New bathtub install: Fiberglass or Steel
#1
02-23-05, 08:58 AM
New bathtub install: Fiberglass or Steel
he folks....
in the process of gutting/renovating my house.
i'm at the point where i need to start re-assembling the bathroom, and am not sure if i should go with the old school porcelain enameled steel or fiberglass.
any advice would help.
thanks.
--j
in the process of gutting/renovating my house.
i'm at the point where i need to start re-assembling the bathroom, and am not sure if i should go with the old school porcelain enameled steel or fiberglass.
any advice would help.
thanks.
--j
#2
02-23-05, 09:56 AM
enameled steel or fiberglass.
caregory, cast iron and pressed steel and I would suggest weighting quality over ime.
#3
02-23-05, 12:14 PM
Originally Posted by Snoonyb
There are two types of tubs that fall into the "enameled steel "
caregory, cast iron and pressed steel and I would suggest weighting quality over ime.
caregory, cast iron and pressed steel and I would suggest weighting quality over ime.
but i'm really trying to first figure out if fiberglass/gel is a good product, or if i should stay away from that all together...
thanks,
--j
#4
02-24-05, 04:06 AM
I am installing a new bathroom as well. As for the tub, I am NOT going with fiberglass because they offer no real advantage. You MUST put mortar underneath it when installed. They WILL crack at the drain without additional support and they get SO MUCH MORE dirty than enamel tubs. I'll probably go with steel enamel tub, myself.
#5
02-25-05, 07:16 AM
I went through the same thing three years ago. I ruled out steel because they remind me of cheap hotel rooms; sooner or later you are going to see rust somewhere. I was seriously considering a fiberglass tub, but when I compared the look to cast iron, IMHO, the cast iron won hands down. I don't know if you are thinking of cast iron when you mention "the old school porcelain enameled steel," but be careful that you are not looking at the steel tubs.
Bobbo
Bobbo
#6
02-27-05, 08:16 PM
Originally Posted by jmazur
he folks....
in the process of gutting/renovating my house.
i'm at the point where i need to start re-assembling the bathroom, and am not sure if i should go with the old school porcelain enameled steel or fiberglass.
any advice would help.
thanks.
--j
in the process of gutting/renovating my house.
i'm at the point where i need to start re-assembling the bathroom, and am not sure if i should go with the old school porcelain enameled steel or fiberglass.
any advice would help.
thanks.
--j
#7
02-28-05, 03:40 AM
I think that I'm going with an enameled cast iron lay in tub. How do they compare to the enameled steel tubs in price? The plumbers on the job say about $50 - $90 more than steel, but the clawfoots are like a fortune. Enameled steel at the supplyhouse goes for $125.
#9
03-07-05, 09:04 AM
Insulation properties
Plan to replace my tub soon too. My brother in law says his fiberglass tub in his brand new home doesn't hold the heat like the metal ones. Not sure about steel compared to iron, but he swears that the water is barely warm once the fiberglass tub is finished filling up, although coming out it is very hot.
#10
03-07-05, 09:41 AM
Member
Tyger52, Fiberglas compared to cast is like comparing an aluminum skillet to a cast iron one. Cast takes a little while to pick up the heat but then it holds it. I would insulate under any tub I installed. Cold air is an enemy of any tub and people don't consider the space under a tub as a cold spot.
#12
03-07-05, 12:51 PM
Member
As long as you have the tub out, I would see if there are any air leaks from below the tub. You could caulk any leaks that let air in. Then I would use unfaced fiberglas insulation. You could actually use a spray adhesive and stick it to the tub just before you install it. Just don't compress it or you will defeat the purpose. Anything to keep cold air from being a factor in keeping the tub warmer or letting heat out. Good luck.
