The use of liquid glass for the floor. Liquid glass for concrete waterproofing Is it possible to add liquid glass to the foundation

The phrase "liquid glass" is puzzling to many. But there is nothing strange in this, just this liquid material after curing, it forms a coating similar in properties to glass. That is, it will be transparent, impervious to water, strong enough, but at the same time fragile.

The most interesting thing is that this building material has been known for a long time, but gained popularity when such an event as foundation waterproofing with liquid glass began to be widely used. It is also used to protect the walls of the well, the floor and the walls of the pool, concrete on the floor in basements, warehouses, industrial enterprises.

Liquid glass composition and sale

From a chemical point of view, liquid glass is simply a solution of sodium silicate and potassium silicate with the addition of plasticizers and modifiers that give the composition the desired performance properties. And according to the main components - this is ordinary silicate glue, who else remembers what it is. Such glue also becomes translucent and brittle after drying. But the addition of modifiers gives the composition special qualities, in particular, increased strength, the ability to penetrate into the thickness of the treated concrete, making it waterproof and resistant to destruction. And since the cost of liquid glass is significantly lower than other materials for waterproofing, it is therefore more profitable to use it to protect the floor, bottom and walls of the pool, well, foundation. The application technology is so simple that it is easy to do these works with your own hands.

In appearance, liquid glass is a white, gray or yellowish viscous liquid; it is offered for sale in plastic containers of various sizes - from 0.5 to 10 liters (15 kg), or in barrels from 20 to 200 liters. The container always says " Liquid glass” and the manufacturer is indicated. Production, transportation and storage are carried out in accordance with GOST 13078-81.

There is also liquid glass in powder and granules. This material is called Monasil and is available in 12 kg bags. It is brought to the desired condition by adding water in the proportion indicated on the package.

Applications

The use of liquid glass goes in three directions:

1. Waterproofing of the floor and walls of underground structures: well, pool, basement, etc.
2. As an additive in the preparation of plaster for facades and rooms with high humidity, such as a pool or a well. But it should be borne in mind that such a solution hardens very quickly and must be developed immediately. But such walls do not require additional waterproofing.
3. Liquid glass can also be used as a modifier additive for concrete, after which it becomes a heavy-duty monolith with water-repellent characteristics. In this case, you must strictly adhere to the proportions (depending on the brand of cement), otherwise you can change the quality of concrete so much that it will become brittle like glass.

Use with concrete

How much liquid glass can be added to concrete and how to do it right?

The composition of concrete and liquid glass can be used not only for the construction of a well or a pool, but also for laying a fireplace, stove, screed under a warm floor. The fact is that the addition of liquid glass raises the heat resistance of concrete to 900-1000 degrees versus 200 for a conventional composition. Properly mixed mortar has not only water-repellent properties, but also serves as an excellent heat insulator. Uses liquid glass as an additive only for concrete M300 and M400.

The proportion of the amount of silicate water glass in the solution should not exceed 10% - this is the maximum allowable value. The best option- 7%, which is 70-72 liters of liquid glass per 1 cubic meter of ready-made concrete. In this case, it is necessary to remember the following values \u200b\u200bof the setting of the composition (at a temperature of 16-20 degrees):

1. With a 2% amount of glass, the initial setting will take place within 40-45 minutes, the final setting will take 22-24 hours.
2. At 5%, the indicators will be: 25-30 minutes and 12-14 hours.
3. At 7-8%, the solution will set in 10 minutes and finally harden in 8 hours.

The final achievement of maturity of such concrete occurs within 28 days.

During the construction of furnaces and the floor of furnaces, the percentage of liquid glass can be increased to 25-35%, but such a solution hardens in 1-3 minutes. But its heat resistance will reach 1400 degrees Celsius.

It is equally important that the technology for preparing such concrete is correctly performed. It is strictly forbidden to add liquid glass to the finished solution!

And it must be done correctly as follows: first, liquid glass must be diluted with water at least twice, and then dry cement must be mixed into this liquid. The semi-liquid mixture can already be poured into a concrete mixer. But you need to work out the whole solution with your own hands very quickly - within 10-12 minutes, otherwise it will not be suitable. And the concrete mixer must be washed immediately.

Advantages of liquid glass

Why is this material, even with such problematic qualities in terms of work and fragility of the coating, is so widely used in construction work? But the fact is that it has many very necessary qualities that other materials cannot give, and are much more expensive in price.

1. Excellent adhesive properties. The material perfectly penetrates deep into concrete, wood, stone and provides high level adhesion of the waterproofing coating to the walls of the pool, well or foundation.
2. Regardless of the method of application, due to the fluidity and at the same time the viscosity of the material, it forms a single, even coating. It is desirable that all work be completed at one time, without time gaps.
3. Low consumption of liquid glass - to cover the surface of one area, it needs two times less than, for example, liquid rubber.
4. Low price. Liquid glass - the cheapest waterproofing material from all existing ones.

Cons of liquid glass

Firstly, liquid glass coatings in their pure form are very fragile and even a slight impact or deformation, for example, on the walls of a pool or a well, destroys it. Therefore, the material is most often used as an additive in concrete.

Secondly, liquid glass is only compatible with concrete, plaster and wood. They can not cover the brick, as it will quickly collapse.

Thirdly, this is a rather difficult material to work with - you need to work with your own hands at an accelerated pace and carefully, since setting occurs quickly.

The fourth disadvantage is that it is impossible to qualitatively apply a topcoat on a coating of pure liquid glass, as well as on concrete and plaster with its inclusion, that is, paint or varnish.

Applying liquid glass - how to do

The technology is similar to the application of other materials. But special importance should be given to surface preparation - to remove dirt, dust, grease and oil stains. For example, waterproofing the walls and floor of the pool is performed as follows:

1. For work, you can use a roller or brush-brush. The first layer is quickly applied - evenly and without gaps.
2. Allow the film to set - 30 minutes and then also apply a second layer.
3. The next step is the application of a protective layer. It is necessary to make a standard plaster mortar, mix it with liquid glass in a one-to-one ratio and quickly cover the entire surface with a spatula with a layer of about 1 cm.
4. Next, you need to wait a few days until the plaster hardens.
5. After that, you can continue finishing work.

Conclusion

As a material for waterproofing works, liquid glass is quite an acceptable option, especially in light of its affordable cost. Such a disadvantage as a quick setting can be leveled with the help of a phased work. But with the help of such a coating, you can make high-quality waterproofing of the floor, foundation, well, pool, terrace, basement and other buildings with your own hands.

Liquid glass and its applications

Waterproofing liquid glass is a modern insulating material that will significantly extend the life of building structures.

Among the large number of options for waterproofing, liquid glass stands out for its many advantages. On the features, application and characteristics of this material, we will consider further.

General concept and advantages of liquid glass

The term liquid glass means a solution based on water and sodium or potassium silicates. It has a viscous structure, and therefore perfectly copes with the performance of works related to waterproofing.

If we consider the composition of liquid glass, then small crystals are easily visible in it, which, after being applied to the surface, increase, filling small cracks. It is thanks to this structure that liquid glass is characterized by a water-repellent and airtight effect. Liquid glass is used in various fields, due to its environmental friendliness and harmlessness.

If we talk about the principle of operation of liquid glass, then it has an adhesive ability. This is manifested due to the fact that molecules of liquid glass get into the molecules of a solid material, which do not have close bonds with each other, which penetrate into the inner part of the solid molecules and thus their adhesion is obtained.

Liquid glass resembles rubber, which is in a liquid state. After its application, the surface becomes waterproof and airtight. The composition of liquid glass includes calcium or sodium silicate, to which soda or quartz sand was added. In the production of liquid glass, it is crushed, fired and re-crushed into a powder mass.

A mixture of liquid glass has the following properties:

water repellent - that is, a water repellent;
antiseptic - does not allow the formation of bacteria;
antistatic - no electrification;
hardener - the material on which liquid glass is applied becomes durable;
acid protector;
fireproof material resistant to fire.

This material has a large number of advantages, studying reviews about liquid glass, its advantages are highlighted:

1. Liquid glass is a very liquid adhesive, which can easily penetrate into the smallest pores and cracks due to its fluid state. It is also characterized by strong adhesion to the surface and easily covers both concrete and wooden substrates.

2. Creating a liquid waterproof film is another advantage of this material. Regardless of how liquid glass is applied, a whole and moisture-resistant surface is obtained.

3. A small consumption of liquid glass is also its advantage. Especially when it is added to the cement mortar, as a penetrating type waterproofing.

4. If we compare the cost of liquid glass with other waterproofing materials, then it successfully outperforms them, as it has the most affordable cost among alternatives.

5. Waterproofing with liquid glass has a service life of 5 years. This material gradually self-destructs, but if you cover the waterproofing with a protective layer of paint, it will last much longer.

6. It is the only insulator that allows you to work even in conditions with high humidity.

Despite the large number of advantages of liquid glass, there are a number of its disadvantages:

1. It has a limited scope of use - it is used as a waterproofing of concrete or wooden type. It is forbidden to use a solution of liquid glass for waterproofing brick surfaces, due to their possible destruction.

2. The film that liquid glass forms is quite fragile, so it must be used as a combination of several types of waterproofing.

3. Difficulty in applying - the material dries very quickly and forms a film, so work skills are required to make waterproofing with high quality.

Liquid glass photo:

Scope of use and varieties of liquid glass

As mentioned above, liquid glass is not suitable for all materials, but its scope is quite wide. Liquid glass is used in such cases:

1. If you add liquid glass to the cement mortar, you get a reliable coating, protected from moisture and negative influences ground water, in the event that the solution is used to fill the foundation.

2. Liquid glass is used for waterproofing pools or artificial ponds.

3. Used as an adhesive for bonding various kinds of building materials.

4. Applicable for the production of mortars with refractory or acid-resistant characteristics.

5. If there is a problem of mold or fungus in the house, several layers of liquid glass should be applied to previously cleaned affected areas.

6. Apply a solution of liquid glass as an adhesive, for the repair of paper, cardboard, wood or porcelain products.

7. To seal low-moving seams or to plaster a pool, a solution of cement and liquid glass is perfect. But, keep in mind that you need to work with such a solution quickly, because after a while it thickens and becomes unusable.

8. If you plan to build a house on soft soils, which will shrink in a few years, then a solution of cement with liquid glass is used for injections that are injected into the upper layers of the soil.

If we consider the scope of using liquid glass as a waterproofing, then we will highlight the following options:

1. Liquid glass is used as a coating waterproofing. Before installation roll waterproofing, several layers of liquid glass are applied to the surface. The solution perfectly fills all the cracks and pores of the concrete surface.

2. A solution of liquid glass with cement is used in order to eliminate serious leaks or as a waterproofing of the joints of a prefabricated foundation.

3. Liquid glass is part of concrete, it improves its solidity and provides waterproofing.

Two types of liquid glass are common:

potassium,
sodium.

The first option has good adhesiveness, it is used for waterproofing the foundation parts of the building. Included in the impregnation of antiseptic action. Works well with mineral-based formulations.

The second type is a metal additive and improves the stable characteristics of glass. Resistant to acids. It does not have the luster characteristic of glass, therefore it is used as a coloring of surfaces.

If liquid glass is applied to the surface, then it is first diluted with water, in a ratio of 100 g of material, 200 grams of water. In that case, for one square meter no more than 300 g of solution will be required.

Waterproofing with liquid glass is used on those walls on which plaster has weathered or on concrete walls with irregularities. The use of liquid glass will strengthen and level the surface, as well as create a protective antiseptic layer.

There are several methods for applying this material. Before applying liquid glass, the surface should be degreased, cleaned and leveled as much as possible. If impregnation of concrete is required at a shallow depth of up to three millimeters, then an airbrush or brush is used. If necessary, in deep impregnation, which exceeds two centimeters, you need to apply at least three layers of the solution.

If liquid glass is used for waterproofing a floor or concrete screed, then one liter of material is added to 10 liters of concrete mortar. Also, liquid glass is an excellent anti-corrosion impregnation, it is treated with metal constructions. To ensure the protection of the pool from water leakage, the application of a solution of liquid glass is also used. Liquid glass is part of refractory paints.

Liquid glass - instructions for use and application

For the preparation of a solution of concrete and liquid glass, the proportions are one to ten. This mixture is used for waterproofing a well, pool, bathroom, basement and other structures made of concrete or reinforced concrete.

The application of the material is a fairly easy process, during which a protective layer is formed on the surface, which is a barrier to moisture penetration.

You should not process the facade of the building with such a raster if you plan to paint it further, since the adhesion of the paint and the wall will be low, and the paint will practically not lie on the surface.

In the process of working with liquid glass, it is recommended to use special clothing. To make a traditional Russian stove, a solution based on cement and liquid glass is used. The ratio of components sand: cement: silicate glue - 3:1:0.2. The result is a mixture that resembles dough, is very easy to work with and has good performance as a material for building an oven.

The use of silicate glue, in which liquid glass is added, is very popular among builders. It is used for gluing PVC or linoleum tiles. Covered with liquid glass water pipes to avoid water leakage and seal joints. To make a protective non-combustible fabric, liquid glass is also used as an impregnation.

Liquid glass is a versatile material that is used even in gardening. When small wounds appear on trees or bushes, they are covered with liquid glass. It is an excellent antiseptic and prevents the development of harmful bacteria.

Liquid glass for waterproofing - nuances in application

Before applying liquid glass to the surface, it must be cleaned of dust and dirt.

Then follow a series of steps:

1. Apply liquid glass to the surface with a brush or roller.

2. Wait 30 minutes and apply another coat. Try to do it evenly so that there are no gaps.

3. The next step is the preparation of the protective layer. Make a regular mortar based on cement and sand. Add liquid glass to it, in a one-to-one ratio.

4. Stir and apply at a very fast pace to the surface. The second time such a solution should not be applied, since the functions of liquid glass will not be performed.

5. Produce mixing gradually, apply the mortar on the surface with a cement trowel in a standard layer.

And remember, before using liquid glass, you should inspect it for cleanliness, foreign objects or lumps. The shelf life of liquid glass is quite long, and the temperature range is wide. Therefore, even if it is stored outside in winter time year, it will not affect its qualities in any way.

Consider applying liquid glass to the foundation:

clean the surface from various kinds of contaminants with sandpaper;
use a roller to evenly apply the solution;
apply a second, and optionally a third coat, after 30 minutes;
insulate the foundation mineral wool or foam.

To buy liquid glass, contact any hardware store or market. Among a large number of manufacturers of liquid glass, there is practically no difference in its composition. Therefore, which manufacturer to prefer is a personal matter for everyone. But, in principle, even the cheapest material has the same characteristics as the expensive one.

Liquid glass price is from $ 2 per 10 liters. As you can see, the material is really not expensive, but at the same time multifunctional.

If you make a choice between sodium or potassium type liquid glass, then each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Potassium liquid glass is used for the foundation, as it is more viscous, and sodium glass is used for waterproofing other construction objects.

Tips for preparing solutions based on liquid glass

1. There is an option for preparing a primer based on liquid glass. It is not recommended to treat the walls with a clean solution of liquid glass. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, liquid glass does an excellent job of priming, preventing the formation of mold and mildew, and increasing adhesion.

To prepare a primer based on liquid glass, you must have:

cement,
liquid glass,
water.

The amount of cement and liquid glass is the same, and the water should make the mixture liquid, suitable for application to the wall with a roller. First, cement is mixed with water, and then liquid glass is added. To do this, use a drill or a construction mixer. It is recommended to use the solution within half an hour, if it has hardened, add a little water.

2. To prepare a waterproofing or fire-resistant mortar, take some sifted sand. Identical parts of water, cement, sand and liquid glass are mixed. This mixture does an excellent job of waterproofing wells.

3. Antiseptic solutions help to avoid the appearance of microorganisms or bacteria. Its preparation is a simple process. To do this, mix liquid glass with water one to one and cover with such a solution, for example, a wooden surface. It is much cheaper than traditional moisture-resistant impregnations, but no less effective.

4. To make liquid glass impregnation, which is used to cover walls, ceilings or floors, four hundred grams of liquid glass should be diluted in one liter of water.

Liquid glass video:

The phrase "liquid glass" is puzzling to many. But there is nothing strange in this, it is just that this liquid material, after solidification, forms a coating similar in properties to glass. That is, it will be transparent, impervious to water, strong enough, but at the same time fragile.

Liquid glass composition and sale

In appearance, liquid glass is a white, gray or yellowish viscous liquid; it is offered for sale in plastic containers of various sizes - from 0.5 to 10 liters (15 kg), or in barrels from 20 to 200 liters. On the container is always written "Liquid glass" and the manufacturer is indicated. Production, transportation and storage are carried out according to.

Applications

The use of liquid glass goes in three directions:

Waterproofing of the floor and walls of underground structures: wells, pools, basements, etc.
As an additive in the preparation of plaster for facades and rooms with high humidity, such as swimming pools or wells. But it should be borne in mind that such a solution hardens very quickly and must be developed immediately. But such walls do not require additional waterproofing.
Liquid glass can also be used as a modifier additive for concrete, after which it becomes a heavy-duty monolith with water-repellent characteristics. In this case, you must strictly adhere to the proportions (depending on the brand of cement), otherwise you can change the quality of concrete so much that it will become brittle like glass.

Use with concrete

How much liquid glass can be added to concrete and how to do it right?

The proportion of the amount of silicate water glass in the solution should not exceed 10% - this is the maximum allowable value. The best option is 7%, which is 70-72 liters of liquid glass per 1 cubic meter of finished concrete. In this case, it is necessary to remember the following values \u200b\u200bof the setting of the composition (at a temperature of 16-20 degrees):

With a 2% amount of glass, the initial setting will take place within 40-45 minutes, the final setting will take 22-24 hours.
At 5%, the indicators will be as follows: 25-30 minutes and 12-14 hours.
At 7-8%, the solution will set in 10 minutes and finally harden in 8 hours.

The final achievement of maturity of such concrete occurs within 28 days.

It is equally important that the technology for preparing such concrete is correctly performed. It is strictly forbidden to add liquid glass to the finished solution!

Advantages of liquid glass

Excellent adhesive properties. The material perfectly penetrates deep into concrete, wood, stone and provides a high level of adhesion of the waterproofing coating to the walls of the pool, well or foundation.
Regardless of the method of application, due to the fluidity and at the same time the viscosity of the material, it forms a single, even coating. It is desirable that all work be completed at one time, without time gaps.
Low consumption of liquid glass - to cover the surface of one area, it needs two times less than, for example, liquid rubber.
Low price. Liquid glass is the cheapest waterproofing material of all.

Cons of liquid glass

Secondly, liquid glass is only compatible with concrete, plaster and wood. They can not cover the brick, as it will quickly collapse.

Thirdly, this is a rather difficult material to work with - you need to work with your own hands at an accelerated pace and carefully, since setting occurs quickly.

The fourth disadvantage is that it is impossible to qualitatively apply a topcoat on a coating of pure liquid glass, as well as on concrete and plaster with its inclusion, that is, paint or varnish.

Applying liquid glass - how to do

For work, you can use a roller or brush-brush. The first layer is quickly applied - evenly and without gaps.
Let the film set for 30 minutes and then also apply a second layer.
The next step is to apply a protective layer. It is necessary to make a standard plaster mortar, mix it with liquid glass in a one-to-one ratio and quickly cover the entire surface with a spatula with a layer of about 1 cm.
Next, you need to wait a few days until the plaster hardens.
After that, you can continue finishing work.

Conclusion

In the construction industry, concrete mixes are used, which, after hardening, have increased strength. To perform special tasks, various additives are added to concrete that change its characteristics. One of the common components is liquid glass for concrete. It reduces the duration of the concrete mixture hardening, increases the resistance of the monolith to moisture, acids, and elevated temperatures. It is important to properly mix the concrete and glass to ensure that the required material characteristics are achieved. Let's take a closer look at this supplement.

Why add liquid glass to concrete

Getting to know the material

Many have heard that the construction industry uses an additive called liquid glass. However, not everyone has an idea of what it is. The ingredient in question is potassium and sodium silicates dissolved in water, obtained from silica. Almost everyone encountered an aqueous solution of silicates, using silicate glue for domestic purposes. The material is visually perceived as a viscous liquid with a whitish-yellow hue. Let us dwell on the manufacturing technology, according to which the material is classified by type.

General classification

Modern technology allows you to get the additive in various ways. The component can be produced by high-temperature processing of silicon raw materials together with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The equipment makes it possible to obtain an ingredient with desired properties by sintering soda with quartz particles. You can also use the method of mixing silicon dioxide with an alkali solution.

Depending on the manufacturing characteristics, two types of ingredients are obtained:

sodium mixture, characterized by increased adhesion, adhesive properties, resistance to atmospheric factors;
potassium composition, characterized by accelerated drying, as well as good resistance to elevated temperatures.

The performance characteristics of both types of materials are identical, but the sodium composition has a lower price.

Additive in concrete - sodium liquid glass

Why add liquid glass to concrete

The use of a silicate solution introduced into the concrete mixture at the stage of preparation, as well as the external treatment of the concrete surface, changes the properties of concrete.

After liquid glass is introduced, concrete acquires additional characteristics:

resistance to moisture penetration. Due to the increased water resistance, the monolith modified with a special additive is in demand for foundations, underground structures;
high temperature resistance. This allows the use of a modified cement composition for the manufacture of fireplaces and the construction of stoves, the masonry of which is exposed to open fire;
the ability to freeze in a limited time. With an increased concentration of sodium silicate in the working solution, the concrete mixture hardens at an accelerated rate, which is important for sealing various cavities;
resistance to acids. The introduction of a silicate solution into the concrete composition increases the resistance to impact aggressive environment, which is relevant for the use of concrete in the chemical industry.

To ensure the required characteristics, mixing concrete with liquid glass, the proportions must be strictly observed.

Liquid glass in concrete - pros and cons

Just like everyone else Construction Materials, the additive has its advantages and disadvantages.

What gives liquid glass when added to concrete

Additive Benefits:

low price of building materials;
low additive consumption;
resistance to atmospheric factors;
durability of the protective film;
ease of use when injected into concrete and surface application;
good adhesion to mineral substrates.

In addition, the silicate component has:

increased hydrophobic properties. As a result of creating a waterproof layer, moisture absorption is difficult;
high antiseptic properties. The additive prevents the development of bacteria, hinders the growth of microorganisms;
antistatic properties. The characteristics of the silicate additive prevent the accumulation of static electricity;
ability to seal cracks on the surface. This ensures that the array is waterproof;
resistance to open flame, acids, high temperature. The processed material retains its structure and properties.

Along with the advantages, there are weaknesses:

accelerated crystallization of the modified composition during the implementation of measures for waterproofing foundations;
the impossibility of using for the treatment of surfaces of buildings made of bricks;
insufficiently high strength properties of the protective film, which is destroyed by mechanical action.

Among the insulating materials, liquid glass for concrete stands out.

Despite the shortcomings, the additive is widely used by professional builders, private developers, and home craftsmen to solve an extended range of problems.

The use of liquid glass in concrete - areas of use

Workers in the construction industry, the repair industry actively use silicate solutions based on sodium and potassium. They increase the performance of the monolith, which allows it to be used for various purposes.

Applications of the silicate modifier:

sealing cracks and cavities through which moisture penetrates;
exterior decoration of the walls of the building to increase their moisture resistance;
waterproofing masonry basements;
moisture protection of basements, hydraulic facilities;
preparation of special compositions for priming concrete surfaces;
construction of foundations for the installation of heating equipment;
production at industrial enterprises of special types of concrete;
construction of foundations for various objects;
protection of the walls of residential and utility rooms from the development of mold, fungal colonies;
processing of joints and internal surfaces of well rings.

Liquid glass is sold in plastic cans

According to its characteristics, the component has practically no analogues when performing work related to waterproofing and impregnation. The properties of the silicate material provide reliable protection concrete structures from moisture, high temperature, aggressive environment.

How much liquid glass to add to concrete - proven recipes

Consider how much silicate component should be poured into the concrete mixture to perform various tasks.

For the preparation of modified cement mortars and concrete, use the following recommendations:

masonry mixture for the construction of fireplaces, stoves is prepared from Portland cement and fine sand, observing a ratio of one to three. 18–20% of the glass of the total volume of the mixed components should be poured into the sand-cement mixture, after which water should be added. It remains to mix everything thoroughly until smooth, and the finished solution can be used;
for the preparation of a concrete base with moisture-resistant properties, refractory characteristics and intended for domestic use, the concentration of the additive should not exceed one tenth of the total mass. Such a composition can also be used for waterproofing home pools;
for waterproofing the joints of well rings and processing the inner surface, a composition is prepared consisting of Portland cement, glass, and sifted sand. It is very important to keep the proportion, adding the ingredients in equal proportions. With the gradual addition of water, it is necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.

Subject to the proportions, the concrete solution acquires the required properties.

Liquid glass as an additive for concrete

Correctly fill liquid glass - the additive in concrete does not tolerate mistakes

There are situations when the introduction of glass does not bring the expected result. This is due to the lack of practical experience, non-observance of proportions.

it is forbidden to introduce a silicate additive into the prepared concrete solution. You must first mix the ingredients, then dilute the glass with water. Then it is necessary to gradually pour the solution, mixing thoroughly;
control the percentage of added components, do not exceed the proportions tested in practice. This ensures that the required performance properties of concrete are obtained.

Remember that an increased concentration of silicate filler, as well as a reduced one, negatively affects the properties of concrete.

We introduce liquid glass into concrete - rules of work

To ensure the desired effect from the use of the additive, it is necessary to study the rules for working with a silicate additive, as well as prepare the necessary tools.

Waterproofing with liquid glass

For surface treatment of a concrete mass, you will need:

a wide roller that allows you to speed up the application of a protective composition;
a brush for treating small areas and corner areas with a silicate mixture;
metal brush for preparing the treated surface;
an airbrush that allows you to apply the material when performing work on an industrial scale;
a container for mixing ingredients and preparing special mortars;
protective gloves that protect the skin from contact with the silicate component.

General rules of work provide:

Thorough cleaning of the treated surface from contamination of organic and inorganic origin.
Sealing deep cracks and leveling the surface using concrete putty.
Layer-by-layer application of the material using a wide roller, brush or industrial spray gun.

When applying a coating in two layers, it penetrates deep into the array by 1.5–2 mm. The modifying composition does not contain harmful components, however, the skin should be washed with water if a silicate solution gets on its surface. After completion of work, it is necessary to inspect and clean the tool from the remnants of the silicate mixture.

It is possible to introduce the additive into the concrete solution at the preparation stage. To do this, it is necessary to gradually add liquid glass for concrete to the concrete mixer or container. The instructions for use must be followed to ensure the required characteristics of the concrete.

How to cover a concrete floor with liquid glass

To prepare a modified concrete composition, you will need the following tools:

a special nozzle for a drill that increases the efficiency of mixing components;
a container for mixing components using a nozzle or a small-sized concrete mixer;
personal protective equipment that protects the skin and mucous membrane from the ingress of the additive.

The algorithm for preparing the modified concrete composition includes the following operations:

Dosing of ingredients in the required ratios.
Adding an aqueous solution of a special additive to the concrete mixture.
Preparation of concrete mixture according to the recipe.
Thorough mixing of the components until a homogeneous consistency.

When pouring liquid glass into concrete on your own, the proportions must be strictly observed. Exceeding the amount provided for by the recipe will cause accelerated drying of the concrete with the appearance of cracks. Adding a reduced volume to liquid glass concrete will not provide the required performance characteristics.

Conclusion

To ensure the required performance characteristics of concrete, observe the proportions for concrete when pouring liquid glass. Guided by the recommendations of professionals, following a proven recipe, it is possible to ensure the necessary working properties of the monolith. Due to the cheapness of the silicate additive, the cost of the concrete solution increases very slightly, and the performance characteristics allow the use of modified concrete to solve a wide range of construction tasks. Professional advice will help you avoid mistakes.

Liquid glass is actively used in construction today, this is due to the many positive features of this material, among them:

moisture resistance;
chemical inertness;
fire resistance;
low thermal conductivity;
lack of toxicity.

Why choose liquid glass

Among other things, liquid glass has excellent adhesion to most surfaces. The material has an antiseptic effect and exhibits abrasion resistance during operation. This composition is characterized by anti-corrosion characteristics and even wind resistance.

Waterproofing with liquid glass is most common as the use of the composition as an ingredient. In the pure is used less frequently. During the production process, a mixture of quartz sand is fired with soda and crushed, this allows you to get a product that then dissolves in water.

Foundation waterproofing

To form a reliable barrier against water, the surface is covered with liquid glass in two layers, each of them must dry well. This method is called coating and involves the further laying of waterproofing roll materials. Waterproofing with liquid glass is quite often used when it is necessary to seal seams and cracks in concrete blocks and foundation. At the same time, sodium liquid glass is added to it; water and cement are additionally used for its preparation.

The composition of the waterproofing is used in the amount of 50 g per 1000 g of cement. Approximately 150 g of water should be added for every 10 g of glass. The mixture should be prepared in a small amount in order to use it up in a short time, because it solidifies quickly enough.

Waterproofing with liquid glass can be carried out on the basis of another technology, which involves adding a mixture to concrete for further pouring the foundation. To do this, prepare the following ingredients:

cement;
liquid glass;
crushed stone;
sand;
water.

Liquid glass is added in the amount of 5% of the total mass. Beforehand, everything should be prepared for pouring the foundation, for this earthworks are carried out, formwork is installed and the reinforcing cage is laid. Sand is mixed with cement, liquid glass is dissolved in water, and then the ingredients are combined and mixed. After adding rubble, you should immediately start pouring the foundation.

Well and pool waterproofing

Waterproofing with liquid glass may involve work in the field of wells and pools. The composition is suitable for outdoor and internal waterproofing. In the latter case, the mixture is applied in several layers to the walls and floor of the pool. First you need to process all the recesses and joints. This approach allows you to achieve excellent sealing.

When carrying out outdoor work, liquid glass acts as a component of concrete and reliably protects the pool from groundwater, ensuring the strength of the base. Waterproofing wells with liquid glass involves the preparation of a mixture of liquid glass, cement and sand, which are combined in equal parts. The resulting solution should be treated joints and seams, and then the rest of the surface. In order to achieve a greater effect, the walls of the well are pre-coated with liquid glass.

Basement waterproofing

Owners of private houses with basements face problems with water entering through the seams in ground floor. An excellent solution to this problem is the use of a solution of liquid glass for waterproofing. If the seams are leaking, then at the first stage they must be cleaned of dust and debris. Next, a repair mixture is prepared from liquid glass and Portland cement in a ratio of 1 to 20. Water is added to the composition in such an amount that the consistency of thick sour cream is obtained.

The mixture is placed in the seams and cracks, the surface is smeared with water using a brush. After 24 hours, the treatment must be carried out with liquid glass. If the concrete walls are wet, then they are treated using the same technology, but the layer should be made thicker and denser. It is important to remember that the composition is prepared in small quantities so that it can be used in the shortest possible time.

Additional instructions for using liquid glass

Liquid glass can be applied with a brush or roller. The first layer is left to dry for about 30 minutes. After that, you can proceed to the formation of the next layer. It is important to ensure the uniformity of the coating - there should be no gaps. After that, you can start applying the protective layer. To do this, a cement mortar is prepared, which is used for plastering walls. Once the solution is ready, glass should be added to it and mixed well.

In the next step, the surface is covered with a mixture. Today, the use of liquid glass is quite common, you must definitely study the instructions for applying it. So, the solution, to which glass was used as an additive, does not make sense to re-dilute, since the material loses its properties. The solution is usually applied with a spatula in a fairly thin layer. The last step will be insulation; for this, basalt wool or polystyrene is usually used.