small holes can sometimes be patched, larger holes usually require replacement.
EZPro’s reinforced acrylic is highly impact-resistant, reducing the likelihood of holes. Our products are built to withstand everyday use, making them an ideal choice for a longer-lasting bathroom.
Chips
Chips are usually caused by dropping heavy or sharp objects on the surface, especially in materials that are brittle or thin. Chips can lead to cracks which can lead to leaks so it’s important to catch chips as they happen.
Prevent chipping by being cautious with heavy items and opting for materials that can handle daily wear without cracking.
Small chips can sometimes be repaired, though larger chips may require resurfacing or replacement.
EZPro’s thicker, impact-resistant acrylic surfaces are specifically designed to resist chips and damage, making them perfect for busy bathrooms and reducing the need for repairs.
Discoloration
Discoloration is often the result of mineral deposits, harsh chemicals, and aging in porous materials.
To prevent it, use gentle cleaning products and address hard water issues, if possible, with a water softener.
Cleaning and polishing may sometimes remove discoloration, but older materials can remain discolored.
EZPro’s non-porous acrylic resists discoloration, keeping your bathroom looking bright and clean over time without the yellowing or dulling that can occur with other materials.
Scratches
Scratches can result from using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that wear down the surface over time.
Prevent scratching by using soft cleaning cloths and mild cleaners on bathroom surfaces.
Minor scratches can sometimes be polished out, but deeper scratches may require professional restoration.
EZPro’s scratch-resistant acrylic surfaces are built for high-use bathrooms, keeping your tub and shower smooth and polished without frequent repairs.
Caulk Deterioration
Over time, the caulking around tubs and showers can wear away, peel, or crack, creating spaces for moisture to seep through and leading to mold, rot, and water damage.
To avoid this issue, regularly inspect and replace caulk as needed to ensure a proper seal. A quick fix for deteriorating caulk is to apply a waterproof sealant over the damaged areas to prevent further moisture infiltration.
However, for a long-term solution, EZPro’s grout-free acrylic systems eliminate the need for constant caulking upkeep, ensuring a cleaner and more durable installation that stands the test of time.
Mineral Build-Up
In areas with hard water, mineral deposits such as calcium and lime can accumulate on surfaces, leading to unsightly residue that makes cleaning a challenge.
To prevent mineral build-up, regularly wipe down surfaces with a squeegee after use to remove excess water. For a quick fix, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to dissolve some of the deposits.
Fortunately, acrylic surfaces resist mineral build-up better than many other materials, keeping maintenance simple and your bathroom looking pristine without the hassle.
Warping
Warping often occurs in lower-quality or older tub and shower materials, particularly in response to extreme humidity changes.
To prevent warping, ensure proper ventilation in your bathroom and maintain a consistent temperature. A temporary solution is to reinforce the area with shims for additional support.
However, acrylic is less prone to warping due to its sturdy construction, ensuring a consistently smooth and well-fitted appearance that lasts.
Water Spots
Hard water frequently leaves behind mineral deposits that manifest as water spots on shower doors and walls, which can be tough to remove.
To avoid water spots, regularly dry surfaces after use and use a water softener if hard water is an issue. For a quick fix, you can wipe down surfaces with a cloth dampened in vinegar to remove existing spots.
Fortunately, acrylic surfaces are less susceptible to water spotting, making them easier to clean with basic maintenance and keeping them looking as good as new.
Separation from Wall or Floor
Sometimes, tubs and shower pans can begin to separate from surrounding walls or floors due to improper installation or weakened subfloors.
To prevent separation, ensure that your tub or shower is installed correctly by a professional and check for any signs of subfloor damage. A temporary fix might involve using caulk to fill any visible gaps, but this is only a band-aid solution.
EZPro’s installations ensure secure fittings, helping you avoid this common issue and protecting your bathroom from potential leaks in the long term.
Odors from Old Materials
Old, porous materials can eventually retain odors from mildew or years of use, creating an unpleasant bathroom environment.
To prevent odors, keep your bathroom well-ventilated and regularly clean surfaces with appropriate products. A quick fix for existing odors is to use an odor-neutralizing spray, but for a long-term solution, upgrading to high-quality acrylic can greatly reduce odors and provide a fresh, clean feel to your space.
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Why Choose EZPro Baths?
At EZPro Baths, we focus on durable, easy-to-clean acrylic surfaces designed to withstand the challenges of everyday use.
Our team of skilled professionals ensures that your bathroom project is done right, minimizing the risk of common damage while maximizing the beauty and functionality of your space.
If you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom with quality materials and expert installation, contact us today for a free consultation and estimate!