Liquid glass: application. Liquid glass for waterproofing

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Liquid glass: application. Liquid glass for waterproofing
Liquid glass: application. Liquid glass for waterproofing
Anonim

A substance with a somewhat strange name "liquid glass" has been used for insulation for a long time. Due to its unique properties, this unusual building material is in great demand among repairmen. Liquid glass gives concrete structures special strength and protects against moisture. You can learn more about it from this article.

liquid glass application
liquid glass application

Characteristics of liquid glass

Despite the growing popularity, still not everyone knows what liquid glass is. Its use in construction is due to the unusual composition of the material. In professional terms, liquid glass is a solution of sodium or potassium silicate. Some call it silicate glue. Liquid glass is produced in almost the same way as its solid counterpart. It is fused from baking soda and glass grains. Sometimes it is made using a different technology: a material containing silica in its composition is exposed to solutions of potassium, lithium or sodium at high temperature.

Liquid glass has a number of features:

  • it creates an effective waterproof barrier;
  • provides reliable adhesion to the mineral elements that make up the bases;
  • has excellent adhesive power;
  • has a high level of heat transfer resistance;
  • due to its structure, it protects rebar from corrosion and concrete from destruction.

In addition, liquid glass, the use of which is justified in all cases, has a fairly low cost. Material consumption is small. It is easy to use, so even a non-professional can handle repairs.

liquid glass price
liquid glass price

Disadvantages of liquid glass

Like all building materials, liquid glass has its drawbacks. There are two main cons:

  • requiring additional waterproofing;
  • fast crystallization.

Liquid glass: application

This material is used in various areas of human life. Using it:

  • manufacture different types of cement, liquid glass for concrete gives it unique characteristics;
  • strengthen the ground;
  • produce fire-retardant structures and coatings;
  • create car polishes;
  • produce waterproofing concrete layers.

In addition to construction, liquid glass is used in repair work. It is used for laying PVC and linoleum tiles. This unique material is in great demand among gardeners: they are coated with saw cut trees to protect against insects and pests.

But in more detail we will consider the issue of waterproofing with liquid glass, since this technology is used throughout the state and the world as a whole.

liquid glass coating
liquid glass coating

Types of waterproofing using liquid glass

There are several types of liquid glass waterproofing:

  • adding it to the concrete mixture to get a monolithic foundation;
  • coated waterproofing for gluing and roll materials;
  • penetrating.

Waterproofing foundation slabs

Sodium silicate is added to concrete mixtures in order to improve the waterproofing characteristics of the foundation. Concrete becomes waterproof throughout its thickness. However, when using liquid glass, it will be more fragile and less durable. Therefore, during construction, they reinforce the reinforcement and increase the thickness of the "sand cushion", especially if the work takes place on heaving soils.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. First, the surface is marked and the formwork is done.
  2. Next, you can start reinforcing the base.
  3. After that, you can make the necessary solution, water is mixed with liquid glass, observing the proportions.
  4. Next, cement and sand are combined, gradually pouring the resulting solution into it.
  5. Knead quickly and add gravel, fiberglass, expanded clay or other filler.
  6. The resulting solution is poured into the formwork and waiting for it to dry.
  7. After the base is insulated with polystyrene.
liquid glass for concrete
liquid glass for concrete

Coated waterproofing with liquid glass

Coating with liquid glass according to this technology is necessary when bitumen-based solutions cannot be used. For example, polymeric materials in the form of rolls categorically cannot come into contact with solvents or petroleum products, so the silicate layer is the best means for waterproofing. After interacting with concrete, its pores are filled with waterproof crystals. The waterproofing characteristics of the surface increase, despite the fact that the sodium silicate layer does not exceed 2-3 millimeters.

Applying algorithm:

  • first carefully prepare the surface: clean, get rid of dust and dirt;
  • concrete is cleaned with a brush so that the liquid glass for waterproofing goes as deep as possible into the pores of the base;
  • apply a layer of silicate with a wide brush;
  • dry and start waterproofing in the form of rolls or gluing materials.
liquid glass for waterproofing
liquid glass for waterproofing

Cement-silicate penetrating insulation

Very often liquid glass is used for quick waterproofing. Its application is diverse: with the help of sodium silicate, joints, leaks and seams are processed. The solution is kneaded in small portions, as it quickly hardens. Cement is diluted with water and liquid glass. It must be used in the amount of 5% of the total mass.

Algorithm of actions:

  • cracks, seams and joints are expanded to solid concrete and cleaned of dirt;
  • for convenience, the joints can be stitched until a U-shape is obtained;
  • knead a plastic and thick solution of liquid glass, water and dry cement;
  • in no case should the mass be stirred several times, since all bonds of crystal formation will break;
  • using a spatula, the solution is applied to cracks and leaks, it is advisable to pre-lubricate the surface with water for better setting;
  • then it is leveled and waiting for drying.

Cost of liquid glass

Sodium silicate is sold as solutions or dry mix. Some companies sell it by packaging 1 kg. But most often you can buy liquid glass, the price of which is calculated per 1 ton, since silicate glue is usually purchased on an industrial scale. The cost of one ton of liquid glass, depending on its density, is 8,000-10,000 rubles.

The unique composition of sodium silicate allows it to be used in various areas of our lives. But most often liquid glass is used in construction. Thanks to the special characteristics of the silicate adhesive, the repair work goes to a higher level, which guarantees the quality of the construction of structures and foundations.

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