Hotels, apartment complexes and homeowners are increasingly using bathtub refinishing due to the housing recession, mortgage collapse and the generally sluggish and dismal economy as a way to save money on the renovation of their bathrooms. Other interest in reglazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continuing interest in “greening” their homes, particularly in making them more energy efficient. Consumers are looking for ways to save money and the environment, and that’s what bathtub refinishing does – providing savings of up to 80% over replacement and avoiding landfill.
But unlike other services like carpet cleaning, plumbing, pest control, etc., where consumers know what to expect from their service contractor, many are unaware of the bathtub reglazing business. And because of this lack of knowledge, many don’t know what the process consists of, what to expect, and what the end result will be. This is the bathtub refinishing process in a nutshell: a bathtub is cleaned, fully etched, wiped, primed, and resurfaced.
The equipment used is a turbine, a sprinkler and a large exhaust fan. The protective equipment is similar to what you will see in asbestos removal or mold remediation. If the fumes coming from the bathroom are unhealthy for the person refinishing the bathroom, do you think it is safe for you, your pets, and especially the young and old in the home?
Many bathtub refinishing companies will tell you that they use a proprietary coating formulated by them for them. Ask for their sacred MSDS. It contained enough toxic materials for its technicians to dress as if they were cleaning a room full of asbestos. Waterborne coatings are getting better, but water condenses in the bathroom and in the bathtub. Go figure. Every etch product contains some level of acid. The VOC concentration is high. Unfortunately, from the largest bathtub refinishing companies to small town bathtub refinishing companies that use exhaust fans to get rid of the fumes and their smell. They leave a lot of toxic fumes and odors that linger for days.
Are there air scrubbers that can suck out those fumes and odors and still maintain the environment?
These portable systems operate in a completely sealed bath. They are quiet, so guests and tenants sleep while the glass is replaced in the tub in the next room. In fact, some companies are using hospital-grade air scrubbers while reglazing a bathtub because of the importance these companies place on the health of their customers and the environmental impact of their work. These portable units are found in bathrooms where reglazing is done.
All vapors and odors are captured and there are no hoses or cables coming out of the bathroom as a safety hazard. The technology is here. The next time you call your friendly bathtub refinishing company, ask them how they are going to mitigate the odor and fumes. If they are still using old technology with its environmental impact in this century, they are not your company. Ask questions, protect your health and that of your hotel guests and apartment tenants.
The slow economy is forcing hotels and hotel chains to find creative ways to save money and protect the environment when remodeling their bathrooms. Many are concerned about the effects of excess spray fumes on their guests and their health, the noise created by outdated bathtub refinishing systems, the impact of old technology on the environment. Ask plenty of questions before hiring your next friendly bathtub refinishing company.