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Tub Saver Liners are made of a padded polyethylene material with anti scratch properties, and functions to temporarily protect tubs during the construction process. Since 1991, ACRIPAIR has literally repaired thousands of bath fixtures for clients such as builders, renovators, mechanical contractors, plumbers, plumbing wholesalers and retailers, tilers, designers, architects, manufacturers, as well as home owners. A frequent question was, "what can be done to protect tubs"? Tub Saver liners are the best products I could find, and ACRIPAIR is pleased to distribute them.
Compared to the costs and benefits of the alternatives, the liners work best because unlike other systems, the liners protect the top and side and bottom surfaces against both abrasion and impact damage. It's the closest thing to armor for tubs. Padding works to protect against tool and material impacts such as hammer and tile drops, etc. And unlike painter's drop cloths, cardboard, fibreglass pink, etc. often thrown in as an afterthought once a tub is already dirty, the funnel shape and more complete coverage of the liners also function to prevent abrasive debris from contacting the surface of the tub, which then causes abrasion damage when walked on. The spray on rubber protection systems are expensive, especially considering they are not reusable. It is not transportable for trades people to use. And builders and owners are required to expend considerable effort to apply it. Then there are sometimes issues with removal and staining. The use of low tack removable films offers some splatter and abrasion protection. But it generally takes two people quite a bit more time to install it. And it is not reusable and doesn't protect much against impacts.
Use of Tub Saver liners function to enhance the homeowner's perception of the builders and/or trades persons using them. Damaged fixtures are generally an embarrassing situation for builders and trades people to explain away. Occasional chips and scratches can sometimes be reasonably regarded as accidental. But when multiple chips or scratches occur, the situation is usually perceived as carelessness and/or being highly unprofessional. Especially considering what fixtures cost. Keep a few liners on hand, or custom order based on upcoming project requirements.
It seems almost everyone is busy these days. Especially those working in construction. The liners are quick and super easy to install by one person. Just check that there is no gritty debris inside the tub before inserting the liner. Builder's can leave them in place. Trades people can take the liners with them from job to job as they are foldable and easy to transport.
The liners save on repair, clean up, and alternate protection costs. A plywood frame placed over the top can be used on some types of tubs for the earlier part of the construction process, but it costs (with labor and materials) about as much to fabricate as the more professional looking liners. And the liners work to protect the tub throughout the entire construction process, unlike wood covers which need to be removed for tilers, plumbers, etc. who have to work inside the tubs. The liners have flap covered openings at the drains, so tubs can even be water tested with them in place. It can take clean up crews an hour or so to remove all the splatter sometimes. The liner's, splatter and all, lift out in a few seconds and are ready for use on the next project. Some types of damage do not have viable repair solutions. E.g. Polishers can not remove scratches from the valley's of textured bottom surfaces. For the cost of a minor repair, a liner can be used to protect numerous tubs over a long period of time. It's the ounce of prevention. Especially in those rare times when tubs need to be replaced because a customer insists on it, or when damage is not repairable.
The liners are a green choice. Unlike films and liquid coatings, the liners can be used over and over. They are made of a category five polyethylene material, so they can eventually be recycled. The tub repair processes require the use of chemicals. Liner use virtually eliminates the requirement for repairs once the tubs arrive on site and are cleared of shipping damage.
The padding on the liners provides some protection for workers themselves should they fall. Tilers, painters, plumbers and drywallers spend a lot of time in and around tubs.
More on the importance of protecting bath fixtures:
The liners are a process improvement tool which provides building professionals a more craftsman like control over their projects by helping avert delays and expenses associated with construction related mess and damage (scrapes, scratches, paint overspray and spills, grout and glue splatter, chips, deep gouges, cracks, rust marks, chemical stains, etc). Since bath fixtures go in at an early stage of the construction process, many trades are required to work around and in them. So there is a myriad of opportunities for damage to occur. Plus, since bath fixtures tend to be dust covered during construction, they can be difficult to monitor for damages, allowing them to go unnoticed until the clean up stage. It's hard to assess blame and recover costs at that point. Then builders or owners end up paying for repairs instead of the parties responsible. In a normal bathing environment, acrylic plastic, gelcoat resin and enameled bath surfaces, provide good serviceability. But since they are vulnerable to damage during the construction process, protection is important. Acrylic (the surface finish on many tubs) is a plastic. It's warm to the touch, insulates the bath water, and can be formed into stylish and comfortable shapes. It is nice to use and wears well in a bathing environment, but as it is a soft plastic material it can easily get scratches and chips and cracks during construction activity, unless preventative measures are in place. Gelcoat and enamel surfaces are also susceptible to damage.
Doing nothing leaves fixtures fully vulnerable. If the tub already has a protective plastic film from the factory, it generally needs be removed to check for damage before accepting the tub. Sometimes painter's drop cloths, cardboard, or other on-hand materials such as fiberglass pink, are tossed into tubs to try and provide some protection. But gritty debris, such as pebbles and drywall screws can slide under unseen and cause more damage than if the fixtures were left uncovered and could be seen. Plus the vulnerable top deck areas remain exposed. Sometimes plywood is used to cover tubs which can be effective...for awhile. But the wood tends to gets removed well before the project is finished to gain access to make plumbing connections, so tile work, etc. Consistently reminding the numerous trades and staff to use care when working around fixtures can also help, but the effort is seldom practical and even careful workers have accidents. Some brands of tubs come with a plastic surface film factory installed, but the film is sometimes removed when the tubs arrive on site to inspect for flaws and shipping damage. And if a supplier has stored the tub outside in the summer sun, the plastic can be difficult to impossible to peel off. The Tub Saver liners have none of these shortcomings. There are sizes and shapes to fit most types, sizes and shapes of fixtures. They stay on start to finish, and work well with other safeguards management may choose to implement, providing a cost effective long term protection solution.
Using tub liners enhance client perceptions because they demonstrate a professional attention to detail. Seeing steps taken to safeguard their investment in fixtures provides peace of mind. Even if a tub seems to have survived the construction process with no obvious damage, try holding a light over the unit and have a close look. Often scratches are not noticeable only because of indirect bathroom lighting...unless the customer checks. With the trend towards having ensuite show tubs that are spotlighted and next to large windows, damage is now more noticeable and repairs more difficult. It just takes one careless worker to irreparably damage a tub or create a costly repair situation. When a builder uses a liner, it also demonstrates and expected standard to trades. So there are numerous reasons that prevention is important, and a prudent customer service issue.
Note: For shower pan protection, fabricate some do-it-yourself mats out of inexpensive 45 mil EPDM rubber roofing membrane, which is also sold as pond liner. It's readily available and cuts to size easily with scissors. The rubber has good impact resistance and lays flat so it is difficult for debris to get wedged underneath and become scratch hazards. And if debris does get underneath, the rubber does not slide around like cardboard or drop cloths, which are often used. And these mats, like the tub liners, can be used over and over. The rubber mats are not as effective on tubs since shower pans do not have wall or deck surfaces in need of protection. Wall surfaces on showers seldom get damaged during construction, which is just as well, as it is not very practical to try to protect it. Although, drill slips can be an occasional concern when making faucet openings, most wall damage occurs during shipping before arriving on job sites. Usually in the form of star cracks indicating impact from the back side. It is prudent to inspect all fixtures carefully when they first arrive at the job sites. Use a light if needed.
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