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I have a hole in my fiberglass tub that is leaking. Can this be repaired?

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Fiberglass is a material that tubs are commonly made out of. After a few years of use, though, fiberglass tubs are notorious for becoming rather dull in appearance, and often times they develop stress cracks or structural cracks and holes, which can lead to water leaks. While many homeowners may immediately think of replacing the tub, it’s important for them to know that’s not necessary, as holes and cracks can be repaired.

Miracle Method offers fiberglass repair and refinishing services, which will restore your fiberglass tub or shower to its original state and appearance. We use the most advanced resins and fiberglass tub refinishing materials to rebuild and patch most any hole, crack, or other damage your tub or shower may have received. Not only can we repair the damage, but we can also update your tub or shower by refinishing it in a new color – we have lots of options to choose from.

 

Why waste your time and money replacing your fiberglass tub when you can restore and refinish? Extend the usable life of your tub by refinishing with Miracle Method. Visit our website for more information or contact us at 855-212-7337.

Grab bars are key to bathroom safety

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A key to bathroom safety for the elderly or those with mobility issues is the proper installation of grab bars.  When installing grab bars, Miracle Method Surface Refinishing professionals use ADA guidelines and the finest anchors to assure the maximum safety the bars can provide.  We recommend the installation of at least two bars of 24” to 36” length on two sides of the tub.

We also recommend the installation of a curved shower rod and a handheld shower nozzle.  While not bathtub safety related, these two items make use of the bathtub more convenient for the mobility impaired.

If you would like to learn more about Miracle Method’s grab bar installation options, use our online locator or call 855-212-7337 to reach your nearest Miracle Method professional. You can also visit our website for more information.

How much does it cost to refinish my tub and tile compared to a complete bathtub liner process?

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One question we are often asked is how refinishing a tub and the surrounding tile compares to installing a bathtub liner system and what the difference in cost is. As you’ll recall from one of our previous posts, bathtub liners are sheets of PVC plastic or acrylic that are molded to the shape of an existing tub, and then glued into place.

Bathtub liners are relatively expensive, costing as much as $1,300 – $1,500 just to cover up a tub. Add in a wall liner system to cover up the surrounding walls and the cost can climb well above $3,000… which approaches the cost of total replacement!

Along with the initial cost, bathtub liners can cost you in the long run, too. Over time, they can develop leaks between the liner and the old tub, and any water that seeps through can lead to mold and mildew. Plus, tub liners can be damaged and do wear out. Both of these factors can cause a need for the tub liner to be replaced, which isn’t easy since liners are glued down at the point of installation.

Refinishing your bathtub is a much more cost effective solution than using a bathtub liner. The Miracle Method refinishing process is often 30% – 50% cheaper than covering up with a liner system. With refinishing, your tub and tile will look like new again and you will enjoy your restored tub and tile for many years to come.

Why waste money on a tub liner when you can restore, refinish, and save money?

Visit the Miracle Method website to learn more about the differences between bathtub liners and the refinishing process. If you would like to refinish with Miracle Method, use our online locator to find a franchise near you, or call 855-212-7337.

What’s the difference between acid etching and bonding?

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Acid etching is a process used by most refinishers that involves the application of hydrofluoric acid to chemically “etch” a porcelain or ceramic tile surface in an attempt to make their coating “stick” to the surface they are refinishing.  This caustic acid eats away the shiny finish and roughens up the surface.

There are a several problems in using hydrofluoric acid to acid etch a surface.  First, this acid must be very caustic to dissolve porcelain or ceramic.  Being strong and caustic also makes it dangerous for anyone using it as well as dangerous for the environment.  Any kind of direct contact on the skin of a worker will cause an immediate chemical burn.  If a worker were to be injured on your property, it’s possible he could file an injury claim against your home owners insurance, especially if he is not covered under worker’s comp.

Hydrofluoric acid is supposed to be neutralized before it is allowed to be washed down the drain.  If this is not done, this caustic acid can damage your pipes as well as the environment.  Also because hydrofluoric acid has a very offensive smell, it’s unlikely that you will want to supervise while this material is being used in your bathroom.

Most troubling, is that when hydrofluoric acid is used to create pits and bumps to roughen up the surface, it creates a mechanical bond by effectively  making more surface area for the new finish to hang on to.  This mechanical bond is not nearly as effective or as good as a chemical bond.  Think about this way…which is better….bolting two pieces of metal together or welding two pieces of metal together?  Chemically bonding a new finish onto an old surface is like welding!

Another negative is that acid etching can fail if moisture gets under the new finish at the tub’s edge, around the drain, or thorough a chip, which can blister and cause the new finish to let go and peel away. The finish will continue to peel as the moisture works its way underneath and will compromise a mechanical bond.

Instead of acid etching, Miracle Method refinishers use our own proprietary, acid-free bonding agent called MM-4. It creates a chemical bond between the old surface and the new finish. MM4 is a unique and proprietary material that is only available to Miracle Method owners. Don’t be fooled by imitators! It is because of this unique MM-4 bonding agent that has been used for over 30 years across the country that we can confidently offer a five year warranty on tubs and ceramic tile. Beware of any refinisher using any kind of acid etching! Use our online locator or call 855-212-7337 to reach a Miracle Method franchise near you.

My elderly mother has trouble getting in and out of the tub, how can I make it easier for her?

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The Council on Aging estimates that over 25,000 accidents occur in and around the tub area each year. As we grow older, our mobility isn’t the same as it was when we were young, and some find it difficult to get in and out of the tub. This can lead to slips, trips, and falls, which can cause serious injuries. The need for easier access to the tub becomes essential.

Miracle Method offers the Easy Step – an alternative to replacing your current tub with a walk-in tub, as the Easy Step converts the tub into a shower in just one day. The Easy Step conversion process lowers one side of the tub to make entering and exiting easier and safer, as it creates a 24 inch wide by 9 inch tall notch in the side of a tub. Instead of stepping over the side of the tub, users can step through, which reduces the risk of losing your balance and falling.

Additionally, the Easy Step from Miracle Method is a very cost effective alternative to replacing a current tub with a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs require significant amounts of time and money to install.  Walk in tubs can cost between $5000 -$10,000, but an Easy Step can often be installed for $800 – $1200. With the Easy Step, you’ll have your new, safe bathing area in just a day.  Miracle Method can also provide a complete safety package by adding Grab Bars, non-slip treatments, and hand held shower attachments.

Another wonderful benefit of the Easy Step process is that it can easily be reversed if necessary. All we need to do is reinstall the cutout and refinish it to look like new.

If you or your loved one needs easier access to bathing, visit the Miracle Method website to learn more about the Easy Step walk-in tub. You can use our online locator or call 855-212-7337 to find a Miracle Method franchise near you.

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