FAQ
TL;DR: For a cracked shower tray, apply 3–5 fiberglass layers with resin; "aesthetics don't matter" until replacement. This FAQ helps renters and homeowners choose safe stopgaps and plan a proper repair. [Elektroda, ziemek56, post #19796513]
Why it matters: A quick, safe stopgap prevents leaks and keeps the shower usable until you can repair or replace.
Quick Facts
- Structural patch: 3–5 layers of fiberglass mat with epoxy or polyester resin; sand lightly after cure. [Elektroda, ziemek56, post #19796513]
- Emergency stopgap: 45–50 mm PVC tape applied crosswise with 15 cm overlap; degrease first; avoid hot water. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766901]
- Avoid silicone: it fails on flexible bases and complicates later bonding/removal. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766869]
- Full repair: remove tray, laminate underside, then top-fill and refinish with dedicated repair kits. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766844]
- Support matters: many trays sit on a steel cross with 4–5 feet; cracks often follow impacts. [Elektroda, Chris_W, post #19796887]
What’s the fastest temporary fix without removing the tray?
Use wide PVC tape for a crosswise patch.
- Degrease with extraction gasoline or IPA.
- Apply several 45–50 mm tape layers, crosswise, with 15 cm overlaps.
- Avoid hot water on the patch.
This buys time for a proper repair. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766901]
Can I just seal the crack with silicone?
No. "Silicone will not hold" on a thin, flexible base, and it makes later bonding difficult. Removing silicone residues is time‑consuming and harms adhesion. Choose a different repair path to avoid compounding the damage. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766869]
How do I do a proper structural repair if I can remove the tray?
Remove the tray. Push out any dent, then matt and degrease the underside. Laminate several fiberglass mat layers with epoxy across the bottom. From the top, level burrs, apply putty, and refinish with a repair kit. Expect a visible but usable result. "Without removing the shower tray, the repair is unlikely." [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766844]
Is lining the tray with plastic foil a valid stopgap?
Yes, as a short-term workaround. Line the tray with thick foil, cut a hole for the drain, and seal the edges. This prevents immediate leaks so you can keep showering while planning a proper repair or replacement. It is not a long-term fix. [Elektroda, beatom, post #19766865]
Which resin works on common shower tray materials?
Use epoxy, polyester, or polyurethane resin with glass mat. Mix resin and hardener in a disposable jar. Clean the bonding area with acetone, but test first because acetone can dissolve some plastics. Apply smaller strips first, then larger, to build strength. [Elektroda, ziemek56, post #19796513]
Can a car bumper repair shop fix this type of crack?
Yes, if your tray material matches their plastic welding or bonding capability. A bumper repair service or skilled modeler can repair certain plastics. Ask them to identify the material and propose a compatible resin or welding method before proceeding. [Elektroda, Tommy82, post #19767097]
Will the crack keep spreading if the base has no support?
Yes. Lack of support drives propagation. "If it cracked, there is no support from below and it will continue to crack." Plan removal and reinforcement rather than relying on cosmetic patches. Temporary measures only buy time; they do not add structure. [Elektroda, karolark, post #19766950]
What’s under many modern trays, and could impact be the cause?
Many trays sit on a steel cross with 4–5 feet. That support limits flex, so cracks can come from an impact, like a heavy object falling. Inspect for localized damage that suggests a drop rather than uniform bending. [Elektroda, Chris_W, post #19796887]
Should I replace the tray instead of repairing? How do I find the right one?
Replacement avoids visible patches. Identify the cabin’s maker and model using its sticker or plate. Search online for the matching tray by model to order quickly. Even a successful repair can remain visible and less satisfying. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19767100]
Is hot water safe after a tape patch?
Avoid it. Heat softens adhesives and reduces tape strength. After a tape patch, do not run very hot water over the area. Keep water warm at most until you complete a structural repair or replacement. [Elektroda, vorlog, post #19766901]
How long does a proper repair take?
"This is not an hourly job." You need to remove the tray, laminate, cure, and refinish. Expect several days to complete the process properly before reinstallation and testing for leaks. Plan around cure times and access constraints. [Elektroda, beatom, post #19766865]
Who should I contact for material‑specific repairs?
First identify the material. If it’s a polyester–glass laminate, contact a boatbuilder. For other polymers, consult bonding specialists familiar with bathroom fixtures. Share clear photos of the crack and the tray’s backside for assessment. [Elektroda, stachu_l, post #19766866]
What tools and steps are involved in the fiberglass fix?
You need resin with hardener, glass mat strips, a round brush, and acetone. Matt the area, wet out resin, and pat in strips from smallest to largest with 0.5 cm overlaps. Pat until fibers are saturated, then let cure and sand lightly. Kits like Autofit at Castorama are suitable. [Elektroda, ziemek56, post #19796513]
Does adding a block under the crack help as a quick fix?
No. Wedges or blocks do not restore structural integrity and can worsen stress points. As one pro put it, "The rest is sculpture"—it looks like a fix but fails under load. Remove and reinforce correctly instead. [Elektroda, karolark, post #19766950]
- if it cracked, there is no support from below and it will continue to crack.
