How to use liquid glass for concrete: instruction + Video

How to use liquid glass for concrete: instruction. For construction, concrete mixtures are often used, which, after hardening, have increased strength. To perform all sorts of tasks, various impurities are sometimes added to concrete, additives that help change the general characteristics. One of the most popular elements is precisely liquid glass for concrete. It helps to reduce the hardening time of the concrete mixture, increases the resistance of the monolith to moisture, high temperature and various acids.

It is important that the proportions of water glass in concrete for waterproofing are correct so that the material is guaranteed to obtain the required strength characteristics. Let's take a closer look at what this additive is.

Getting to know the material

Most of us have heard that in construction they often use an additive called "liquid glass". But it turns out that not everyone knows what this supplement is. The ingredient in question is dissolved potassium and sodium silicates in water and they are derived from silica.

Probably everyone has encountered a water-based solution of silicates when they used silicate glue for domestic needs. The material is visually a viscous liquid with a whitish-yellow tint. Let's first consider the manufacturing technology, according to which the material can be divided into several types.

General classification

Due to the fact that there are many advanced technologies, this additive can be obtained in different ways. The component itself is made by processing high temperatures of silicon raw materials together with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide.

The equipment makes it possible to obtain an ingredient that will have the desired properties by sintering soda with quartz particles. You can also use a method of mixing the alkaline solution and silicon dioxide.

Two types of components can be obtained, depending on the manufacturing specifics:

• Sodium mixture, which is characterized by the fact that it has increased adhesion, adhesive properties, and is also resistant to the influence of atmospheric factors.
• A potassium formulation that cures faster and has excellent resistance to high temperatures.

Please note, that the performance characteristics of the two types of materials are the same, but the sodium composition has a lower price.

Why add liquid glass to concrete

The use of a silicate solution, which is introduced into the concrete mixture during preparation, and also external treatment of the concrete surface helps change the properties of concrete.

After the introduction of liquid glass into the solution, concrete receives the following additional characteristics:

1. Resistance to moisture ingress. Due to its high level of water resistance, the monolith, which has been mixed with this special additive, becomes in demand as foundation and underground structures.
2. Resistance to high temperatures. This makes it possible to create a modified composition of cement for the creation of a fireplace and the construction of stoves, the masonry, which will subsequently be constantly exposed to the effects of open fire.

3. Ability to freeze quickly. With an increased concentration of sodium silicate in the working concrete solution, the mixture will begin to harden quickly, and this is important when filling various cavities.
4. Resistance to acids. The introduction of a silicate solution into the composition of concrete helps to increase resistance to aggressive media, and this is extremely important when using concrete for chemical industry.

Important! In order to achieve the required characteristics when mixing concrete and water glass, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions.

All the advantages and disadvantages

As well as other building materials, this additive has its advantages and disadvantages.

The pluses are:

• Low cost of building material.
• Low consumption of filler material.
• Resistance to atmospheric precipitation.
• Film durability.

• Ease of use and introduction into concrete mortar, as well as for surface application.
• Excellent adhesion to mineral base.

Moreover, the silicate component has:

• Increased hydrophobic properties. Due to the fact that a waterproof layer is created, moisture absorption is difficult.
• High antiseptic properties.

  The additive can inhibit the development of bacteria and also impairs the performance of microorganisms.

• Antistatic properties. The characteristics of the silicate additive can inhibit the build-up of electricity (static).

The disadvantages include:

• Accelerated crystallization process of the composition with modifications during the implementation of various activities related to waterproofing the foundation with liquid glass.
• The material cannot be used to perform surface treatment on a building that is made of bricks.

• Not too high properties for the strength of the protective film, which begins to deteriorate due to the mechanical type of action.

Please note, that even despite all the disadvantages that exist, the additive is often used even by professional builders, private developers, as well as home craftsmen in order to solve a wide range of tasks.

Scope of liquid glass

Workers in the field of repair and construction often use silicate solution based on potassium and sodium.They help to improve the performance characteristics of the monolith, and this makes it possible to use it for all sorts of purposes.

The area of ​​application for the silicate type modifier is as follows:

• Sealing cavities and cracks through which moisture can penetrate.

• Exterior decoration of building walls to increase their resistance to moisture.
• Waterproofing of masonry in the basement room.
• Protection against moisture in the basement, as well as for waterworks.
• Creation of a special composition for priming concrete surfaces.
• Creation of the foundation for the installation of heating equipment.

• For industrial plants for special types of concrete.
• Creation of the foundation of various objects.
• Protection of the walls of utility and living quarters from the development of fungal colonies and mold.
• Processing of joints and the inner surface of rings for a well.

Interestingly, that, in terms of its characteristics, the component has almost no analogues for performing works that are associated with impregnation and waterproofing.

The properties of the silicate-type material make it possible to provide reliable protection of a concrete structure from moisture, temperature rise and other aggressive environments.

Proven Ratios

We suggest looking at popular recipes to know how much liquid glass to add to concrete for different tasks.

To create modified cement mortar and concrete, use the following guidelines:

• Masonry mixture for creating fireplaces, stoves should be made of fine sand and Portland cement, while the ratio should be 3 to 1. Pour 19-20% of water glass from the total volume of already added components into this mixture, and then add water ..

  . It remains to mix everything well until smooth, and then you can use the ready-made solution.

• In order to create a concrete base that will have moisture resistant properties as well as fire resistance characteristics, and it would be intended for domestic use, the concentration of the additive should not be more than 10% t of the total mass. Such a composition is ideal for waterproofing a home pool.
• For waterproofing the joints of the rings from the well and treating the surface inside, a composition should be prepared, which will include glass, Portland cement and sifted sand.

  It is very important that all components are added in the same amount, and then, when you gradually add water, you will need to achieve a creamy consistency.

Provided that you adhere to the proportions, the concrete solution will receive all the necessary properties.

How to properly fill

Sometimes there are situations when the introduction of liquid glass does not bring the desired result. This is due to the fact that you have no practical experience, and also you do not respect the proportions.

It is important not to forget the following:

• It is forbidden to add silicate type additives to the prepared concrete.

  First, you should mix all the ingredients, and then dilute the silicate with water. After that, pour everything in and mix well.

• Control the percentage of ingredients you will add and do not exceed the proportions required in practice. This will ensure that the concrete will receive the required performance properties.

Remember that an increased amount of silicate-type filler, as well as a reduced amount, will negatively affect the properties of concrete.

We introduce liquid glass into concrete

In order to obtain the required effect from the use of the additive, it is necessary to study the rules for working with a silicate-type additive, and also prepare the required tools immediately.

For surface treatment of a concrete mass, the following is required:

• A large roller that will speed up the application of the protective compound.
• Brush for sanding corners and small areas with silicate mixture.
• A metal brush to prepare the surface for processing.
• A spray gun that makes it possible to apply materials for work on an industrial scale.

• Container for mixing ingredients and preparing special mortars.
• Protective gloves to help protect the skin from contact with liquid glass.

General rules stipulate the following:

1. Thoroughly clean the surface to be treated from inorganic and organic contaminants.
2. Deep cracks should be repaired and the surface leveled with a concrete filler.
3. It is required to apply the material in layers using a brush, wide roller or industrial spray gun.

If the coating is applied in two layers, it will penetrate to a depth of about 0.2 cm. The modifying composition does not contain harmful components, but if a silicate solution gets on the skin, it should be rinsed thoroughly. After the work is completed, you should carefully inspect and rinse the tool from the remnants of the mixture with liquid glass.

Please note, that you can add an additive inside the concrete mortar even during preparation.

To do this, you need to gradually add water glass for concrete to a concrete mixer or container. The instructions for use must be followed exactly to ensure the required concrete performance.

To properly use liquid glass for concrete and prepare a good modified composition, you will need:

• A special drill attachment that helps to increase the mixing efficiency ...

• A container in which the components will be mixed using a nozzle or a small concrete mixer.
• Personal protective equipment that helps protect skin and mucous membranes from additives.

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

1. Dosing of all components in the required ratio.
2. Adding water to the solution and a special additive to improve the performance of the concrete mix.
3. Preparation of concrete mix according to a given recipe.

4. Thorough mixing of the components to obtain a homogeneous consistency.

Interestingly, that if you yourself pour liquid glass into concrete, then all proportions should be strictly observed. Exceeding the amount specified in the recipe will cause accelerated drying of the concrete and cracks will appear. Adding a reduced volume to liquid glass concrete will not provide the required performance for operation. .

Conclusion

To ensure the required performance of concrete, the proportions should be observed when pouring water glass.

Guided by the recommendations from professionals, as well as observing the recipe tested in practice, it is possible to provide the required properties of the working type for the monolith. Due to the fact that the silicate additive is inexpensive, the cost of concrete mortar does not increase significantly, and the performance properties improve tenfold, and such concrete can be used to solve a wide range of construction problems. If you additionally consult with specialists, you can avoid mistakes.

( 1 grade, average 5 of 5 )