The use of silicates for insulation of foundations, its features, advantages and disadvantages, surface cleaning and methods of its processing.

Features of isolation of the foundation with liquid glass

Sodium and potassium silicates are called liquid glass. For implementation, it comes as an alkaline solution of a gray-yellow color and a thick consistency. Liquid glass is produced from a silicate block formed during the sintering of sand, soda, salt solutions and modifiers. The material is brought to a liquid state in an autoclave during high-pressure cooking.

In addition to waterproofing, a film of liquid glass applied to the surface of the foundation is able to protect it from fire, fungus and chemicals. Due to their composition, silicates, when solidified, form a monolithic coating of the smallest crystals, which fill all the cracks and pores of the foundation surface, preventing the penetration of negative influences from the soil and the environment to it.

Both types of liquid glass differ from each other in their properties and applications. Sodium silicate, i.e. soda glass, has better adhesiveness, so it comes into contact with many minerals more easily. This property makes the material useful in waterproofing and strengthening concrete foundations.

Potassium glass better resists oxidation and weathering. Unlike sodium silicate, it does not form glare after solidification, therefore it is widely used in the production of paints and varnishes.

When working with sodium or potassium liquid glass, it is necessary to take into account some nuances:

• It is not recommended to cover brickwork with liquid glass, since the composition of the waterproofing material includes substances that can have a destructive effect on it.
• When dealing with a solution containing liquid glass, it is necessary to take into account the high rate of polymerization of such a mixture. Therefore, it should be applied to the foundation in a thin layer so that it can be leveled and the excess material removed.
• In the process of preparing a waterproofing mixture with liquid glass for the foundation, it is necessary to strictly observe the ratio of its components, which is prescribed by the instructions. Violation of this rule may lead to zero result of work.
• When choosing water glass, one should take into account the scope of its future application: sodium silicate has high adhesion with minerals, and potassium glass is optimal for use in an acidic environment.
• When buying a high-quality material, it should not have foreign inclusions and lumps, its density should correspond to the technical data sheet.

Silicate waterproofing of the foundation can be performed in three ways:

• In the form of coating insulation, which is performed if the foundation is provided with an upper protective layer of another material, for example, roofing material. In this case, it is covered with two layers of glass with a brush or roller.
• In the form of a base, which is created by mixing the solution with liquid glass. The resulting mixture hardens quickly, so it must be laid immediately after preparation. This method is good for eliminating leaks or sealing gaps between prefabricated foundation elements.
• As the main material for pouring into the formwork. Here the silicate is simply added to the concrete mixture. After hardening, such a foundation forms a monolith with excellent waterproofing characteristics.

Pros and cons of liquid glass insulation

This material, performing a waterproofing function, is able to restore damaged areas of the foundation surface.

In addition, when choosing and using liquid insulation, you can get a coating that has the following advantages:

• Easy to apply on horizontal and vertical surfaces;
• Excellent adhesion;
• The absence of harmful fumes;
• high density;
• Low material consumption and reasonable price.

The disadvantages of protecting the foundation with silicate compounds include the susceptibility of the coating to mechanical damage and the too high crystallization rate of ready-made mixtures. Therefore, in the first case, external protection of the foundation with rolled materials is required, and in the second, a certain skill when performing insulation work.

Preparatory work

Silicate waterproofing requires accuracy and therefore is unacceptable without careful surface preparation.

First you need to clean the concrete from dirt, exfoliated areas and dust. If there is mold on the foundation, it must be removed, and then the cleaned surface should be treated with an antiseptic. Oil and rust stains should also be cleaned. For work, you can use a grinder and chemicals.

Better cleaning can be achieved using a sandblaster. It allows you to expose the pores of the concrete surface, thereby facilitating the penetration of the waterproofing agent into them. After sandblasting, it is recommended to wipe the foundation with a 10% hydrogen chloride solution to remove abrasive impurities.

If the foundation has small cracks, they must be cut to a width of up to 20 mm, a depth of about 25 mm, and then filled with a mixture of silicate and mortar, taken in a ratio of 1: 1. Before applying insulation, it is necessary to ensure the protection of engineering communications and moisten the surface of the foundation.

Foundation waterproofing technology with liquid glass

As mentioned above, the waterproofing of the foundation with liquid glass can be carried out in three ways: coating under roll coatings, penetrating mortar on cement, and introducing silicates directly into concrete before laying it. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Coating insulation

This method is used in the case when it is not possible to coat the foundation with bituminous mastic. For example, when installing a polymer coating, if its contact with oil distillation products is undesirable.

Silicate in its pure state does not serve as a protective material, but when it comes into contact with concrete, crystals are formed, which, falling into the pores of the structure, make it waterproof. In this case, 2-3 layers of liquid glass with a thickness of 2-3 mm are sufficient.

Insulation should be done after cleaning the foundation during the preparatory work. Liquid glass must be applied to the surface of the structure with a wide brush or paint roller. When applying a multi-layer material, it is necessary to wait for complete drying of each layer in turn.

After the foundation has been treated with silicate, the dried surface of the structure should be pasted over with rolled insulating material.

Penetrating protection

It is used to quickly eliminate leaks at the joints of prefabricated foundations or in the presence of through cracks. Before treatment with a penetrating compound, the problem areas of the structure should be cleaned of dirt and cut to the depth of durable concrete. The cross section of cracks and seams after their processing should have a U-shape.

To prepare a repair sealing mixture, you will need cement, liquid glass, fresh water. First, liquid glass must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. The resulting solution should be gradually poured into a container with cement, and then mixed until a plastic mass is obtained.

Re-mixing is unacceptable, as it will cause a break in the bonds of the initial crystal formation, which will lead to the loss of its insulating properties by the mixture. It must be prepared in small portions, since the rate of hardening of the composition is high enough.

To fill the joints and cracks in the foundation with a penetrating silicate mixture, it is convenient to use a spatula. Before embedding, the seams can be slightly moistened to increase adhesion. After finishing work, it is necessary to remove excess material or level it on the surface. The final strength of the composition will gain after complete drying.

modified concrete

The introduction of silicates into the mixture intended for pouring into the formwork when constructing a monolithic foundation increases the water resistance of the entire structure. Their waterproofing properties affect its entire array. However, at the same time, concrete partially loses its strength and becomes more brittle. In order to minimize the negative consequences of adding liquid glass to the working mixture, the foundation should be reinforced with additional reinforcement and the sand cushion at its base should be made twice as thick.

As a hardening and waterproofing additive, silicates should only be applied to M300 or M400 concrete. The amount of silicates in the mixture should not be more than 10% of its total mass, optimally - 7%, that is, about 70 liters of liquid glass per 1 m 3 of concrete.

The setting time depends on the percentage of the insulator in the mixture:

• With an amount of liquid glass of 2%, concrete hardening will begin in 45 minutes and end in 24 hours.
• Accordingly, at 5%, the time indicators will be: 25-30 minutes. and 12-14 hours.
• At 7-8% silicate content, the concrete will set in 10 minutes, and in 8 hours it will harden completely.

The air temperature with these indicators should be + 16-20 degrees. It will take 28 days to gain the final strength of such concrete.

For the main composition of the concrete mix, cement, sand and crushed stone should be taken in the usual ratio - 1: 3: 3. Due to the fact that the rate of its setting when modified with liquid glass increases dramatically, the formwork for the foundation and the reinforcing cages in it must be prepared in advance.

To create modified concrete, you first need to dilute liquid glass with clean water and gradually add the resulting solution to the cement-sand mixture. After mixing the composition in a concrete mixer, you need to add crushed stone or expanded clay to it, mix again and pour the concrete into the formwork.

Immediately after pouring the foundation, it is necessary to level its surface horizontally and leave it until the final hardening of the concrete. Unlike traditional paving, it is not recommended to compact the mixture in the formwork with a vibrator. This can disrupt the process of crystallization of silicate in concrete, which can lead to a deterioration in the waterproofing properties of the structure.

After gaining strength, the foundation is recommended to be insulated with polystyrene or mineral wool slabs. Such a coating, in addition to its main function, will help to evenly distribute the load on the foundation walls from the ground and protect them from damage during backfilling of the trench.

How to process the foundation with liquid glass - look at the video:

The modern construction market offers a lot of high-tech products for strengthening concrete foundations. Not the last place in this list is occupied by liquid glass, also known under a different name - silicate glue.

Any structures made on the basis of artificial stone must maintain strength and reliability throughout the entire period of operation. This can be hindered only by such a lack of concrete as porosity. Moisture, air, aggressive substances can penetrate into the pores, which leads to a lot of problems during operation. Special impregnations help to fight the porous structure of the bases., but today liquid glass will be considered.

Liquid glass is a long-established method of processing building surfaces

What is liquid glass

According to the state standard, liquid glass is a viscous adhesive solution based on sodium, potassium silicates, etc., and water. The material is produced by fusing quartz sand, soda. The second method is the autoclave processing of silica-based raw materials and a special concentrated solution, after crushing it is dissolved in water. The least commonly used method is the dissolution of silicon in an alkali solution, which most closely corresponds to the classical method. For the first time, silicate glue was obtained in 1818, and since then the composition of liquid glass has remained virtually unchanged.

The material is suitable for external and internal work in industrial, individual, commercial construction.

If we talk about the classification, the product is characterized as follows:

• by type of alkaline cation (quaternary ammonium, lithium, sodium, potassium);
• according to the modular or mass ratio of oxides of potassium, sodium, lithium, silicate module (in fact, this is the ratio of silicon oxide to sodium oxide, multiplied by a special coefficient);
• by the content of impurity oxides;
• by density (g/cm3).

Types of liquid glass

Depending on the silicates used in the production process, the material is divided into three main types:

• sodium liquid glass- compositions of this type demonstrate excellent adhesion, good interaction with mineral bases. This results in a very strong structure. Finished coatings can be used in various climatic conditions. External negative factors will not affect the waterproofing and anti-corrosion characteristics of the finished layer based on sodium silicate adhesive. Bases receive additional fire resistance;
• potash liquid glass- this variety is also resistant to moisture, acid attack, precipitation and other atmospheric phenomena. The main difference from the analogue presented above is the absence of glare on the impregnated base. This is appreciated when doing outdoor work. In addition, this variety is introduced into the composition of silicate paints and painting compositions;
• liquid glass lithium- lithium hardener is characterized by a high dry residue. It is used for dust removal, compaction, hardening of new or old concrete bases. The composition is characterized by a high content of active lithium - 11%, therefore it can be applied to concrete of any age, increasing abrasive resistance up to 15-40%.

In fact, any option can be used to impregnate concrete. However, sodium silicate glue is cheaper, potassium glue has improved technical characteristics, lithium is the most durable. When choosing a product, it makes sense to look at the technical specifications. For concrete, they work with compositions with a silicate module of 2.8-3.0, a density of 1.44-1.48 g / cm³.

Scope of application

In construction, silicate adhesives are used to protect foundations from groundwater, to waterproof concrete floors, floors, walls, basements, attics.

There are liquid varieties on the market, ready to use and granular, which need to be diluted with water in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.

The composition works for waterproofing pools - this type of impregnation eliminates the possibility of destruction of the bowl and leaks, plus it provides protection from the negative effects of groundwater.

In this version of waterproofing, liquid glass is applied in 3-4 layers. In any case, protection from the destructive action of moisture is provided, the base acquires fire-retardant characteristics both inside and outside the premises. In other cases, liquid glass is used to provide waterproofing of wells.. The work is being carried out in stages - the first layer is pure silicate glue, the second is silicate glue + cement-sand mixture. Silicate adhesives can be used undiluted, diluted, as part of various additives, impregnations, mixtures.

Specifications and properties

Impregnation of concrete with liquid glass carries a high functional load. First of all, the material acts as a water repellent, - after processing, the base repels water well. We can talk about the antiseptic and antistatic effect, which saves the surface from the growth of bacteria, static electricity.

The ability of liquid glass to work as a hardener is interesting - it increases the density of artificial stone, filling the pores. And the last property that I want to talk about - silicate glue acts as a flame retardant. This indicates protection from acid exposure, an increase in refractory properties.

Table 1. Technical characteristics of liquid glass

Advantages

The first advantage that this type of impregnation brings is the extension of the service life of concrete structures.

The material works on concrete for at least 5 years. This is not the maximum that modern impregnations give, but against the background of low cost - just a gift.

In addition, we can talk about a number of other positive characteristics:

• increase in abrasion resistance, hardness, resistance to chemical attack. This is especially true for plinths. The material applied to the plastered concrete dampens such environmental influences as impacts, friction, snow, rain, dust, temperature changes;
• reduction in water permeability - say, concrete gables, external walls, concrete platforms often turn out to be soaked through after heavy rainfall. Silicate glue will help get rid of this problem;
• we can talk about stable protection against chemistry. The composition protects the artificial stone from the action of alkalis, acids, salts;
• strengthening, locking pores - the material is used both inside and outside the premises on plain or plastered concrete. Impregnation fills irregularities, ruts, pores of the base, which is especially important in places with a windy and damp climate;
• the alkaline composition of the impregnation causes an antiseptic effect;
• low consumption against the background of affordable cost;
• work can be carried out in conditions of high humidity.

Flaws:

• fast setting of the solution. Time of work is limited;
• the resulting film layer is brittle, which excludes the possibility of using several types of hydroprotection.

Brief technology:

For processing, a composition diluted with water in a certain proportion is used.

Brushes, rollers or an airbrush are taken to work.

The number of layers 1-2 and above.

Tools for concrete impregnation with liquid glass

The introduction of any impregnation requires preliminary preparation of concrete.

To implement this stage of work, you will need the following equipment:

• grinding machines- they work on concrete with powerful and productive devices; a set of discs with varying degrees of graininess will also be required;
• sandblasters, shot blasters- hardy, powerful machines with a bunker volume of 30-50 liters are taken for preparation. Such installations require connection to a compressor, which should also be borne in mind. Productivity should not be lower than 5-10 sq.m./h;
• hard screed brushes- the tool is used for a limited amount of work, in small areas and in hard-to-reach areas;
• industrial (construction) vacuum cleaners- for effective removal of dust and sludge, a device with high suction power is required - from 250 bar. In addition, it is convenient to work with machines with a large garbage bin - 30-50 liters. It is required to check that the brush of the vacuum cleaner fits snugly on the floor;
• construction drill with mixing attachment- in some cases, special mixtures are prepared on the basis of liquid glass. For their preparation, this particular tool is used, with a power of 1400 W, a speed of 400-700 rpm, the ability to work in the forward and reverse direction.

After finishing work, it is enough to rinse the tool with warm water.

If the work area is small, hand grinders are often used. In addition, it is a compact tool that will help to process junctions and other hard-to-reach areas.

Liquid glass is applied with brushes, rollers or spray guns:

• with this type of impregnation, they work with flute brushes of various sizes based on mixed pile;
• rollers should be selected based on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwork. The most convenient is a tool on a telescopic handle based on velor with a medium pile;
• spray guns - it is convenient to work with such equipment on ceilings, walls, including in pools, tanks, etc. In a professional environment, samples are used that can provide pressure from 2 bar..

Despite the fact that silicate glue does not emit toxic substances, personal protective equipment is used in the work. These are painting overalls, safety shoes, gloves, glasses. When preparing grounds for respiratory or dust protection, respirators are worn.

Technology of impregnation of concrete bases with liquid glass

Works on the device of concrete bases are carried out quickly enough, - the number of technological operations is small.

The silicate adhesive itself in a liquid consistency is ready for use - it is enough to carefully move it with a construction mixer. Concrete impregnation works are carried out at a temperature not lower than +5 degrees. After taking the material, the container is kept tightly closed.

Other requirements:

• it is impossible to start work on the processing of external surfaces if frosts are expected on the street in the next day;
• if the base is covered with frost or ice, the material is not applied;
• if horizontal planes are impregnated, puddles should not be allowed to form.

Any base must be prepared - liquid glass is applied only to clean and dry surfaces.

Principles of preparation of concrete bases:

• the upper loose layers, including ironing, laitance are removed. To do this, you can apply several methods. On large areas, they operate with sandblasting, shot-blasting machines, grinders;
• in junctions and in hard-to-reach areas use hand tools;
• the resulting sludge is cleaned with a construction vacuum cleaner and hard brushes.

Waterproofing with liquid glass of the floor and flat roof

Work is carried out after the removal of the old coating, - there should be no sludge, debris on the surface. To do this, they clean with a metal brush, use a construction vacuum cleaner. Further, the base is treated with a bitumen emulsion, observing a layer thickness of 2 mm.

When the composition sets, a solution with liquid glass is poured onto the surface with a layer of 2-3 mm. The coating is leveled with a squeegee or spatula. Before applying the next layer, a technological break is arranged for 2-3 hours. Next, layer 2 is poured.

Working loads on the surface after processing are permissible after 2 days

Liquid glass impregnation of concrete wells, pools

The mixture for waterproofing is prepared on the basis of 1 part of silicate glue, 9 parts of cement mortar.

Maximum processing efficiency is ensured by following the specified sequence:

• concrete is cleaned of dust and other contaminants with brushes;
• the first layer of impregnation is applied using a roller or brush;
• after 30 minutes, another layer is applied to the surface;
• the material should be distributed as evenly as possible, without gaps;
• next, prepare a solution based on cement and liquid glass;
• the finished mixture is applied to the surface with a spatula. Work is carried out quickly, taking into account the low viability of the solution (15-20 minutes).

Impregnation of basements, plinths with liquid glass

In such areas, pure liquid glass is rarely used. A solution based on equal parts of cement, silicate glue, and water is taken into work. Cement is closed with water, liquid glass is introduced. The mixture is brought to a homogeneous consistency using a construction mixer.

All surfaces are treated with a liquid preparation using brushes or rollers.. The viability of such impregnation is 30 minutes. If there is an additional task of protecting the bases from fungus, mold, dampness, the surface is additionally treated with clean liquid glass in 1-2 layers.

Liquid glass impregnation of concrete walls and ceilings

Surface pre-treatment is based on liquid glass and water. Both components are mixed in proportions of 4:1. The bases are covered in 2-3 layers, following the principles of layer-by-layer drying. Additionally, you can prime the screed by applying a solution based on 1 part of liquid glass, 2 parts of cement mortar.

On large areas, it is advisable to use a spray gun. It is convenient for them to work when processing large vertical surfaces, hard-to-reach horizontal overlaps, etc. Plus, it provides a high application speed.

Sequence of work:

• cleaning of the base is carried out in accordance with accepted standards;
• the spray gun must be ready for work;
• liquid glass is sprayed in the required direction;
• 2-3 mm is enough to form a full-fledged layer;
• layer-by-layer drying takes no more than three hours. The total number of layers is 2-3.

Safety

Liquid glass is not explosive and does not support combustion. The composition is non-toxic. In case of contact with skin or mucous membranes, rinse with plenty of warm water.

For finished formulations, appropriate storage conditions must be provided.. Materials are placed in a cool, dry place. The temperature level can range from +5 to +40 degrees. However, liquid glass is characterized by frost resistance (up to -30 degrees) and can be maintained for at least 5 thawing / freezing cycles, without loss of consumer parameters. Storage near working equipment or heating elements is prohibited.

Care must be taken to properly dispose of the product. Its remains are not drained onto the soil, into sewers, water bodies.

Containers with dried liquid glass residues are disposed of as other construction and household waste.

The cost of impregnating concrete with liquid glass

The price of the material starts from 50 r / kg. But, in general, the trend is that the final cost depends on the required volume and type of liquid glass. Work on the installation of a waterproofing layer will require costs from 1300 r / m³.

conclusions

If we talk about the overall effectiveness of impregnations based on liquid glass, then I cannot call this solution optimal for working on concrete. Still, silicate glue should be introduced into the solution at the preparation stage - only in this way the finished system will fully receive all the benefits that the material can give.

External processing is an order of magnitude inferior to analogues in terms of final properties and characteristics, although it is a budget option. In addition, liquid glass does not carry any decorative load, it seizes extremely quickly, which can become an obstacle in the implementation of work on some objects.

However, if you want to impregnate concrete with a minimum of costs, it is liquid glass that becomes a good choice. In recent years, potassium and sodium compounds have been especially actively used, but it is better to purchase the lithium version.

The practical aspects of applying liquid glass to concrete are shown in the video:

Liquid glass is an inexpensive and effective material for waterproofing. It is used for surface application and for admixture in concrete and cement. How to use liquid glass for concrete and for waterproofing walls, floors, wells, pools?

Types and properties of liquid glass

Liquid glass for waterproofing is a solution of sodium or potassium silicate in water. Both of them are used for waterproofing, but have slightly different properties.

Sodium silicate is used for waterproofing foundations. It binds well with mineral compounds. It is also included in antiseptic impregnations. Sodium liquid glass contributes to the hardening of cement, in this case solid sodium aluminate and calcium silicate are formed. It is added to concrete, used for fire retardant impregnations. The scope of sodium glass is much wider.

Potassium silicate is resistant to external influences, water, precipitation, even acid rain, so it is used as an acid-resistant coating. It has anti-reflective properties, so it is also used as a paint.

Both types of water glass have antistatic, antiseptic and fire retardant properties.

The service life of the sodium silicate coating is 5 years. During the year, the protective layer loses about 1 mm of its thickness, therefore, the thicker it is, the longer it will last.

Advantages and disadvantages

Liquid glass is added to cement and concrete, which makes them more resistant to moisture. Also, with its help, weak soil with poor bearing capacity is strengthened. Various surfaces are covered with liquid glass to protect the decorative coating from moisture and mechanical stress. Wooden surfaces are treated with a brush, and small objects are completely immersed in silicate glue for a while.

One of the applications of liquid glass is the waterproofing of concrete surfaces. The solution is absorbed into the concrete to a certain depth, filling the pores. use it

• in the cellars
• damp rooms,
• on the foundations
• in the pools
• in wells.

Also, sodium liquid glass for waterproofing is used as an adhesive for laying PVC and laminate boards, for flooring, in everyday life, in gardening for covering wounds and cuts on trees. It is also added to plaster - as a result, strong calcium silicate is formed, such plaster is very durable. Silicate glue is also used for laying stoves and fireplaces, as well as a binder for refractory and acid-resistant powder.

When it comes into contact with ordinary glass, the silicate adhesive becomes opaque. At the same time, it can be used for the restoration of glass and porcelain products.

The advantages of liquid glass (silicate glue) include the fact that it is non-flammable, non-toxic, and has antiseptic properties. It also has certain thermal insulation properties, so it is used for the production of thermal insulation materials. You can use silicate glue in a humid environment, which distinguishes it from most waterproofing materials.

Contact of the solution with the skin should be avoided, as it contains alkali. Work must be carried out in protective clothing and gloves. If liquid glass gets on the skin, it must be washed off with a weak solution of vinegar and clean water. Therefore, during operation, water and vinegar solution must be kept nearby.

The disadvantages of this material include the fact that it can only be used on easily accessible surfaces. Liquid glass crystallizes quickly, so you need to work with it quickly. If you have little experience, then the consumption of the solution will be greater, since a certain part will simply harden, and it will be impossible to restore its properties.

Such a protective layer is not resistant to mechanical damage, so some additional coating is usually applied on top. At the same time, most paints and varnishes do not fall on liquid glass.

It is very important to observe the proportions when preparing a solution of liquid glass for waterproofing. If too much silicate glue is added, the mixture will turn out to be hard, hard, but brittle, and the protective coating will break and tear at the joints and seams.

How to buy good liquid glass

Sodium or potassium silicate is available as a liquid mass. A good quality product should be homogeneous, free of lumps and foreign inclusions.

Silicate glue is inexpensive, you can buy it on any construction market, so you should not stock it for future use. The shelf life of the material is 1 year.

Surface preparation

Before using sodium silicate for waterproofing, the surface must be cleaned of dirt, paint, rust, plaster, dusted (you can use a household or industrial vacuum cleaner) and degreased, leveled if necessary, removed nails and screws.

For coating waterproofing, which is used for floors, pools, wells, the surface is pre-cleaned with a brush to open the pores in the concrete. The walls of wells, pools are washed so that all defects become more noticeable. After that, the surfaces should dry. To prevent the fungus from starting, they are treated with an antiseptic. Wooden surfaces, such as the floor of a bathhouse or sauna, are treated with a flame retardant to give the wood fire-retardant properties.

Application for waterproofing

For waterproofing seams and joints, silicate glue is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 or 1:15. Universal waterproofing solution is made in a ratio of 1:10. This solution is mixed with cement until homogeneous (the proportion of silicate glue should also not be more than 5%) and the resulting paste is filled with seams and joints using a spatula.

Attention! Do not add water, ready-made liquid glass or other liquids and dry ingredients to the finished solution.

The mixture is made as follows:

• mix all dry ingredients until smooth;
• add liquid glass and mix for 3-5 minutes.

The finished solution must be homogeneous, smooth and mobile. It needs to be used right away.

Attention! It is impossible to mix the solution several times, since crystalline bonds begin to form in it, which will break when stirred. This will significantly degrade the quality of the solution.

Next, liquid glass is applied with a brush or roller. The solution hardens quickly, so you need to prepare such an amount that you can use within 15-20 minutes. It is also necessary to apply the solution to the surface quickly. The surface can be moistened with water for better adhesion.

One layer impregnates concrete by about 2 mm, for deeper impregnation, several layers are needed. After applying the first layer, you must wait half an hour, and then apply the next. To impregnate concrete, you can apply the solution with a spray gun. But more often, not pure silicate glue is used for waterproofing concrete, but mixed with cement.

Do not use sodium silicate to treat surfaces on which it is planned to apply paint, plaster, putty, varnish. They will not adhere to silicate glue.

When used for waterproofing wells, pools, artificial reservoirs, work is carried out in two stages. First, the walls of the tank are treated with clean liquid glass, possibly in several layers, and then a liquid mixture of sand, cement and silicate glue is applied in equal parts.

Improving the properties of concrete

When building a house, you can add liquid glass to concrete - then it will immediately have waterproofing properties.

Attention! The strength of concrete with the addition of silicate glue deteriorates, so the proportion of liquid glass in the solution should not exceed 5%.

Cement or concrete with silicate glue additives hardens much faster than usual, so it must be mixed immediately in the right amount and quickly, in one go, poured into the formwork. Such concrete should be poured without the use of a deep vibrator, so as not to disrupt the process of crystal formation.

floors

To waterproof the floor, a liquid glass solution is poured onto the screed in equal portions and quickly spread over the floor with a spatula. Then the surface is rolled with a needle roller and leveled with a squeegee.

The layer of silicate glue should be 3-5 mm thick, and it must be poured in one go. It is important that the solution is evenly distributed over the floor, there are no uncovered areas left, the composition must penetrate into the pores.

Usually they make several layers, before pouring each next layer, the previous one must harden, this happens in about half an hour. When all layers are dry, the floor can be covered with epoxy or polyurethane varnish, this will increase its durability and make it glossy. If the floor is warm, then it is put into operation a week after pouring liquid glass.

Cellars and attics

Waterproofing of basements and attics can be performed outside or inside the building. To do this, use solutions prepared in different proportions. An important property of liquid glass is that due to its crystalline structure, it retains the vapor permeability of concrete, despite the fact that the surface receives water-repellent qualities.

For waterproofing from the inside, a universal solution of 1 liter of liquid glass and 10 liters of cement mortar is used. For external insulation, cement, sand and silicate glue are mixed in a ratio of 1.5: 1.5: 4, no more than 0.25 by weight of water is added.

Wells

Waterproofing the well with liquid glass can be carried out both at the stage of its construction, and when it is already filled with water.

However, it should be remembered that if the rings of the well are poorly fastened, then the use of liquid glass will not help. Therefore, you first need to fix the rings well together with metal brackets.

After that, a jute, hemp or linen rope is impregnated with a solution of liquid glass and seams are laid between the rings. From above, the seam is covered with another layer of cement or liquid glass. Silicate adhesive withstands high water pressure and does not respond to temperature changes.

With the help of a solution of liquid glass with cement, small cracks can be repaired. This solution sets very quickly. But in the case of a large leak, such a repair does not make sense.

Pools

The waterproofing of the pool with liquid glass is carried out on both sides: both from the inside and from the outside. Outside, it is isolated to protect it from groundwater, which would otherwise penetrate into the pores and gradually erode the concrete. Insulation from the inside prevents water from destroying the walls of the pool.

Liquid glass is also used as an additive in concrete in the construction of pools. It is used both as an impregnation in its pure form, and mixed with cement.

Conclusion

Liquid glass (sodium or potassium silicate) is widely used to create protective coatings. Waterproofing with it is also not difficult, such a coating can be applied independently, but it is important to follow some rules.

Liquid glass is a silicate material based on potassium or sodium, which has high waterproofing and water-repellent properties. It differs from ordinary glass in its ability to go into a liquid state under the influence of certain factors.

Material advantages

The material has gained great popularity due to a number of advantages, including:

• High degree of adhesion. Thanks to its fluid consistency, it penetrates into the smallest cracks and pores, filling the necessary space. Liquid glass easily adheres to surfaces, creating a reliable base.
• Waterproof. Thanks to the film that the silicate material creates, the waterproofing layer is even, integral and water-repellent.
• Economy. It is consumed in minimal quantities, especially in combination with cement mortar.
• Affordable price. In terms of properties, it is not inferior to expensive waterproofing materials, acting as a cheaper alternative.
• Long service life. Subject to conscientious performance of insulating work, the surface of liquid glass will last up to 5 years. You can increase this period if you cover the finished layer with paint.

Attention! Liquid glass for waterproofing allows you to work even in conditions of high humidity.

Popular materials

In fact, liquid glass is a silicate adhesive, but manufacturers also produce compositions according to individual criteria for each customer. Popular brands include:

• Sodium composition "Optimist". Russian-made product, which is produced in polymer containers of 1.5 kg. It is used for carrying out a waterproofing outside and in rooms. With it, you can process pools, basements, foundations, bathtubs, plinths and walkways. It binds well with the components of concrete, cement, lime, whitewash mixtures, and is also used as part of silicate putties.
• Silicate glue "Liquid glass". Material of Ukrainian production, which is supplied in containers of different volumes - from 1.2 to 50 liters. Suitable for bonding materials made of glass, porcelain, cardboard, for creating fire-resistant and acid-resistant water-repellent mixtures used for insulating foundations. Liquid glass of this brand can be impregnated with building materials and wood to give fire resistance and additional density.
• Silane Guard. Sodium waterproofing from the Japanese company Wilsson, designed for car body treatment. Creates a durable water-repellent effect, while the surface acquires shine and rich color for up to 12 months. The composition is completely ready for use and does not require special skills for application.

Scope of application and types of material

Liquid glass in construction is often used as a component of mixtures intended for waterproofing various surfaces.

1. Combination with cement- for preparation (priming) of walls, ceiling and floor for painting. At the first stage, the cement is diluted with water, and then poured into liquid glass in a ratio of 1 to 1.
2. Together with sand and cement- for carrying out waterproofing works of any complexity. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions.
3. Combination with cement and sand- as a refractory composition for laying stoves and fireplaces. First, three parts of the sifted sand are mixed with one part of cement, and then 1/5 of the liquid glass is added.
4. Water solution. A liter of water is mixed with 400 g of liquid glass, the resulting mixture is treated with a surface three times, each time leaving a layer to dry completely. This will impregnate the building material, give it additional density, water resistance and durability.
5. concentrated aqueous solution. Silicate, dissolved in pure water 50/50, is treated with surfaces made of wood, stone, concrete, cement. The composition has antiseptic and antifungal properties.

Other types of work:

• laying linoleum and PVC tiles;
• coating of water pipes made of cast iron;
• strengthening of weak soils;
• waterproofing of artificial reservoirs, pools, wells, wells;
• gluing products made of paper, cardboard, plywood, wood, glass at home;
• repair of aquariums;
• production of paints and varnishes on a silicate basis;
• anti-corrosion treatment;
• impregnation of fabrics and curtains to give fire resistance.

Mixtures based on liquid glass quickly solidify, forming a film, so all waterproofing work must be carried out quickly.

There are not many types of mixtures. The differences are in the form of a component that is used in conjunction with silicate:

• sodium- the most popular variety, resistant to acids, gives the processed materials fire resistance and water-repellent properties;
• potassium- has a high adhesiveness, is widely used for waterproofing the foundation, does not add shine to the surface, therefore it is recommended for painting work.

There is lithium liquid glass, but this variety is rare and is used mainly for electrode coatings.

Surface preparation

Waterproofing with liquid glass is carried out only after careful preparation of the surfaces, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve good adhesion of the materials.

On the area intended for processing, it is necessary to remove all third-party elements - nails, bolts, screws.

If waterproofing of water tanks is carried out, the walls and bottom should be thoroughly rinsed so that all defects become more noticeable.

Walls and floors in rooms with a high degree of humidity will need to be degreased and treated with an antiseptic, otherwise the building will not be insured against mold. Wooden surfaces, for example in baths, saunas, log cabins, are impregnated with flame retardants, giving the wood fire-resistant qualities.

How to apply liquid glass

Waterproofing of bathrooms, basements, wells, pools is recommended to be carried out by combining liquid glass and cement in a ratio of 1 to 10. The resulting mixture is applied with a brush, roller or spray gun in two layers - after applying the first layer, you must wait about 30 minutes to dry. When the second layer dries, the surface is covered with cement mixed with liquid glass in a ratio of 1 to 1. If it is planned to tile the area, immediately after the second layer has dried, you can start laying tiles.

Impregnation of the walls of a well or pool is carried out immediately from two sides - internal and external. This will protect the tank from groundwater, which can get inside through microcracks.

The waterproofing of the foundation concrete is ensured in a combined way: first, a mixture of waterproofing and cement is applied to the surface, and then the treated area is pasted over with rolled materials.

If joints, cracks and masonry joints are to be sealed, add liquid glass to the cement mortar - approximately 5% of the total volume of the cement mixture.

Liquid glass is not used to treat brick surfaces due to the high probability of their destruction.

Beginners can take on board some tips for working with liquid waterproofing, prepared by experienced craftsmen.

1. Facades of buildings that are planned to be painted with oil paint are not treated with liquid glass. Oil solutions have poor adhesion with silicates, so the decorative layer will not stick.
2. For waterproofing the foundation, it is preferable to use a potassium mixture, due to its higher viscosity. In other cases, the choice of material does not matter.
3. When applying the silicate mixture, special attention should be paid to joints, seams, corners, problem areas with the slightest defects.
4. If cast-iron pipes are processed with silicate, then the pipeline cannot be disassembled - the system will have to be dismantled.
5. To impregnate the surface to a depth of 2-3 mm, you can use an airbrush. For deeper impregnation, it is recommended to apply the silicate mixture not in two, but in three layers.
6. Waterproofing should be carried out only on dried surfaces, this is especially important for wells and pools.
7. The material can be used in gardening - they smear small damage on the trunks of trees or shrubs. Liquid glass will help protect the plant from pests and bacteria.
8. The prepared silicate mixture should not contain foreign particles, clods and dirt, otherwise it will not be possible to obtain a flat surface.
9. The sand solution should be prepared from sifted fine-grained sand - this way the layer will turn out to be more even and smooth.
10. The consumption of an aqueous solution is 300 ml per 1 square meter of surface.
11. All work should be carried out in special protective clothing and gloves.

Mixtures based on liquid glass are a proven and economical option for waterproofing surfaces. Liquid glass improves the quality characteristics of most building materials, provides thermal insulation, waterproofing and at the same time serves as a reliable antiseptic.

Liquid glass, known to the general public as stationery (silicate) glue, is one of the most effective and relatively inexpensive materials that can provide concrete structures with zero water permeability and zero water absorption. So how can liquid glass be used to waterproof concrete?

Options for using liquid glass for concrete waterproofing

A mixture of silicate salts of alkali metals potassium and sodium with water - silicate glue was synthesized almost 200 years ago (in 1818) by the German chemist Jan Nepomuk von Fuchs.

These translucent solutions have the unique ability to form a thin and very strong film on the surface of the base, impervious to water and moisture molecules.

At the same time, the dried film is not afraid of open water, is elastic, inert to acids and environmentally safe for others. These unique properties have led to the widespread use of liquid glass, including for the effective waterproofing of concrete structures for various purposes.

Liquid glass for waterproofing concrete - options for use technologies:

• In the form of penetrating waterproofing in a "pure form". Liquid glass, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, is able to penetrate into the pores and looseness of the concrete surface to a depth of 2-5 millimeters. Moreover, three layers of material create a film that is practically impervious to water. After drying, the potassium or sodium salts included in the basis of liquid glass form a single-crystal mass and reliably clog surface defects in concrete. At the same time, the waterproof film allows the application of other waterproofing compounds: bitumen and mastics;
• Adding a liquid glass solution to the mixed solution. The technology for preparing such a solution is as follows. Cement and filler are mixed in the required proportion. Next, a solution of liquid glass with water (1:10) is added to it and mixed. The resulting material has a very fast setting, therefore, it requires prompt use for waterproofing seams, the surface of concrete walls, joints of structures, including with the help of a special "mortar" spray gun. In addition, concrete prepared on the basis of liquid glass is used for the construction of pool bowls, foundations operating in high humidity conditions, basement walls and cesspools, and other waterproof concrete structures.

Benefits of using liquid glass for concrete waterproofing

• High adhesive ability. The silicates that make up liquid glass have the ability to "stick" even to mirror surfaces;
• Forms molecular structures impervious to moisture and air;
• One hundred percent environmental friendliness and safety for people and animals. Exception - avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Eliminated by quick rinsing with running water;
• Ease of use;
• Low cost and low consumption make liquid glass the most economical waterproofing material, all other things being equal.

Disadvantages of liquid glass

• Processing of surfaces accessible to a person is allowed;
• The waterproofing film is destroyed by mechanical influences - it requires additional protection with rolled insulation, bitumen, mastic, etc.

Features technology use

• When purchasing liquid glass, you should be sure of the quality of the goods. The packaging with the material must be airtight, the seller must have a package of relevant documentation, the liquid inside the package must be gel-like, translucent, without lumps. Liquid glass "surviving" several cycles of "freezing-defrosting" completely and irrevocably loses its consumer properties;
• Before application, the surface of the base is cleaned of streaks and other protrusions. After processing with a grinding stone or a flat piece of sand-lime brick, dust should be removed;
• Preparation of a primer solution - liquid glass concentrate is diluted with clean water in the proportion of 1 liter of material per 2.5 liters of water;
• Applying the solution is allowed in several ways: with a paint brush, paint roller or paint spray. Re-application is allowed after 0.5 hours under normal conditions: ambient temperature from 20 degrees Celsius and normal air humidity;
• Preparation of the coating solution: water,