Construction is a sphere of extensive application of liquid glass. This is due to the wide range of material properties. Let's list them:
- moisture resistance;
- excellent adhesion to most surfaces;
- chemical inertness;
- antiseptic action;
- fire resistance;
- abrasion resistance;
- low thermal conductivity;
- anticorrosive properties;
- lack of toxicity;
- wind resistance.
Liquid glass is, first of all, an ingredient. In its pure form for construction purposes, it is used less often. The industrial production of liquid glass consists in firing (sintering) a mixture of quartz sand with soda, grinding the resulting product and dissolving it in water.
Varieties
Liquid glass is a solution of sodium silicate or potassium silicate in water. Both of these salts or lithium silicate are also used for its production. In this regard, there are several types of material:
- sodium;
- potassium;
- sodium-potassium;
- potassium-sodium;
- lithium.
Potassium glass is most widely used as a binder and for the preparation of enamels. In construction, the leader is sodium liquid glass. Let's consider each option of its use separately.
Waterproofing
Water-repellent properties make it possible to use liquid glass for waterproofing a wide variety of building objects: pools, wells, garages, walls, floors and foundations of premises. This is especially true for regions with a humid climate and frequent precipitation.
Foundation waterproofing
In order to create a reliable waterproof barrier of the foundation, it is necessary to cover the concrete surface with two layers of liquid glass, allowing each of them to dry completely. This method is called coating and provides for subsequent protection with rolled waterproofing materials.
When processing the resulting cracks, as well as for joints when laying a foundation made of bricks or concrete blocks, a cement mixture with the addition of sodium liquid glass is successfully used. For its preparation, you will need cement, liquid glass and water. For 1000 g of cement, take no more than 50 g of liquid glass, pour it into water and mix this solution with dry cement. 10 g of glass should contain 150 g of water. Prepare a small amount of the mixture to use it up as quickly as possible because the solution hardens quickly.
The third option for creating a moisture-proof foundation is the addition of liquid glass to the concrete mix for pouring a monolithic foundation. For this you need:
- cement;
- sand;
- liquid glass - 5% of the total volume of the mixture;
- water;
- rubble.
Procedure:
- pre-prepare everything for pouring the foundation (, lay reinforcement);
- mix cement with sand;
- dissolve liquid glass in water and add to the cement mixture;
- add crushed stone and immediately begin pouring the foundation.
Waterproofing of the pool and well
Liquid glass is used for both internal and external waterproofing of pools. In the first case, the material is applied in 2-3 even layers on the floor and on the walls of the pool. All joints and recesses are preliminarily processed with liquid glass. This method serves as an excellent seal. In the second case, liquid glass is a component of the concrete mixture, which reliably protects the pool from groundwater and ensures the strength of the base.
To waterproof the well, a mixture is prepared from equal parts of sifted sand, cement and liquid glass, it is coated with seams and joints, and then the rest of the surface. For greater effect, before this, coat the walls of the well with liquid glass.
Basement waterproofing with liquid glass
The problem of water entering the basement through the seams or the concrete itself is not uncommon. A good option for solving it is waterproofing using liquid glass. If the seams are leaking, the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- thoroughly clean the seams from debris and dust;
- prepare a repair mixture of Portland cement and liquid glass in a ratio of 20: 1, add water until the consistency of thick sour cream is obtained;
- tightly lay the resulting mixture in the seams and large cracks;
- smear the surface with water using a brush;
- in a day, treat with liquid glass.
When concrete walls are wet, they are treated in a similar way, trying to make the mixture layer dense and thick. Do not forget that the preparation of mixtures containing liquid glass is carried out in small portions for quick use.
fire protection
Refractory properties of liquid glass are used:
- in the laying of stoves and fireplaces;
- when creating chimney pipes;
- for processing metal elements and building structures;
- in the production of heat-resistant concrete grades and refractory enamels and paints.
To prepare a refractory mortar for building a stove or fireplace, mix cement, sand and liquid glass in a ratio of 1:3:1. Use in small portions, and add the glass to the solution last. Liquid glass also imparts refractory properties to wood.
antiseptic
Wooden objects and structures are treated with liquid glass dissolved in water in order to protect them from the appearance of fungus and mold. It is also possible to carry out antiseptic treatment of concrete or plastered walls of the room.
The surface is covered with at least two layers of a 40% solution of water glass with a brush, allowing each layer to dry properly. Keep in mind that painting and plastering walls treated in this way will be difficult, so weigh the pros and cons before using liquid glass. The price for it starts from 15 rubles per kilogram.
Other applications
Liquid glass applied to the facade of the building prevents the material from weathering. Some craftsmen add it to the solution to create self-leveling floor. Coating walls and floor in the bathroom with liquid glass has an effective waterproofing effect. The material is a strong adhesive that securely bonds wood, fabric, cardboard, porcelain, glass and other surfaces.
Liquid glass is widely used in construction. This is understandable, since it is moisture resistant, wind resistant, has excellent adhesion (adhesion to most surfaces) and chemical inertness, can serve as an antiseptic, is characterized by fire resistance, abrasion resistance, non-toxic, has low thermal conductivity, and is resistant to corrosion.
Liquid glass is rarely used in its pure form, most often it is used as an important component of many building materials.
Technology for obtaining liquid glass: a fired mixture of quartz sand and soda is crushed and mixed with water.
Types of liquid glass
According to the type of raw materials, liquid glass is:
- sodium;
- potassium;
- sodium - potassium;
- potassium - sodium;
- lithium.
Potassium glass is indispensable in the production of enamel, and it is also an excellent binding component. In construction work, the sodium variety of liquid glass is most widely used.
Ways to use liquid glass
Due to its water-repellent properties, liquid glass can be used as a waterproofing material.
The use of liquid glass for waterproofing foundations
To create a reliable waterproof barrier, two layers of liquid glass must be applied to the foundation.
Each layer must dry completely. Such waterproofing is called coating, it requires the subsequent use of rolled waterproofing materials.
A mixture of cement mortar and sodium liquid glass can qualitatively repair the cracks formed in the foundation.
It can also be used in brick or concrete block masonry. For such a mixture, for 1 kg of cement, you need to take 50 g of liquid glass and 750 g of water.
Another method of waterproofing is to mix liquid glass with a concrete mixture, which is used to make a monolithic foundation.
The order of work is as follows: at the beginning, formwork must be prepared and reinforcement laid. Next, you need to prepare a mixture of sand and cement, then add liquid glass and gravel dissolved in water to it and immediately begin to pour the foundation.
The use of liquid glass for waterproofing pools and wells
With the help of liquid glass, it is possible to carry out internal and external waterproofing works in the pool.
For internal waterproofing, it is first necessary to treat all joints and recesses with glass, then it is necessary to cover the floor and walls with it in 2 - 3 layers. For external waterproofing, liquid glass is added to the concrete mix.
Waterproofing of wells is carried out using a mixture of cement-sand mortar with liquid glass, which first covers the surfaces of seams and joints, and then the whole thing.
You can first apply a layer of liquid glass to the entire surface of the well.
Protecting basements from moisture with liquid glass
If moisture gets into the basement from leaky seams, proceed as follows:
We start by cleaning the seams, removing dust and various debris from them;
We mix Portland cement with liquid glass (in a ratio of 20 to 1), add the required amount of water - the repair mixture is ready;
With the resulting mixture, we fill each seam and each large crack;
With a brush, apply water to the coated surfaces;
A day later, we apply a layer of liquid glass.
Wet concrete walls are treated similarly.
Liquid glass for fire protection
Liquid glass has refractory properties, so it is often used in cases where stoves, fireplaces, chimneys are made, heat-resistant concrete, refractory enamels and paints are produced.
Metal elements and structures of structures are processed with liquid glass. It is able to protect wooden parts from fire.
To prepare a refractory mortar, we make a mixture of cement, sand and liquid glass in a ratio of 1 to 3 to 1. We use it immediately after preparation.
Antiseptic properties of liquid glass
Processing wooden objects and structures with liquid glass will not allow fungus and mold to appear on them. Concrete and plastered walls of the premises can also be treated with it for the purpose of disinfection.
At least two layers of liquid glass must be applied to the surface. Each layer must dry completely. Such processing will complicate the subsequent painting of the walls and the application of plaster on them.
Therefore, decide for yourself how much you need it.
Other areas of use
Liquid glass can be used
- when creating self-leveling floors;
- as a reliable adhesive for wood, fabric, porcelain, glass, cardboard;
- as a covering of floors and walls of bathrooms;
- to protect the facades of buildings from the weathering of materials.
Rules for working with liquid glass. Features of its storage
When working with liquid glass, you should:
- protect open areas of the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes from contact with it;
- use protective equipment and overalls while preparing the mixture and solution;
- tightly seal containers containing liquid glass. It is important to keep them out of the reach of babies and pets.
Liquid glass can be stored for one year, is not afraid of freezing. Some sediment is allowed.
The experience of using liquid glass shows that it is affordable, practical and can be used in a variety of areas.
Like sandpaper, microscopic sand particles gradually remove layers of paint. Anti-icing agents, which are sprinkled on roads frozen in winter frosts, become a catalyst that increases the rate of corrosion. Roughly executed car wash also violates the integrity of the coating structure. Therefore, the motorist treats his vehicle with a variety of polishes.
Recently, the Russian market began to sell special liquid glass for cars, which today has become the best way to protect it, which has gained a lot of positive feedback from customers.
Liquid glass - the latest technology to protect the car body
The car body treated with this material will be protected from corrosion damage more effectively than paint coated with wax-containing polishes. In 2008, Japan became the first country to use liquid glass to preserve the original attractiveness of cars. The composition of the new polish contains compounds of silicate components and silicon dioxide.The substance is allowed to be applied to the body and glass of the car. It will prevent the appearance of ugly stains on the glass, allowing you not to activate the wipers while the vehicle is moving. The polish applied to the body will remove micro-scratches and abrasions, saturate the paint color with a deep shade. The dirt-repellent property of the liquid glass coating will prevent the dirt flying from under the wheels of the car from being absorbed into the paint, making it easier to wash it off with ordinary water.
After processing the car body with liquid glass, useful advantages are manifested that are absent from most other protective operations. A durable film will last up to a year and a half on the body, protecting the coating from fading under ultraviolet light, while maintaining the original shine of the non-fading paint. This polish will cover microscopic scratches on the surface of the bodywork, on the metal parts of which the accumulation of a dangerous charge of static electricity will slow down. Liquid glass film resists the effects of aggressive chemical compounds.
Preparation of vehicles for surface treatment with liquid glass
Before starting the application of the type of polish in question, the surfaces to be treated are carefully prepared. During the trip, a freshly bought one is exposed to the appearance of persistent dirt, traces of insects, bitumen stains, dirty microcracks, so the surface of its body is cleaned of all of the above. Professional car owners additionally close up the chips and scratches found in the paintwork.The entire vehicle is washed under pressure with a special shampoo to eliminate the most visible dirt. The washed car is treated with an abrasive paste that removes dirt accumulated in subtle cracks. The absence of such a stage will leave pollution closed with liquid glass after the protective treatment of the body. Bitumen stains and traces left by crushed insects are eliminated with high-quality cleaners.
The entire body is pre-degreased with alcohol-containing solutions, and the use of solvents will have the opposite effect. At the end of the preparatory procedures, the machine is again washed with water supplied under high pressure, devoid of chemical additives. After wiping the transport with a clean cloth, its body is allowed to be treated with liquid glass. Experts recommend that inexperienced motorists buy wilson liquid glass.
This low-cost, high-quality material is packaged in 300 ml jars, which allow you to cover the body five or six times. A common mistake lies in the desire of people to process the entire machine at once. Proper processing of transport with liquid glass requires applying polish in turn to individual parts. Jars of its substance are completed with a sponge and microfiber napkins. By means of a sponge, the composition is applied, and napkins are evenly leveled over the surface.
The car treated with liquid glass is left for 45 minutes or one hour for the composition to polymerize. At the end of the waiting period, the material can be polished with cloths in orderly movements. The sections are processed in turn with movements performed from top to bottom. A modern polish applied in this way will make the car paintwork beautiful and shiny for a long time.
All photos from the article
It should be said right away that the use of liquid glass for wood is almost on a par with the processing of other materials, such as for concrete, hydro- and acid-resistant cement, fabrics, in the production of electrodes, for cleaning oils, and so on and so forth.
It can even be used (in combination with alcohol) to make molds for metal products, so this material is quite in demand, both in construction and in industry. But we will focus on wood with you and find out why such processing is needed, and we will also show you a video in this article.
Liquid glass
What it is
- To begin with, you should still figure out what liquid glass is, or, as it is also called, silicate glue, although its composition does not change at all from the name. This may be sodium silicate Na2O(SiO2)n (aqueous alkaline solution) and/or the same potassium solution K2O(SiO2)n. Sometimes (to cover electrodes) lithium silicate can be used in this capacity.
- The resulting component dissolves in water and has an alkaline reaction, and depending on the concentration, its pH value varies as 10-13. The finished solution may have a different viscosity and density of the composition, but this directly depends on its temperature, concentration and the ratio of alkalis to silicic acid. At a temperature of 590-670⁰C, the product begins to liquefy.
- The instruction indicates that Na2O (SiO2) n and K2O (SiO2) n cannot be combined with organic substances, with the exception of urea, sugar and alcohol. On its basis, since 2008, even polishes began to be produced.
- Na2O(SiO2)n and K2O(SiO2)n are quite widely used in construction due to its waterproofing, heat-insulating and fire-retardant properties..
Note. If liquid glass dries on the surface of ordinary glass, then as a result it turns out to be irreversibly matte, which cannot be corrected in any way.
Liquid glass is widely used in construction and repair work. This substance is a thick gray-yellow liquid. The main constituents of this substance are mixtures of potassium and sodium. This sodium-based substance is in great demand. The production of sodium liquid glass occurs by firing soda and quartz sand. Consider liquid glass application in concrete.
Advantages and main properties of liquid glass
Liquid glass has many useful properties:
- Used as a water repellent;
- Serves as an obstacle to the formation and growth of harmful bacteria;
- Due to its properties it is not electrified;
- Has heat-resistant properties;
- protects against the influence of acids;
- Increases the density of the material, fills the pores.
The main areas of application of liquid glass
With its remarkable waterproofing properties, liquid glass is widely used to cover the foundation and protect against groundwater. But construction is not the only area of application of liquid glass. The substance perfectly glues various materials, is added to the composition of cleaning and detergents. If you dilute liquid glass with water and boil dishes in this solution, then as a result your utensils will simply shine.
But still, the main use of liquid glass is to increase the heat resistance and water resistance of the concrete mixture. It is very important here not to make a mistake and to prepare the mixture correctly. If the concrete mixture is poorly prepared, the concrete may crack and form an uneven surface as a result.
Proper use of liquid glass
The most fatal mistake will occur if you add liquid glass to an already prepared concrete batch. To begin with, dry mixtures of these substances are combined. Glue is diluted with water using special additives. The resulting mixture is combined with dry. As a result of a chemical reaction, a substance with high hydro-resistance is created. The surface treated with such a mixture is reliably protected from water and moisture.
Another nuance that should not be forgotten is the correct proportions. Usually, the required ratio of substances is indicated on the packages. It is recommended to use 1 liter of liquid glass for 10 liters of solution.
You can also apply liquid glass to the finished concrete block in the form of a primer. After application, it is duplicated with another layer prepared from a cement mixture and liquid glass. Conventional concrete products are recommended to be treated with a mixture no later than one day after pouring. Or you will have to pre-moisten the entire surface. This will provide a strong bond between the layers.
Glue is added to the concrete mixture to speed up hardening. This is especially true for construction sites with a large amount of work. You can dilute the adhesive with water, but this will reduce the setting speed of the finished mixture. You can also prepare small portions of the mixture. This option, of course, is more suitable for a small construction site, because in three minutes you need to prepare a solution and use it immediately. Reducing the amount of glue in proportions will not affect the quality of the finished solution, it will only help to work with the mixture faster and more comfortably.
When processing a wall with liquid glass, first work is carried out to degrease and level the wall. To apply liquid glass, you can use a regular brush. You can apply several layers of the solution, depending on the desired result.
If it is necessary to glue any material, liquid glass should be applied in a thin layer and dried. For impregnation, apply on both sides. For a soil screed, the substance is combined with a dry mixture of cement in equal amounts. To waterproof the well, the walls are lubricated with liquid glass; for re-lubrication, you need to combine the mixture with sand in proportions one to one. To protect wood products, lubricate all places that can become damp over time. When adding a substance to the paint, burnout of surfaces can be avoided. For outdoor work, this glass is used to give surfaces refractory properties.
Fire-resistant paints are also produced on the basis of the substance; no more than twelve hours should elapse from the moment the paint is received and applied. This material has also found application in the creation of universal glue. Often liquid glass is used to lubricate the joints of water pipes, to remove old varnish from the surface. It can be easily seen that this material is used everywhere.
The use of liquid glass is completely excluded if you plan to do painting or any other surface treatment after applying liquid glass. Due to the created film on the treated surface, the paint simply will not fall.
The use of liquid glass: calculations and security
For good waterproofing, you can use liquid glass when working with the floor. Such application takes place in the required sequence: a mixture is poured into the prepared floor parallel to the wall in equal parts, which must be leveled over the area to be filled. For this purpose, you can use a spatula or needle roller. The area of the treated floor is leveled with a spatula, and with the help of a roller, irregularities and air bubbles are removed. The resulting layer should be no more than 5mm. The entire floor space is filled with liquid glass in one go.
It is also required to carefully calculate the amount of work and the amount of solution, because the time of using the solution is only one hour. After the floor is completely dry, you can start varnishing. You can use the floor for its intended purpose in a day, but it will be finally ready for full operation in five days. Especially if your floor is insulated with a special system. In this case, you need to wait a week. You can also decorate the floor, apply an ornament. The decor is carried out using paint or other improvised materials.
The use of liquid glass in the construction and repair has its advantages in terms of saving money. The main nuance in construction is fire safety. As a rule, the choice of building materials significantly affects the amount of fire insurance. When using refractory materials, which include liquid glass, you can choose more favorable insurance rates for yourself and save your budget due to operating costs.
When working with liquid glass, do not forget about safety rules. It is required to carefully monitor that the mixture does not get into the eyes, if necessary, rinse with plenty of water.
Summing up
With the undeniable advantages of liquid glass, the demand for it is constantly growing, which leads to an increase in the choice of such products on the market. Basically, this product is produced by small construction companies. The average buyer prefers to buy liquid glass in industrial markets. If you purchase a large batch and purchase it with shipment in your own container, then in this case the cost of liquid glass is halved. When buying, be sure to check the date of manufacture of the material. With the announced unlimited shelf life, you should still buy liquid glass made no later than a year ago.
When using liquid glass in repair work, it is better to contact specialists. They have the necessary experience and knowledge in these types of work, which guarantees you the quality and speed of execution.
