Liquid glass and its use in construction. Liquid glass - application in construction: recommendations for coating with liquid glass Application of liquid glass in paint mixtures

With the advent of a protective coating based on liquid glass on the construction market, consumers immediately appreciated its unique capabilities. Currently, this composition has a fairly wide scope of use. How is processing done using liquid glass and what is it?

What is the material

Silicate glue or, as it is otherwise called, liquid glass is an aqueous solution of silicate salts. Depending on the main component there are:

• sodium liquid glass, characterized by a high degree of adhesiveness, fire resistance, antiseptic and waterproofing properties;
• potassium, which is immune to atmospheric influences and acid attack.

Soda glass is used to accelerate the hardening process of cement mixtures due to the chemical reaction that occurs.

Liquid glass has become widespread as a construction and finishing material due to its properties:

1. Hydrophobic (water-repellent). Thanks to this property, liquid glass is used to treat surfaces exposed to prolonged contact with liquid, including wood products. As a result of impregnation, they will not be subject to swelling and deformation.
2. Antiseptic. This property allows the use of silicate glue for protective impregnation of walls against such negative manifestations as mold and mildew.
3. Fireproof. Impregnating floors and walls with liquid glass increases the fire safety of the room.
4. Antistatic. The material eliminates electrification and does not provoke the occurrence of static electricity.
5. Acid-resistant. Impregnation with a silicate solution helps protect the surface from exposure to chemicals.
6. Eco-friendly. This material does not emit substances harmful to the human body.

Application for waterproofing

Due to its chemical composition, liquid glass does an excellent job of filling porous materials:

• bricks;
• concrete;
• plasters;
• wood

When the surface is treated with a silicate composition, its hydrophobicity and strength increase. Therefore, liquid glass has become particularly widespread in the processing of foundations, walls and floors of basements, wells and swimming pools. To make it, you need to combine water, cement and ironclad in equal proportions.

The surface to be treated must first be prepared: leveled and cleaned of dirt. When processing wood, it is desirable to preserve its natural unevenness (this will ensure better adhesion of materials). If you had to wet the surface during cleaning, then it must be allowed to dry before processing. The thickness of the waterproofing mortar layer must be at least 3 mm.

Silicate solution is also used when covering floors in a bathhouse or bathroom. To create a hydrophilic coating of a large area, for example, to cover a floor or walls, you can use a spray gun, roller or brush.

Application to increase the fire resistance of materials

The fire resistance of liquid glass allows it to be used for:

• masonry of fireplaces, chimneys and stoves;
• production of heat-resistant concrete and cement, as well as fire-resistant paints and varnishes;
• impregnation of wood to give it fire-retardant properties;
• covering elements of metal structures.

To prepare a fireproof silicate mortar, 3 parts sand, 1 part cement and 1 part liquid glass are required. Such a mixture quickly hardens as a result of the chemical reaction that occurs, so you can first make the necessary structure from ordinary mortar, and then apply an external coating of the concrete with a fire-resistant layer.

To give the surface fire-resistant properties, you can coat wood or concrete only with liquid glass from a spray gun, using it as a primer. Walls can also be impregnated either with a separate solution of silicates or in the form of a cement screed for the floor.

Pouring the flooring

In bathrooms, showers, bath rooms and indoor swimming pools, which are characterized by constant humidity and wet floors, flooring can be made using liquid glass. To fill the floor you need:

• if wooden floors are laid, then first make a concrete screed;
• pour the silicate solution onto the dry surface in equal portions;
• level the glue layer with a wide spatula;
• carry out final leveling of the layer with a thickness of 3-5 mm using a squeegee;
• After the silicate layer has dried, apply a finishing varnish (polyurethane or epoxy is better).

It is worth considering that it is impossible to decorate a floor already covered with liquid glass. When pouring a concrete screed, the floor surface will have a corresponding “concrete” color and texture. Decorating the floor must be done before applying a layer of liquid glass. Alternatively, you can paint the concrete. At the same time, it is recommended to add a small amount of silicate to paints and varnishes to improve their adhesion to concrete. After the paint has dried, you can fill the floor according to the above algorithm.

By the way, taking into account the non-toxicity of the material, its heat and water resistance, it can be used to treat a steam room, which is most often made of wood and can be subject to deformation with constant exposure to moist hot air without proper care.

Other uses

Liquid glass is also used for many other purposes:

In construction stores, liquid glass is presented in a wide range: both in its pure form and ready-made building materials based on it. Thanks to its low price, this material is available to any consumer, regardless of his income level. The main thing is to choose a composition that is suitable for its characteristics.

Liquid glass is one of the commonly available materials that are widely used in various fields of construction. The main feature of this composition is the ability to create a reliable waterproofing layer. In addition, liquid glass can increase the strength of concrete and its level of moisture resistance, and accelerate the process of its hardening. This material is also used in the finishing sector.

Unfortunately, many simply do not know about the potential capabilities of this composition. Others may have unfairly forgotten about it, given the modern diversity of materials. Therefore, let’s consider a question that may be useful for both some and others: liquid glass – application in construction.

Main characteristics of liquid glass

Liquid glass is an alkaline aqueous solution of potassium or sodium silicates. In some cases they are used in combination. Interestingly, the trade name of this substance is silicate glue. Yes, the same one that everyone is familiar with from labor lessons at school, and that is sold in the office supply store.

• Liquid glass made on the basis of sodium silicates is highly resistant to various acids. The coating obtained from it is matte, that is, without shine.
• Potassium liquid glass has high adhesive properties. In addition, it has pronounced antiseptic qualities. Therefore, the concrete into which it is added during mixing resists fungal infections and the formation of moss or lichen colonies well. And this can be important, especially when constructing foundations in waterlogged areas.

In appearance, liquid glass is a translucent liquid that may have a yellowish tint. The consistency of the composition depends on the concentration of the main substance. It is diluted with ordinary water.

Liquid glass consists of microscopic crystals, which, when applied to the surface and harden, increase in volume, due to which the mass is able to “seal” small cracks and pores of concrete.

Thanks to this quality of the material, it is able to impart water-repellent and air-tight properties to various surfaces. Liquid glass can be used for both residential and non-residential premises, as it is an environmentally friendly material.

It makes sense to immediately highlight the advantages and disadvantages of this material. Since you need to be familiar with them even before purchasing and planning work.

TO merits Liquid glass includes the following capabilities:

• The material has water-repellent properties. Therefore, perhaps the main area of ​​its application is reliable waterproofing.
• Antiseptic qualities prevent the occurrence of biological damage to building materials that include liquid glass or are coated with it.
• Antistatic properties allow materials not to accumulate electricity.
• Liquid glass functions as an effective hardener. The material to which a silicate composition is added or applied on top of it receives increased strength characteristics.
• Glass is inert to chemical influences, therefore it can protect any surface from their aggressive influence.
• A positive quality is its resistance to high and low temperatures.
• High penetrating ability allows for good binding of the structure of loose material.
• An affordable price along with high solution consumption makes liquid glass accessible to any consumer.

Liquid glass also has its own significant flaws :

• First of all, it is incompatible with organic substances and materials containing them.
• The service life of a liquid glass coating is not very impressive, being only about five years. After this time, the silicate film begins to collapse. True, the service life of the coating can be extended by timely painting of the surface.
• Liquid glass is not suitable for coating brick surfaces.
• There are certain difficulties with applying the composition.

Application areas of liquid glass

Liquid glass has gained a very wide range of applications. It has already been mentioned that the main direction is waterproofing various sections of the building and its utilities.

• Solutions in a diluted state are used as a primer in preparation for painting.
• When building a prefabricated foundation, liquid glass is added to the masonry mortar. Or it is used to perform surface impregnating waterproofing of masonry joints after the construction of walls.

• Such effective waterproofing is widely in demand when constructing wells, swimming pools, other artificial reservoirs, cellars, garage floors and inspection pits.
• Liquid glass will help when concreting paths and pouring blind areas of houses and garages on individual plots.
• Silicate glue is also added to the solution when laying stoves.
• Liquid glass treatment will be useful when building structures that will be in contact with aggressive substances or high temperatures.
• Similar silicate compositions are also used in the manufacture of moisture-resistant and acid-resistant concrete or fire-resistant bricks.

Concrete produced with the addition of liquid glass no longer requires additional waterproofing. It is also used as a mortar in the construction of structures that require increased fire resistance.

In addition, a silicate composition is added to concrete if it is necessary to reduce the time it takes to set and gain strength. True, if the solution is prepared for pouring the foundation, then liquid glass is not added to it.

There are many more areas in which silicate composition can be used:

• Since liquid glass perfectly protects metal from corrosion, it is often used to cover metal structures, and even car bodies.
• Using liquid glass, tiles made of polyvinyl chloride can be glued to the wall, and linoleum or carpet can be glued to concrete floors.
• The silicate composition is also suitable for wood processing. This is done to protect it from moisture and ultraviolet radiation, as well as various pests.
• Another area of ​​use for this composition is gardening. When pruning fruit trees in spring, cover the sections with liquid glue. It is known that it is an excellent antiseptic that prevents the penetration of microorganisms and harmful insects into unprotected wood after pruning.

Considering the versatile use of liquid glass, it can be called a universal material.

Preparation of mortars with liquid glass

Manufacturing proportions

To obtain the expected effect from the use of silicate compounds, they must be properly prepared for work. For example, if you plan to cover the surface of a concrete floor with liquid glass, then it must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2. That is, 1 kg of glass will require two liters of water. The consumption of such a solution will be 250÷300 g/m².

Liquid glass is used for waterproofing concrete floors and plastered surfaces, on which the coating has lost its strength over the period of operation and has unevenness. The silicate solution will bind the structure of the material, give it strength, make the surface smoother, and also create antiseptic protection for it.

If liquid glass is added to concrete mortar, the proportions may vary depending on the area of ​​its application. The content of the silicate composition can have different effects on the physical characteristics and hardening period of the solution. For concrete mortar reinforced with silicate additive, it is necessary to use cement grades M300 and M400.

• If liquid glass is added to a cement-sand mortar in an amount of 2% of the total mass, then the life of the solution will be 40 minutes. After which the mixture will begin to quickly harden. And complete drying will take 24 hours.
• If silicate glue makes up 10% of the total volume of cement, then hardening will begin much faster. Such proportions of components will ensure that the mixture begins to set within 5 minutes. Well, complete drying will be achieved in 4 hours.
• If you make a 1:1 solution, that is, use 1 kg of glue for 1 kg of cement, then hardening will occur within one or two minutes after mixing it. This approach is often used to quickly eliminate leaks caused by the appearance of

• To waterproof the floors of bathrooms, basements, inspection pits, garages, as well as swimming pools, a solution of cement and liquid glass, made up in a ratio of 10:1, is used.
• When making a heat-resistant mixture for laying a furnace, the solution should consist of 1 part cement, 3 parts sand and 0.2 parts liquid glass. As a result of using this proportion, a dough-like plastic mixture should be obtained, which is convenient to work with when laying bricks.
• If it is necessary to prepare a solution for waterproofing a well, then take cement, sand and liquid glass in a ratio of 1:1:1. The mixture must be brought to the consistency of liquid sour cream with water.
• Refractory solutions consist of the same components, but taken in a ratio of 4:1.5:1.5.
• To fill voids and cracks in a concrete base or load-bearing structures, the solution is prepared from 3 parts cement, 1 part sand and 1 part liquid glass.
• To strengthen facade surfaces, a waterproof plaster mixture is made, consisting of 0.5 parts silicate mass, 1 part cement and 2.5 parts sand.

Procedure for mixing the solution

It is not enough to know the proportions of the solution - you need to be able to make it correctly. To make the material homogeneous and plastic, you should follow some recommendations:

• First of all, you should choose the proportions for making the solution, depending on the application.
• To work on mixing and applying a solution containing liquid glass, it is necessary to prepare special clothing. With the expectation that you wouldn’t mind throwing it away later. Washing silicate composition from fabric is a completely futile task.
• Next, you need to fill a suitable container with water. Its quantity depends on the volume of cement and sand that will be used for the solution.
• The next step is to pour liquid glass into the water and mix thoroughly until completely dissolved.
• A dry mixture consisting of sand and cement, taken in the required proportions, is mixed separately.
• After this, the cement-sand mixture is gradually poured into the aqueous silicate solution and mixed until smooth. It is better to carry out this process with a construction mixer or an electric drill, installing a special attachment on it.
• If the solution turns out to be too thick, you can carefully add a little water into it. The liquid mixture can be thickened by adding a little cement to it.

When making solutions containing liquid glass, we must not forget that the “pot life time,” that is, before its avalanche-like setting begins, is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to make the mixture in small portions so that it can be used in a short time. Naturally, they take into account their capabilities, the availability of assistants, accumulated experience, etc.

Prices for liquid glass TEX

liquid glass TEX

When waterproofing the foundation, liquid glass is applied in the following order:

• If liquid glass is used to waterproof a concrete screed or foundation walls, then their surface must first be leveled, dried and cleaned of dust. If liquid glass is applied to a damp screed, it will begin to peel off from the surface.
• Then, liquid glass, diluted to the required state, is applied to the surface of its walls (floor) using a roller. The solution must be distributed evenly over the surface, without leaving untreated “islands”.
• If you plan to strengthen the concrete to a depth of three millimeters, then a spray gun, roller or wide brush is used to apply the composition. In this case, the solution is applied in one layer.
• If the concrete surface needs deeper impregnation (and this is the best thing to do), then the silicate solution will have to be applied to the surface in three layers. After the first layer has been absorbed and dried, it is necessary to apply a second and, if necessary, a third layer of solution. Each of them must dry for at least 30 minutes.
• When the silicate impregnation has completely dried, you can begin insulating the foundation.

If the previous layer was applied as a waterproofing primer, then the next stage is the application of a protective concrete layer, also containing liquid glass. The solution for it is prepared from sand and cement, to which a silicate composition is added. The components are taken in a ratio of 3:1:1 or 3:1:0.7. The procedure for mixing the solution does not differ from that described above.

• To make the coating even, beacons made of metal guides are placed on the surface of the primed base, which are adjusted according to the level. The height of the beacons will correspond to the thickness of the leveling layer. It is also advisable to make slides for fixing beacons from the same cement sand mortar with a silicate additive. It will set quickly, so you won't have to wait long.

• The concrete-silicate layer can have a thickness of 30÷50 mm. The solution is applied above the installed beacons and leveled using a construction rule or a wide spatula.

The solution should be prepared in portions so that it does not have time to set before it is leveled. Well, when distributing the solution you will have to show some skill.

There are many manufacturers presenting their products in construction stores. In principle, there is practically no difference in the proposed compositions of liquid glass manufactured in factory conditions. And it is difficult to single out any company - in fact, you can choose any option. However, you probably shouldn’t give preference to a product whose manufacturer is “embarrassed” to indicate its name and legal address. And this happens sometimes. It would be prudent to refrain from purchasing such products, even if they are attractive due to their low cost. In this case, there is no guarantee that this is not an ordinary counterfeit, which was made without adherence to technology and in violation of proportions. And ultimately, low-quality silicate glue will certainly negatively affect the result of the work.

As a rule, the cost of silicate solution is low. Wholesale sales start from 15 rubles per kilogram. Well, a three-kilogram bucket can be purchased for 100–110 rubles.

If sodium and potassium versions of liquid glass are available for sale, then the choice must be made depending on the use of the solution.

For example, the potassium compound is most often used for, as it has a higher viscosity. Soda glass is more often used to process other structural objects.

If the silicate solution is sold in transparent packaging, it does not hurt to pay attention to its purity. There should be no heavy sediment, lumps or flakes. If such phenomena are noted, then it is better to refuse such a purchase - it is not difficult to find better quality products.

* * * * * * *

Now, having figured out how this inexpensive but quite effective material is used in construction, you can significantly reduce costs. For example, in some cases it would be quite reasonable to abandon more expensive compositions in favor of liquid glass.

Prices for liquid glass Tury

Tury liquid glass

True, not everything is completely clear-cut. They talk about this on construction forums and in comments to videos on YouTube. In particular, there are many statements that the waterproofing qualities of this material are still greatly exaggerated. It is possible that the truth is really somewhere in the middle. And the reason for possible failures could be a violation of the technology of using liquid glass.

Video: Liquid glass as protection for a concrete surface

What is the application of liquid glass and the main features of use, the advantages and disadvantages of the technology, how to prepare the surface for insulation, carrying out basic work, finishing the insulated surface with tiles.

Introduction about liquid glass

Silicate glue or, as it is called, liquid glass is prepared in a factory. The main component is a mixture of soda (potash) with silicon dioxide. The result is a white or transparent crystalline substance. There are several types of liquid glass: potassium, sodium, potassium-sodium, sodium-potassium.

The sodium variety is widely used in construction work. Typically, silicate solutions diluted with water are used. Silicate glue applied to the surface interacts with carbon dioxide contained in the air and thereby hardens. Wooden surfaces treated with liquid glass are protected from fungi and mold and, importantly, are fire resistant.

The main tools for applying to wood or cement-concrete surfaces are paint brushes or a spray gun. When using a spray as an application tool, an aqueous silicate solution must be used in a 1:5 combination.

A silicate layer is applied to the outside of the wooden surface, gradually increasing it. It is recommended to dip a small wooden surface into a solution of liquid glass. Before you start laying tiles or plastering the walls, you need to apply liquid glass to them to prevent the appearance of mold and mildew, as well as to protect them from mechanical damage.

Scope of silicate use:

• Bonding porcelain, earthenware, glass surfaces;
• Waterproofing works;
• Primer of surfaces: concrete, stone, plastered;
• Laying linoleum, PVC tiles;
• Production of putties for water supply and cast iron pipes;
• Processing tree sections after pruning.

Silicate glue is widely used for the preparation of acid-resistant cement and concrete, for the production of fire-resistant paints and all kinds of wood impregnations, and for gluing cellulose materials. By combining alcohol, fine sand, and liquid glass, “ceramic” slabs are produced, which, after firing at 1000 degrees, serve as molds for the production of metal products. Silicate is included in various building materials: primers, putties.

The main characteristic of liquid glass is its waterproofing properties. To do this, the insulator is combined with cement or concrete mortar in a ratio of 1:10. To increase the water resistance of floors, it is recommended to fill them with an additional layer of glass, 3 mm thick.

When carrying out work on waterproofing wells, a mixture of silicate with cement and fine sand is used. The well is pre-treated with an insulator, then a solution is applied. It is important to note that when applying a silicate coating, it is not necessary to wait for it to completely harden, since the glassy surface does not contribute to good adhesion to the primer or putty.

Waterproof plaster, which you can prepare yourself, will help protect walls from moisture: a combination of liquid glass with cement and sand in a ratio of 1:2:5.

Liquid glass is used for laying stoves and fireplaces; for this, a solution is prepared in the ratio: 1 part cement, 3 parts sand and silicate in an amount equal to 1/5 cement-sand mortar, then pour in water.

The combination of liquid glass (1 part), slaked lime (1 part) and clay (1 part) makes it possible to glue natural stone.

Heat-resistant putty made from liquid glass allows you to glue oven doors. Adding liquid glass to paints allows you to make the product resistant to all types of atmospheric influences.

Advantages and disadvantages of liquid glass for walls

Applying liquid glass to the surface gives it the following advantages:

1. Durability, because coating with liquid glass gives hardness to the material, and therefore increases its strength.
2. Waterproof, since liquid glass has good water-repellent properties. By treating the outside of a wooden surface with a layer of silicate, you can forget about moisture damage for a long time.
3. Liquid glass as an antiseptic helps protect surfaces from fungus and mold.
4. Fire resistance, since the waterproofing material is completely non-flammable.
5. Heat resistance: silicate can withstand heat treatment up to temperatures of 1000 degrees Celsius.
6. Protection of the treated base from chemical influences.
7. Environmental safety: silicate is safe for both humans and the environment.
8. Dirt- and water-repellent properties.
9. Ease of use: silicate is easily applied to the surface with a brush or spray.

However, treating walls with liquid glass is not suitable for cases where the insulated layer is planned to be painted on top. A film will be formed on the surface, which will not allow paint to lie on top of it.

Technology of applying liquid glass to walls

Waterproofing with silicate is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. But you will have to carefully study all stages of the work and stock up on the necessary tools.

Preparatory work

First of all, we clean the room that needs to be treated with silicate glue from dirt, debris, fungus and other contaminants. Surfaces that are wooden must be rubbed with emery cloth before applying the silicate solution.

Apply silicate glue with a brush, brush or spray, depending on the work being performed. Despite the fact that liquid glass is a non-toxic substance, work must be carried out using personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves), and after completing the work, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water. It is recommended to store silicate glue in closed containers.

If all of the above measures have been completed, you can begin to form the waterproofing layer.

Step-by-step instructions for applying liquid glass to walls

Correct adherence to the solution preparation technology is very important, as it affects the final result. If waterproofing walls with liquid glass is necessary, then a mixture of silicate and cement or concrete in a combination of 1:10 is used. The resulting solution can be used as a waterproofing material in bathrooms, swimming pools, basements, wells, which allows you to increase their service life. This is especially true for those regions where humidity levels are very high.

If you need to prepare acid-resistant cement, then you should mix liquid glass with cement in a 1:1 combination. To increase the waterproofing properties of pools, internal and external treatment with liquid glass is carried out. When processing internally, the material is applied to the walls in 2-3 layers with brushes or a spray gun, which increases the waterproofing properties of the pool. But there is also an external effect of groundwater on pools; in this case, it is treated with a solution of cement and liquid glass.

The work algorithm boils down to the following:

• The prepared waterproofing material is applied to the surface. It should be noted that all solutions consisting of liquid glass harden very quickly, so application must be carried out quickly.
• Having the ability to penetrate any irregularities and crevices, liquid glass for walls completely covers the surface being treated, and this protects it from the harmful effects of water and air.
• To create a waterproof layer, the base is covered with two layers of silicate glue, and each of them must dry well.
• After completing the application of liquid glass to the walls, after about a day you can plaster the surface or lay tiles.

The use of liquid glass not only increases the waterproofing properties of the surface, but also reduces the cost of work. Thanks to this, silicate mortar is an indispensable material in construction.

Surface finishing

Now let's start finishing the surfaces in the bathroom, namely tiling the walls. It performs 2 tasks at once: protective and decorative. That is, it provides protection for walls from moisture and dampness, on the one hand. On the other hand, it shapes the appearance of the bathroom.

A variety of tiles can be used in finishing work. Tile is classified according to five strength criteria, the fifth is the most durable; it is used to cover floors in rooms where there is a large flow of people. For bathrooms in apartments, the walls are tiled with tiles of the first or second degree of strength.

When choosing a tile, it is necessary to take into account the degree of its moisture absorption, therefore products with the icons Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb are used.

Since there are a variety of tiles available, for compact rooms it is recommended to take small-sized products, which will allow them to fit harmoniously into the interior of the bathroom.

Products are often square or rectangular, but there are also polygonal ones; working with such tiles is more complicated, but you can make various compositions with it. When choosing the shape of the material, you need to take into account the size of the room. Using rectangular tiles, which are laid vertically, you can increase the height of the ceiling.

Retail outlets stock a variety of plain matte and glossy tiles, as well as patterned tiles and various borders that allow you to create a complete composition. There are also embossed tiles on sale, which are recommended to be laid on the floor, which will prevent your feet from slipping on the floor.

To line the walls, the master needs the following devices:

1. Ruler, level for checking the accuracy of lines;
2. Special spatula with teeth, paint brush;
3. Tile cutter or grinder for cutting tiles;
4. To grout joints, use a trowel with a rubber base;
5. Grout for joints;
6. Glue solution for fixing tiles;
7. Plastic crosses for maintaining distances between seams.

The tiles are laid using an adhesive solution prepared according to the included recommendations. The glue must be thoroughly mixed; for this, use a drill with an attachment, since it is impossible to make a homogeneous mass by hand.

Before you start laying tiles, you need to draw a horizontal straight line across the entire room, which will help you lay the products perfectly evenly.

• Products begin to be laid from below, usually from the second row, skipping the first.
• Lubricate the surface to be treated with the prepared adhesive solution using a spatula with teeth.
• The tiles are not pressed against the wall too much, since any excessive force can lead to deformation.
• To maintain uniformity of seams between the tiles, plastic crosses are used; they are removed before the glue hardens.
• If it is necessary to lay tiles in corners or places where there are pipes, they must be cut. To do this, they resort to using a device such as a tile cutter or grinder.
• Periodically check whether the installation process is proceeding correctly using a level and a strip, and press down the protruding tiles with a rubber hammer.
• The bottom layer is laid last.

When the room is tiled, it is allowed to dry and after a day they begin to grout the joints. Grout is a construction mixture that is used to grout seams; it is matched to the color of the tile. It has not only a decorative function, but also a moisture-repellent function.

How to apply liquid glass to walls - watch the video:

Back in the Middle Ages, alchemists began experimenting with dissolving sodium or potassium silicate in water, but liquid (or soluble) glass became widely used only in the 19th century. Today, this specialized construction adhesive is used in a variety of industries: in repair work, in steel production, in the manufacture of heat-resistant paints, impregnations and much more. If you correctly calculate how much liquid glass to add to the cement mortar, you can get a concrete additive that will significantly improve its characteristics.

Let's take a closer look at why soluble glass is added to the concrete mix when constructing concrete structures.

Why is liquid glass added to concrete?

When mixing cement, sand and crushed stone, a fairly durable building material is obtained, but in some situations the physical and chemical properties of concrete are not enough. To improve the characteristics of the sand-cement mortar, plasticizing additives, liquid soap, glass, and other additives are added to it.

Liquid glass has the following effects on the solution:

• Increases moisture resistance. Therefore, glass is added during the construction of structures in contact with moisture.

• Accelerates the hardening process. If you prepare a solution from Portland cement M 400, sand and gravel and add an additive to it, the mixture will harden within 24 hours (provided the air temperature is at least +20 degrees).
• Gives the solution waterproofing properties. Concrete with this additive is not susceptible to mold and fungi. This happens because liquid glass has antibacterial properties.
• Increases abrasion resistance.
• The elasticity of the solution increases (some add liquid soap for this, but it is not so effective).
• Increases heat resistance. For comparison, ordinary concrete without any additives can withstand heating up to 200 degrees, after which it crumbles. If liquid glass (29-34%) is added to the mixture, then the monolithic structure will withstand up to 1400 degrees. Therefore, in the construction of stoves and fireplaces, this additive is most often used.

In addition, silicate glue has an affordable price. A package (15 kg) will cost about 280 rubles.

By and large, soluble glass replaces several expensive plasticizers at once: for waterproofing, plasticity, water resistance and rapid hardening. Neither liquid soap, nor slaked lime or other cheap analogues of plasticizing additives, favored by some builders, can “boast” of such properties. Silicate glue can also be used as plaster, which is applied with a brush or spray to a hardened concrete base.

Depending on the type of building, it is necessary to select the desired proportion of the mixture based on sodium silicate.

First of all, it is necessary to determine how long the finished mixture should “grab.” The following table will help you with this.

Experts do not recommend adding more than 25% soluble glass to the solution, as this will lead to concrete crumbling a few days after it is poured.

Let's look at the most common ratios of cement, sand and silicate glue:

• If you use silicate to increase the waterproofing properties of the structure, then for 1 liter of water you will need 400 g of glass.
• If you want to get a universal plasticizer, then you need to mix 1 part cement, 3 parts sand and a silicate mixture in a volume of 1/5 of the total mass.
• If you want to prepare waterproof plaster, then for 1 part cement, take 2.5 parts sand and add 15% silicate glue and water to the mixture.
• To treat a plastered concrete surface, mix water and soluble glass in a 5:1 ratio.

When adding liquid glass to concrete for pouring foundations, provided that acidic groundwater predominates in the area, the following nuances must be taken into account:

1. It is not recommended to add more than 3% liquid glass to the solution.
2. The foundation must be insulated with additional waterproofing materials.

Of course, you need to properly prepare the solution with the additive.

How to properly prepare concrete mortar with liquid glass

To prepare such a batch, follow these steps:

1. Take a bucket of clean drinking water (without salts or other impurities). Process water cannot be used, as the inclusions contained in it may affect the reaction.
2. Pour a glass of liquid glass into the water and stir the mixture thoroughly until the silicate glue is completely dissolved.
3. Pour the resulting liquid into a trough or basin.
4. While stirring the liquid, add concrete and sand to it in the required proportion.
5. Beat the concrete solution using a construction mixer or a drill with an attachment until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
6. Pour concrete into the formwork.

When preparing the solution, it is important to consider the following recommendations:

• Under no circumstances should soluble glass be added to a cement-sand mixture without first dissolving the additive in water. The same applies to water - it can be added to the mixture only after it has been mixed with glue.
• Most packages with liquid glass have instructions that if you add a foundation additive (as described above), then you need to use no more than 3% silicate glue; in all other cases, follow the information from the manufacturer.
• Since the additive significantly reduces the hardening time of concrete, it is better to prepare the solution in small portions. If you use a concrete mixer for this, the mixture will set before mixing is complete. Also keep in mind that you will have to work very quickly.
• After adding silicate glue, you must thoroughly wash all tools and hands.
• Although liquid glass is not toxic, you should not allow silicate glue to splash onto exposed skin or into your eyes. You need to work in a well-ventilated area, away from sources that could create a spark.

In custody

Soluble glass is the best substitute for both specialized additives and additives such as liquid soap or lime. If you mix concrete at home, carefully read the instructions and recommendations on the label for the liquid glass. Failure to comply with the required proportions will lead to cracking and even collapse of the structure.

Tags

Processing concrete and wood products with liquid glass has been used for quite some time. This substance is added to cement, which speeds up the process of setting the mixture; it is used for waterproofing basements, for treating swimming pools and other hydraulic structures. Liquid glass in its original state resembles transparent or whitish crystals obtained by melting soda and silicon dioxide in certain proportions under pressure. This material was invented in the 19th century and is still actively used in construction and renovation work due to its unique properties.

For construction work, crystals are diluted with water, but most often the material is supplied in industrial packaging. When exposed to open air, LC dries instantly, forming a protective film, which allows it to be used for impregnation of products and structures in order to provide protection from moisture, fire and rotting.

Kinds

There are several types of liquid glass. They are divided depending on the main substance used in the mixture.

Sodium

The formation based on sodium salts is characterized by a viscous structure, high strength and penetrating ability. It perfectly resists open fire and high temperatures, and the composition is also able to retain its shape even when the base on which it was applied is deformed.

Potassium

This material contains potassium salts. The structure of the mixture is loose, the composition has increased hygroscopicity, and forms a matte surface. Potassium compounds are highly resistant to excessive heat and deformation.

Lithium

It is used to provide the treated surface with protection from thermal effects. Produced in small batches. For some work, combined mixtures are used.

Compound

Glass production occurs by mixing fine-grained silicon raw materials and sodium hydroxide under pressure using high temperatures, or dissolving sand in an alkaline environment. Potassium silicate and fine sand are also used for production.

Despite the long life of this material, nothing new has been introduced into the manufacturing process over the years.

Characteristics

ZhS is a material of a viscous, viscous consistency, which dries quickly in air and forms a monolithic, durable, water-impervious base.

Liquid glass, sodium and potassium, have the following characteristics:

• Prevents water from penetrating through the surface treated with the solution.
• Protects wooden and concrete surfaces from the penetration of fungus and pathogens.
• Prevents the accumulation of static voltage.
• Protects the treated surface from fire.
• Protects the base impregnated with the solution from the effects of acidic compounds.
• Helps accelerate the drying process and strength gain of cement mortars.

Advantages and disadvantages

When working with RC in construction or during repairs, the following advantages are revealed:

• this material helps to quickly repair small cracks in concrete products and wood building structures;
• coating with liquid glass makes it possible to obtain a durable film that helps waterproof any surface;
• material consumption is low, while the cost of liquid glass is affordable for most categories of the population, so it can be used for work at home;
• if used correctly, the coating service life will be at least five years;
• Liquid glass for waterproofing can be used in places with unstable humidity levels.

There are also negative features of JS. The disadvantages include:

• this material is not used for processing brick buildings;
• ZhS cannot be the only material for obtaining reliable waterproofing; it is usually used together with other materials;
• for processing structures and products of reinforced concrete, it is advisable to have certain skills, since such solutions instantly dry and harden;
• To obtain a better coating and protect the base, it is necessary to apply a primer before the LC.

Application areas of liquid glass

Housing systems are used in general construction work and for solving everyday problems. It is usually used to provide the following types of work:

• to ensure waterproofing of swimming pools, concrete screeds, foundations, basements, sewer pipes and wells;
• to enhance the refractory properties of mortars for masonry stoves;
• in order to protect concrete and wood products from rotting and mold formation;
• used as an additive in coloring compositions to obtain increased strength and fire-resistant characteristics;
• for gluing PVC plates and linoleum;
• for clogging open pores of damaged trees;
• for the purpose of restoring glass, wood and plastic products;
• for processing the car body;
• for organizing self-leveling floors.

Preparation of solutions with liquid glass

It is advisable to purchase ready-made impregnations and mixtures that are designed for specific tasks, but mixing the components yourself will cost less, so the necessary solutions are often prepared at the construction site.

Proportions

To prepare a special solution using this substance for various purposes, certain proportions must be observed. How much of each substance to add to a particular solution depends on the application of the mixture.

Compositions for painting

The peculiarity of the effect of silicate compounds on pigments limits the number of color options. To prepare paints, potassium silicate is used, which, unlike sodium silicate, allows you to obtain a more uniform mixture.

Such compositions are sold ready-made (you only need to mix two components).

Primer compositions

To obtain a high-quality primer for concrete, you need to combine cement and glass in a ratio of 1 to 1, which can significantly strengthen the base. If the surface of the screed is planned to be covered with tiles, the solution is made lighter.

Surface impregnation

To increase the service life of structures and individual products, use an aqueous solution of liquid glass in a ratio of 1:5. Apply impregnation using a brush, roller or spray gun. Individual small elements can be completely immersed in the prepared solution.

Waterproofing composition

To protect concrete surfaces from moisture, prepare a solution from equal parts of sand, cement and glass. Add water until a plastic consistency is obtained. This mixture can be used for processing hydraulic structures.

Fire protection composition

Strengthening the JS of masonry mortar helps to increase the fire protection effect. Recommended composition of masonry mortar: cement and sand 1:3, water is added until a plastic formation is formed, glass - 20% of the total mass of the mixture. JS is added after preparing the CPR.

Antiseptic composition

To avoid damage to structures by mold, fungi and rot, it is recommended to treat surfaces with an impregnation consisting of equal parts of water and liquid iron. Both reinforced concrete and wooden structures are treated with this impregnation.

Repair composition

To eliminate cracks, seal joints between slabs and when pouring screed, it is necessary to combine the following ingredients: 1 part ZhS, 1 cement and 3 parts sand. The mixture must be prepared to a sufficiently thick consistency so that it does not flow out of the cracks during work.

Mixing instructions

In order to properly prepare a mixture with the addition of ZhS, you should follow the recommendations developed for compositions used to perform certain types of surface treatment and repair.

The dry components of the solution are mixed separately, and the liquid solution is also diluted separately with water. Add the dry components to the aqueous solution gradually, mixing the layers. If you want to make the mixture more plastic, increase the volume of water.

Subsequent application of liquid glass to the treated areas should be carried out taking into account finishing technologies.

Methods of applying material

When working with liquid materials, it is necessary to use means of physical protection for the worker, for which they use protective suits and protective masks. Contact of the solution with the eyes can cause significant harm to health.

Repair mortars containing cement are applied with a spatula, but when performing work, one must not forget about the immediate setting of the mixture (usually within half an hour), so the volume of a single batch must be accurately calculated.

Waterproofing with liquid glass

Waterproofing mixtures using JS make it possible to treat any structures, including concrete and wood, in established areas with humidity exceeding the norm.

Foundation

To protect the foundation from destruction in a humid environment, it is necessary to apply liquid glass for concrete. The instructions for use indicate that for maximum protection this operation should be performed twice. After application, the layer must dry completely, then apply the next one. After the concrete base is impregnated with glass, the insulation is reinforced with other technical materials.

To eliminate cracks and mask the joining seams, prepare a repair composition in the following ratio: cement - 1 kg, water 750 ml, ZhS - 50 grams. To ensure better protection of the concrete base, it is recommended to use ZhS in the form of an additive in a volume of 5% of the total mass of the mixture.

swimming pool

To eliminate leaks in the bathtub of a structure, it is necessary to treat the surface of the concrete. The solution is evenly applied to the walls and floor of the structure. After one layer has dried, apply the next one. To reliably protect the structure, it is recommended to impregnate it three times.

From exposure to groundwater

Special concrete, which contains LC, can limit the flow of groundwater.

Basement

This important structure in the house and protecting it from leaks is the main condition for maintaining a favorable climate in the apartment and in the interior. Typically, owners are faced with the problem of cracks and poor waterproofing of joints. To get rid of the problem you will need:

1. Clean cracks and seams from foreign objects and dust;
2. Prepare a repair mixture in the following ratio: cement – ​​20 parts, liquid glass – 1 part. Maximum plasticity of the mixture should be achieved, for which its consistency is controlled by the volume of water;
3. Cracks are sealed with a repair compound;
4. Level the repair site by plastering it with the same mixture;
5. The repair area is coated with water using a brush;
6. After 24 hours, a layer of GS is applied.

When performing waterproofing work, it is necessary to remember the chemical reactions that occur with mixtures in which liquid iron is present. Due to the rapid hardening of the solution, in order to save material, it is recommended to prepare small volumes for work.

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