Liquid glass for waterproofing concrete

Even though concrete is one of the most resilient and adaptable building materials available, it still needs some extra protection. One creative way to extend its lifespan and improve its functionality is to waterproof it with liquid glass. This method offers a strong barrier against moisture and other potential damages in addition to sealing the concrete.

Sodium silicate, sometimes referred to as liquid glass, creates a crystalline structure that fills the tiny pores and fissures in concrete. When applied, it deeply penetrates the substance to form an enduring waterproof layer. This procedure makes the concrete much less permeable, preventing the seepage of water and other dangerous materials.

Using liquid glass is a simple and efficient process. It is a solution that can be applied to surfaces in both small and large quantities, as it can be brushed or sprayed on. Liquid glass provides an effective way to keep concrete dry and damage-free, whether you’re looking to safeguard a large commercial structure, a driveway, or a basement.

Liquid glass improves the overall durability of concrete in addition to making it waterproof. It helps to avoid problems like freeze-thaw cycles, which over time can lead to cracking and deterioration, by preventing water infiltration. It also reduces the possibility of mildew and mold developing, which improves the quality of the air inside and around the concrete buildings.

Adding liquid glass to your concrete waterproofing plan is a wise choice for any building or remodeling project. It keeps the concrete strong and attractive while also extending its lifespan. Liquid glass is an excellent and dependable option for protecting concrete because of its long-lasting effects and ease of application.

Topic	Liquid Glass for Waterproofing Concrete
What is Liquid Glass?	Liquid Glass is a solution of sodium silicate that penetrates concrete surfaces to create a waterproof barrier.
How it Works	It reacts with calcium in concrete to form a gel that fills pores and cracks, making the concrete water-resistant.
Benefits	Improves durability, prevents water damage, and enhances resistance to chemicals.
Application	Can be applied using a brush, roller, or sprayer on clean, dry concrete surfaces.
Usage Areas	Ideal for basements, pools, water tanks, and other areas prone to moisture.
Maintenance	Minimal maintenance required; inspect periodically for any signs of wear.
Cost	Generally affordable and cost-effective compared to other waterproofing methods.

Getting to know the material

Many people are aware that the construction industry uses an additive known as liquid glass. But not everyone knows exactly what it is. The ingredient in question is silica-derived potassium and sodium silicates dissolved in water. Most people have used silicate glue for household purposes and come into contact with an aqueous solution of silicates. Visually, the substance appears as a viscous liquid with a yellowish-whitish hue. Let’s focus on the manufacturing process that determines the material’s type classification.

General classification

Using a variety of techniques, you can obtain an additive thanks to modern technology. The component can be made by processing silicon raw materials at high temperatures in combination with a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. By sintering soda with quartz particles, the apparatus enables you to obtain an ingredient with particular properties. The technique of combining silicon dioxide with an alkali solution is another option.

Two kinds of ingredients are produced depending on the features used in the manufacturing process:

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

Both types of materials have the same performance characteristics; however, the sodium composition is less expensive.

Why add liquid glass to concrete?

Concrete’s properties are altered by the addition of silicate solution, which is mixed into the mixture during the preparation stage, and by treating the concrete’s exterior.

Concrete takes on new properties after the addition of liquid glass:

• resistance to moisture penetration. Due to increased water resistance, the monolith modified with a special additive is in demand for foundation bases, underground structures;
• resistance to high temperatures. 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;
• ability to harden 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 the effects of acids. The introduction of silicate solution into the concrete composition increases resistance to aggressive environments, which is important for the use of concrete in the chemical industry.

Strict attention to proportions is necessary when mixing concrete with liquid glass in order to achieve the desired results.

Concrete waterproofing has never been easier thanks to liquid glass, which creates a strong, long-lasting barrier against water seepage. By penetrating the concrete surface, this novel material forms an impermeable, seamless layer that stops moisture from leaking in and causing damage. Liquid glass is very simple to use and very effective at extending the life of concrete structures while preserving their visual appeal. Whether for industrial, commercial, or residential projects, using liquid glass for waterproofing is an economical and sensible decision that offers long-lasting security and comfort.

Liquid glass in concrete – pros and cons

Similar to other construction materials, there are benefits and drawbacks to the additive.

Benefits of the additive

• low price of the building material;
• low consumption of the additive;
• resistance to atmospheric factors;
• durability of the protective film;
• ease of use when introduced into concrete and surface application;
• good adhesion to mineral bases.

Furthermore, the silicate component possesses:

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

Despite the benefits, there are drawbacks as well:

• accelerated crystallization of the modified composition when performing waterproofing measures for foundation bases;
• impossibility of use for processing the surfaces of buildings made of brick;
• insufficiently high strength properties of the protective film, which is destroyed by mechanical impact.

Notwithstanding its current drawbacks, professional builders, independent developers, and do-it-yourself artisans frequently utilize the additive to address a variety of issues.

Use of liquid glass in concrete – areas of use

Silicate solutions based on sodium and potassium are actively used by workers in the construction and repair industries. They enhance the monolith’s performance qualities, making it more adaptable to different uses.

Application areas for silicate modifiers:

• sealing cracks and cavities through which moisture penetrates;
• external finishing of building walls to increase their moisture resistance;
• waterproofing of basement masonry;
• moisture protection of basements, hydraulic facilities;
• preparation of special compositions for priming concrete surfaces;
• construction of foundations for installation of heating equipment;
• production of special types of concrete at industrial enterprises;
• 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.

When it comes to its features, the part that handles waterproofing and impregnation tasks essentially has no counterparts. Because of the characteristics of silicate material, concrete structures can be reliably protected from moisture, high temperatures, and harsh environments.

How much liquid glass to add to concrete – proven recipes

Now let’s look at how much silicate component should be added to the concrete mixture to achieve different goals.

Use the following guidelines when preparing modified cement mortars and concrete:

• masonry mixture for the construction of fireplaces, stoves is prepared from Portland cement and fine sand, observing the ratio of one to three. 18-20% of glass from the total volume of mixed components should be poured into the sand-cement mixture, then add water. 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, fire-resistant characteristics and intended for domestic use, the concentration of the additive should not exceed one tenth of the total mass. This composition can also be used to waterproof home pools;
• for waterproofing the joints of well rings and treating the inner surface, a composition is prepared consisting of Portland cement, glass, sifted sand. It is very important to maintain the proportions, adding ingredients in equal proportions. When gradually adding water, it is necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.

As long as the ratios are followed, the concrete solution gains the necessary characteristics.

Correctly pouring liquid glass – an additive to concrete does not tolerate mistakes

There are times when adding glass does not produce the desired outcome. This results from a lack of real-world experience and a disregard for proportions.

It is crucial that you follow these suggestions:

• it is prohibited to introduce a silicate additive into the prepared concrete solution. It is necessary to first mix the ingredients, then dilute the glass with water. Then it is necessary to gradually pour the solution, stirring thoroughly;
• control the percentage of added components, do not exceed the proportions tested in practice. This guarantees the required performance properties of concrete.

Recall that both a higher and a lower concentration of silicate filler have an adverse effect on the characteristics of concrete.

Introducing liquid glass into concrete – rules of work

Studying the guidelines for using a silicate additive and getting the required equipment ready are essential to ensuring the desired result from the addition’s use.

To treat a concrete massif’s surface, you’ll need:

• a wide roller, allowing you to speed up the application of a protective composition;
• a brush for processing small areas and corner zones with a silicate mixture;
• a metal brush for preparing the surface to be treated;
• a spray gun, allowing you to apply the material when performing work on an industrial scale;
• a container for mixing ingredients and preparing special building solutions;
• protective gloves protecting the skin from contact with the silicate component.

The following are provided by general operating rules:

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

The coating penetrates the array by 1.5–2 mm when applied in two layers. Although there are no toxic ingredients in the modifying composition, if the silicate solution gets on your skin, you should wash it off with water. It’s important to check and clean the tool after finishing the task to remove any leftover silicate mixture.

During the preparation phase, the additive can be added to the concrete solution. In order to accomplish this, you must progressively add liquid concrete glass to the container or concrete mixer. The required properties of concrete must be ensured by adhering to the usage instructions.

The following equipment is needed to prepare a modified concrete composition:

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

The following operations are part of the algorithm used to prepare a modified concrete composition:

1. Dosing ingredients in the required proportions.
2. Adding an aqueous solution of a special additive to the concrete mixture.
3. Preparing the concrete mixture according to the recipe.
4. Thoroughly mixing the components until a homogeneous consistency.

The ratios need to be carefully followed when adding liquid glass to concrete by hand. If you use more than the recipe calls for, the concrete will dry out faster and cracks will start to show. Concrete that has less liquid glass added to it will not exhibit the necessary performance qualities.

When it comes to waterproofing concrete, liquid glass works incredibly well, offering a strong barrier that prevents water infiltration. This novel substance seeps deeply into the concrete to provide a strong, long-lasting barrier that keeps buildings safe from moisture damage.

The process of waterproofing with liquid glass is reasonably simple and affordable. It is a flexible option for a range of construction projects because it is simple to apply to both new and old concrete surfaces. Its application helps to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the concrete over time, in addition to increasing its durability.

Liquid glass is a safe option for both home and business use because it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Construction projects can continue on schedule without sacrificing quality thanks to its quick-drying characteristics, which guarantee little downtime during application.

In conclusion, liquid glass is a great option for waterproofing concrete because it provides better protection, is simple to use, and is good for the environment. It adds value to any building or renovation project by prolonging the life of concrete structures while preserving their aesthetic appeal.

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