I noticed a crack in the bottom of my tub, and noticed that it flexed when I stepped near it.
I called in 2 companies to give me an estimate on repair. The first, proposed a more or less straightforward fiberglass repair: laying down a new full sheet of fiberglass on the bottom of the tub and then a partial re-coating.
The second proposed a more expensive option that seems more long-term, but is much more radical. They proposed cutting out the entire bottom of the tub and then pouring in new concrete to create a new support for the tub bottom. Then, they would re-attach the tub bottom with fiberglass repair materials and do a partial re-coating.
This second method, while radical, seems to address the root issue. However, in trolling the home repair areas of the internet, I do not find mention of this method. That makes me insecure. It is also double the price of the first approach.
Is anyone familiar with this 2nd approach? What are the pros and cons?
Best Answer
I'm not familiar with the second approach but, as you say, it would address the root issue of the tray flexing when in use and should prevent the problem recurring. It also does seem to be rather radical.
The main drawback I can see is that you are causing more "damage" to the tray and therefore increasing the risk of the repair failing.
I'd ask the company if you can contact (or be contacted by) someone else who's had this done so you can ask them what they thought of the procedure. Ideally you'd be able to see the end result and check out for yourself before proceeding. If the firm is reputable they should have no problem with this. In fact refusing this would be a sign that the firm wasn't as reliable as they made out.