[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="So, you have a cracked bathtub floor and someone wants to glue a mat on top of it..." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%237c0014" google_fonts="font_family:Droid%20Sans%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_single_image image="2037" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_custom_heading text="that's not a repair - that's a band-aid" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%236b0617" google_fonts="font_family:Droid%20Sans%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_single_image image="2039" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_custom_heading text="...and a health nightmare waiting to happen" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23cc202c" google_fonts="font_family:Droid%20Sans%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_separator color="juicy_pink" style="shadow" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_custom_heading text="In this article you will learn..." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%231f2cc1" google_fonts="font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text]How a bathtub floor is constructed.
Why a bathtub floor cracks.
How to determine the extent of the damage.
How we fix a broken tub floor.
Why we reject foam and glued on mats.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2867" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_btn title="order a visual inspection with written quote" color="primary" align="center" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joyofstcroix.com%2Fproduct%2Fvisual-inspection-for-written-quote%2F|||"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Online Ordering" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center|color:%231e46bf" google_fonts="font_family:Droid%20Sans%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_single_image image="471" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_btn title="click here for current prices on repairing a cracked or broken bath floor " color="primary" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joyofstcroix.com%2Fproduct%2Ffloor-repair%2F|||"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" style="double" border_width="3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="How does a fiberglass bathtub get a crack in the floor to begin with?" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%230105c1" google_fonts="font_family:Droid%20Sans%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joyofstcroix.com%2Fservices%2Frepair%2Fcracked-or-broken-bathtub-floors%2F|title:How%20does%20a%20tub%20floor%20break%3F|target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2043" img_size="full"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]The floor of a fiberglass bathtub is constructed like an Oreo cookie. It consists of a core, usually press-wood, which is sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass. Between the floor of the tub and the subfloor is a hollow area that is important to the installation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2045" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_single_image image="2046" img_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2051" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]The bathtub does not rest directly on the sub-floor, but usually on integrated skids for installation on uneven surfaces.  Without a full support structure the skid acts as a fulcrum.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2065" img_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2053" img_size="full"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]A fulcrum is a powerful tool that channels great physical forces with very little effort. The same physical forces and properties that cause a living room floor to sag and break are at work on your bathtub floor.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2063" img_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2127" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]

These forces are called "compression" and "tension".
Simply put,
"compression" means squeezing, like with the sponge,
and "tension" means pulling, like with the spring.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2128" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2129" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]Let's look at that floor joist again. The load of the floor is pushing down on the top of the joist; it's under compression. The bottom of the joist is pulling apart; it's under tension. The areas under tension always break first.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2130" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2131" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]Each person using the shower compresses their full weight on the same spot - day after day, year after year. The bathtub floor begins to flex, and one day you see a crack. But remember, the areas under tension always break first.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2081" img_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2132" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]When we cut off the cracked top layer of fiberglass and remove the damaged area of the core, the major damage to the bottom layer of fiberglass is revealed. The areas under tension always break first.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2082" img_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2133" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]Where the tub floor meets the tub wall, in the curve, the top layers of fiberglass are in tension as well. If you have a crack in the floor, you probably have cracks here as well. The areas under tension always break first.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2134" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2135" img_size="full"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]Now that we have a good understanding of the construction of the unit and the basic physical principals that govern that construction, we can determine the extent of the damage, and the proper repair solution.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2119" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" style="double" border_width="3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Determining the extent of the damage" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%230010c1" google_fonts="font_family:Droid%20Sans%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]We start with cutting out the area surrounding the crack in the floor and examining the condition of the core. If the core is damaged or missing, more area will need to be cut out to determine the full extent of the damage that needs to be addressed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="2874" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]In this photo, we see that there was no core directly under the crack. Reaching inside the unit, the core was found to be degraded and was delaminating, but the extent was unknown and further exploration was required. After cutting out a larger area, it was discovered that the unit had only two pieces of wood core support for the entire floor (shown in the photo).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="2875" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]The existing core support was discovered to have been rotting, with mold beginning to form. Presswood cores are like cardboard – when they get wet they begin to degrade and do not regain their strength when they dry out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="2876" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]We see that the core has lost its structural integrity and delaminated, thus becoming less useful than it was before. Technically, the inspection would stop now because all of the information has been gathered and a course of action ascertained.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="2877" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="sky"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Since the rest of the bottom had no core or support at all, the proper course of action would now be to either rebuild the entire bottom, or replace the whole unit. Let's now take a look at how it should be repaired.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="2878" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" style="double" border_width="3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="How we approach repairing a broken bathtub floor" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%231f3cc1" google_fonts="font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2043" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]If you recall, the bathtub floor was originally constructed like an Oreo cookie. It has an upper and lower layer of fiberglass (the cookies) and a core (the cream filling). The first step is to remove the damaged core.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3213" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3214" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]It initially broke because of a lack of support, so a solid structure needs to be constructed. Footers in contact with the subfloor, and a full header to distribute weight, like a snowshoe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3215" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3216" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]Fiberglass is laminated to the header and the bathtub with vinylester resin to recreate the bottom layer, or "cookie". Lamination gives it strength - it's easy to break one stick, but not a bundle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3217" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3218" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]We install a composite honeycomb core used in boat building. The individual cells not only distribute weight evenly, but if the floor is damaged by impact the water will be contained to the damaged cells and will not rot or wick water.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3219" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3222" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]The core is fiberglassed and laminated to the bathtub as the top layer, or "cookie". It's then faired in (made smooth) to recreate the original contours designed to move the water to the drain.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3221" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3224" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]The final step is the topcoat and non-slip texture. No grit or abrasives that can be picked out of the finish or cut your feet are used. The texture is identical to a factory finish and is very easy to clean.
Now, let's discuss why we won't use the "foam and glued on mat" method.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3223" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" style="double" border_width="3"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Will magic foam and gluing an inlay or mat repair a leaking crack in a broken bathtub floor?" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%231f37c1" google_fonts="font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joyofstcroix.com%2Fservices%2Frepair%2Fcracked-or-broken-bathtub-floors%2F||target:%20_blank|"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3247" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]A popular method for addressing a crack in a bathtub or shower floor is to drill holes through the floor, inject foam into the hollow area, and glue on an inlay or mat to hide the repair work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3251" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Why we reject the ``magic foam and glued on inlay`` method of repairing a broken bathtub floor" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%231f37c1" google_fonts="font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="2043" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]The floor of a fiberglass bathtub is constructed like an Oreo cookie. It consists of a core, usually press-wood, which is sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3249" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3242" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]Between the bottom layer and the subfloor is a hollow area. Without support, the area where a person repeatedly stands weakens over time and it breaks - just like breaking an Oreo cookie.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3250" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3237" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_column_text]When a crack occurs in a bathtub floor, water can wick (or be drawn) into the core through capillary action. Just like an Oreo cookie that soaks up milk, the core will become soft and squishy, and will never regain its strength or rigidity even when it dries out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="3248" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color="blue" border_width="2"][/vc_column][/vc_row]