Flex On Cracked Shower Floors with Flex Seal – The Rapid Temporary Fix

An aggravating crack in your shower floor causing irritating leaks? Before you panic, reach for Flex Seal to come to the rescue! This handy rubberized sealant can provide a fast temporary fix for cracked fiberglass shower floors. While not a permanent solution, Flex Seal can buy you valuable time to arrange proper repairs. Read on to learn how to use Flex Seal for an emergency patch job on your cracked shower floor.

Common Causes of Cracked Shower Floors

A crack in your shower floor can seem to appear out of nowhere. But several issues can lead to cracks forming in shower pan surfaces. Knowing the root causes can help prevent future cracks from developing.

Improper installation is a common reason for cracked shower floors. If the floor is not properly supported or level, it can begin cracking over time from regular use. Using the wrong materials like porous grout on a shower pan can also lead to cracking. Rushing the installation or ignoring the curing time for materials can compromise strength.

Structural problems in the home can also result in cracked shower floors. Settlement of the foundation, leaks, rotted walls or subflooring, or movement in the framing can all cause the shower floor to crack from the stress and shifting. Old plumbing leaks are another preventable cause.

Daily wear and tear inevitably takes a toll on shower floors. The constant exposure to hot water and weight from standing or moving exerts stress. Grout and caulked seams slowly erode from regular use and exposure to moisture. Acids from cleaning products also degrade surfaces over time.

A heavy object falling in the shower can easily crack tiles, grout, or fiberglass. Dropping bottles of shampoo, bars of soap, or razors happens frequently during bathing. The impact force can damage weaker areas of the floor.

Fiberglass and acrylic floors can crack under too much weight or pressure in one area. Kneeling to shave legs or allowing kids to play and jump in the shower overstresses the floor. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also vulnerable to cracking if too much force is concentrated in a small area.

Harsh cleaning products with acids and abrasives strip away grout and protective coatings. Scouring with rough scrub brushes also degrades shower floor surfaces. Powerful cleaners can damage weaker areas, allowing cracks to form.

Dangers of Leaving Cracks Unrepaired

While they may start small, cracks in a shower floor can expand over time and create significant issues if left unaddressed. Just a hairline crack allows water to seep under tiles, eat away grout, and penetrate the subfloor.

Continued water exposure relentlessly erodes cracks wider through hydrostatic pressure and freeze/thaw cycles. If the crack goes unrepaired, the damage spreads beneath the shower floor as well. Soon you are left with large areas of loosening tile or fibers.

Water leaking through shower floor cracks causes rot and mold growth in walls, ceilings, and subflooring. Drywall and framing members soak up moisture and deteriorate. Left unaddressed, entire sections of the shower enclosure and surrounding bathroom can decay.

A cracked shower floor leaves dangerous shards of tile or fiberglass sticking up to cut unprotected feet. Jagged edges from broken grout lines also threaten sensitive soles. Keeping a shower mat in place helps but does not eliminate the risk of cuts.

Stepping on loose cracked sections of a shower floor feels quite unstable underfoot. Cracked floors become a falling hazard, especially for seniors or small children. Few feelings are more unnerving than the shower floor flexing down with each step.

Walking around in an actively leaking shower is also rather unpleasant. Few enjoy standing in puddles of water or hearing dripping sounds from seeping cracks during their morning wake-up shower.

Fiberglass Showers

On a fiberglass shower floor, Flex Seal works quite well to seal cracks and provide a temporary waterproof barrier. The thick flexible sealant adheres nicely to form a tight seal.

But over time, Flex Seal will eventually deteriorate from moisture exposure and the extreme temperature changes in a shower. It should be viewed as an emergency 1-2 year fix at best.

Epoxy resin shower floor repair kits designed for fiberglass can provide a more permanent fix. These refinish coatings seal damage and bond to form a new durable surface.

Polyurethane crack repair foams can also permanently seal cracks and gaps on fiberglass shower floors. The foam expands to fill the space and solidifies into a waterproof plug.

Acrylic and Plastic Showers

On plastic and acrylic shower basins and stall pans, Flex Seal also works decently as a short-term crack patch. But the same long-term durability issues due to hot water and humidity exposure apply.

Plastic welding is the best permanent fix for cracks and holes in plastic shower floors. The plastic is melted and fuses back together for a seamless repair.

Patch repair kits made for acrylic shower pans can also permanently mend cracks and scratches using fillers, epoxies, and reinforcing mesh.

Ceramic Tile Floors

Flex Seal is not an optimal solution for cracked ceramic shower floor tiles. The thick inflexible sealant does not adhere well to the glazed ceramic surface.

For cracked grout lines between ceramic tiles, regrouting the areas is the best permanent repair. Using proper grout and sealing helps prevent future cracking.

If the crack is within a ceramic tile itself, filler caulk can patch the crack aesthetically. But often the entire cracked tile needs replacement to fully address the issue.

Porcelain Tile Floors

Due to its inflexibility and poor adhesion, Flex Seal also fails prematurely when used on cracked porcelain shower floor tiles.

As the dense porcelain is near impossible to drill out, only replacing the actual cracked tile can restore the floor fully. The difficulty of matching the new tile to the existing also factors in.

For cracks between the tile joints, professionally regrouting with flexible waterproof grout is the best option. Porcelain tiles lack absorption making DIY regrouting prone to issues.

Metal/Steel Showers

On metal or steel shower pans, Flex Seal can work as a temporary leak patching solution. But it lacks the durability and heat resistance for a permanent repair.

Welding offers the most reliable way to mend cracks and leaks in metal shower floors. The specialized equipment melts the metal together into a fully sealed joint.

Proper metal-rated caulks and sealants like silicone work well for small cracks. Larger cracks and leaks require left to an expert metalworker for welding repairs.

Proper Flex Seal Application Technique

To maximize its effectiveness on approved surfaces like fiberglass, follow proper technique when applying Flex Seal:

- Thoroughly clean and dry the area first. Remove any soap scum, grime, or existing caulks from the crack. Give the Flex Seal the cleanest surface possible to bind to.

- Apply in several thick, even coats according to the directions. Thin sparse coats will not adhere and seal properly. Let each coat fully cure before adding the next.

- Continue to reapply coats as needed every 1-2 years or whenever leaks recur. Plan to reapply after lengthy hot showers that deteriorate the sealant over time.

- Avoid showering until fully cured. For best results, allow Flex Seal to cure for 24 hours before exposure to moisture.

Patience and proper application allows Flex Seal to work as intended. Rushing the job leads to weak seals prone to early failure. With care, Flex Seal can buy months or years before a more permanent repair is required.

Flex Seal as a Short-Term Emergency Fix

While handy for quick fixes, relying solely on Flex Seal long term has major drawbacks. The sealant is only designed for temporary repairs despite marketing claims.

When used in hot shower conditions, Flex Seal eventually breaks down from constant temperature changes. The seal becomes brittle and compromised as the rubberized coating degrades.

Prolonged moisture exposure also weakens Flex Seal over time. The rubberized sealant simply lacks the long-term water resistance required for shower floor cracks despite the name.

Changing seasons can hasten Flex Seal's demise. Winter freezes and summer heat accelerate the breakdown in a shower environment. Leaks quickly return once temperatures start fluctuating.

Flex Seal best serves as an emergency fix when you suddenly discover a crack allowing water to leak through. It quickly seals and buys you time to arrange for proper repairs later on.

But never rely on Flex Seal long term or expect a permanent fix. Eventually, you need to address the root cause and select a repair option designed for lasting results.

When to Call a Professional

While handy for quick fixes on fiberglass, relying solely on Flex Seal long term has major drawbacks. The sealant is only designed for temporary repairs despite marketing claims.

If the cracks are very large or affect huge sections of the floor, a DIY Flex Seal application likely will not properly address the issue. Severe cracks require more robust and permanent solutions.

Trying to use Flex Seal on ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, concrete, or metal shower floors often leads to frustration and failure. These surfaces require specialized approaches like regrouting or welding.

Seeking professional assistance for repairs becomes essential when cracks are due to underlying structural issues. A shifting foundation, rotted wall studs, or old leaks quickly undermine any repair.

Flex Seal alone cannot properly patch holes or gaps in shower pans allowing water through. These areas require patching from below or pan replacement.

For acrylic, fiberglass, or plastic showers with significant cracking or soft spots, full shower pan replacement may be required. Flex Seal only offers a limited temporary fix.

Consult a knowledgeable contractor when in over your head. Let the experts handle the necessary demolition, installation, and complex repairs involved.

Preventing Future Cracked Shower Floors

Avoiding cracked shower floors starts with proper installation. Ensure the floor structure is sturdy and level. Allow all materials like mortar and grout adequate curing time to gain strength.

Use a flexible and waterproof grout formula rated for showers. Re-seal grout annually to protect from moisture degradation. Avoid acid-based cleaners on grout.

Place a nonslip rubber shower mat down during bathing. Mats cushion falls, provide warmth, and can protect the floor from direct impact.

Take care not to drop heavy shampoo bottles, razors, or other objects in the shower. Damage can occur in an instant from impacts.

Clean the shower gently with non-abrasive cleaners and soft brushes. Harsh scrubbing and scouring pads wear down surfaces.

Inspect the shower floor routinely for any hairline cracks starting to form. Addressing issues early prevents reaching the leaking cracked stage.

Avoid allowing water to puddle and sit on the floor. Promptly remove any mildew or soap scum buildup as well.

Having repairs made before selling or buying a home also prevents dealing with shower cracks later on. Proactive maintenance saves money and headaches.

Flex Seal offers a handy quick fix for cracked fiberglass shower floors needing an emergency patch. But severe cracks, other shower floor materials, or underlying issues require more robust permanent repairs.

While helpful for a temporary solution, rely on Flex Seal for cracked shower floors with realistic expectations. It can seal out leaks for 1-2 years if applied properly but lacks long-term durability.

Address the root cause of cracks and choose proven repair methods like regrouting, epoxy kits, or welding for your specific shower floor type. Prevent cracks proactively through gentle care and routine maintenance.

Flex Seal can help with fiberglass shower floor cracks in a pinch. But always view it as a short-term solution while planning appropriate repairs for lasting results.