Let's understand what liquid glass is. What does it consist of and what are the main advantages. Read to the end and learn everything about this material - from the formula to its use in construction. This information will allow you to “not swim” in matters of liquid glass for concrete or wood when concluding an agreement with a construction company. This will also help optimize construction costs without compromising quality.
Sodium silicate adhesive for concrete surfaces Source 55elmirador.com
Using ZhS
The use of liquid glass in construction is due to its qualitative properties. It increases water resistance, which is especially important when constructing foundations for hydrological structures (fountain, pool, etc.). It also increases the heat-resistant qualities of bases for stoves, fireplaces and other heating devices.
Coating insulation of the pool bowl with glue Source dm-art-design.ru
The more liquid glass you add to concrete, the faster it will set, for example:
- if the material is 2%, then you can walk on the solution after a day;
- at 10% – after 6 hours.
Excellent waterproofing and heat-resistant mixtures are prepared from this glue. The primer is made from cement, water and liquid glass. Excellent insulation is obtained from glue and sand. The use of liquid glass has shown excellent results on the walls of wells, wet tunnels and basements.
The refractory mixture is made from sand and cement with the addition of office glue. The walls of the fireplace and stove are treated with it using a wide brush. In addition, you can use liquid glass for wood in the form of an antiseptic. To do this, the glue should be diluted with water.
Wood treated with glue Source www.cedar-stuff.com
Liquid glass is applied to a vertical surface in an even layer using a regular paint brush; on a horizontal surface it is easier to pour it and spread it with a squeegee or spatula. If the coating with liquid glass is supposed to be double-coated, then the first layer must dry completely.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a mineral compound together with a concrete mixture
Thanks to such remarkable properties, both of these materials, when used together, have competitive advantages:
- good waterproofing;
- high degree of adhesion;
- increased frost resistance and crack resistance;
- fire-resistant properties;
- accelerated hardening;
- inertness to the appearance of fungal and mold formations.
Despite such performance qualities, the addition of this mineral compound also has disadvantages:
- quick setting - you cannot prepare the mixture with a reserve, you need to use it quickly and efficiently;
- the chemicals contained in the composition are harmful to the skin, so you only need to work with protective gloves and very carefully;
- Incorrect dosage is fraught with low-quality material.
Attention! Excessive addition or too concentrated a substance in the mixture leads to a rapid loss of its strength characteristics. An instantly hardened solution will have excellent waterproofing properties, but also increased fragility. In general, adding a liquid compound reduces strength indicators. But its reasonable use will not upset the balance of performance qualities of artificial stone.
Liquid glass - what is it?
This term refers to a water-soluble mixture of potassium or sodium silicates. Lithium silicates are used for electrode coating. The material has a viscous structure and consists of tiny crystals. When they hit the surface, they increase in size and fill microscopic cracks and pores. This creates a water-repellent and heat-resistant layer.
Penetrating waterproofing: applying a solution with LC Source obustroeno.com
The formulas of liquid glass or silicate glue are as follows: K2O(SiO2)n or Na2O(SiO2)n.
This glue was first obtained by the German mineralogist and chemist Jan Nepomuk von Fuchs in 1818 by the action of alkali on silicic acid. In addition to waterproof concrete and cement, potassium or sodium liquid glass is used for:
- preparing fireproof paint;
- gluing linoleum and PVC boards;
- self-leveling floors;
- antipyrrhenes for wood;
- impregnation of fabrics;
- securing weak soil;
- cellulose gluing.
If you add liquid glass to a cement solution, then after hardening you will get a very durable monolith.
Proportions and mixing
Depending on the purpose of use, the proportions of the various components of the solution are chosen. Ready-made mixtures intended for a particular task are more expensive, so solutions prepared directly at a construction site are often used.
Stationery glue on the floor Source fundamentplus.com
Composition for coloring
The effect of silicates on coloring pigments significantly limits the number of shades. Potassium silicate is used to prepare coloring compositions - it gives a more uniform color, unlike sodium. Such dyes are produced in ready-made versions; you only need to combine 2 components.
See also: Projects of houses with second light
Primer
To get a good primer, glue and cement should be taken in equal quantities. This coating will significantly strengthen the concrete foundation. Lighter solutions are made for tiles.
Impregnation
To increase the service life of elements and structures, an aqueous adhesive solution is used in a ratio of 1/5. Impregnate with a spray gun or brush. Small items can be completely immersed in the mixture.
Waterproofing
To protect concrete from water, prepare a solution of sand, cement and glue in equal parts. Water is added until the mass becomes homogeneous and plastic.
Fire protection
Masonry mortar with heat-resistant properties consists of cement and sand in a ratio of 1/3. Water is added until a plastic consistency is obtained, silicate glue is added last and makes up approximately 20% of the mass.
General classification
Modern technology makes it possible to obtain the additive using various methods. The component can be produced by high-temperature processing of silicon raw materials together with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The equipment allows you to obtain an ingredient with specified properties by sintering soda with quartz particles. You can also use the method of mixing silicon dioxide with an alkali solution.
Depending on the manufacturing features, two types of ingredients are obtained:
- sodium mixture, characterized by increased adhesion, adhesive properties, resistance to atmospheric factors;
- potassium composition, characterized by accelerated drying, as well as good resistance to elevated temperatures.
The performance characteristics of both types of materials are identical, but the sodium composition has a lower price.
Video description
In the video, testing wood treated with liquid glass for combustibility:
Antiseptic
To prevent rotting and damage to surfaces by fungus and mold, structures are treated with liquid glass diluted with water in a ratio of 1/1. Use glue for processing concrete and wood.
Repair composition
Liquid glass, cement and sand are taken in a ratio of 1/1/3. Water is added until a sufficiently thick consistency is obtained so that the solution does not flow out of the cracks when they are eliminated. The mixture is also used when sealing joints and pouring screeds.
Mixing the solution
To properly mix a solution using liquid glass, you must follow the recommendations for certain mixtures for treating and repairing surfaces. Dry ingredients and glue with water are mixed separately.
Screed with ZhS Source i9.photo.2gis.com
See also: Specialize in the design and construction of small forms
Dry components are added in parts to the solution, and not vice versa. For greater plasticity, the volume of water is increased. The mixture is applied to the surface, taking into account finishing technologies.
Concrete foundation hardening time
When you place the solution in the formwork form and then compact it using a special tool, its gradual hardening begins to occur. At the same time, there is an increase in strength indicators. When the artificial stone has become hard, its characteristics are insufficient for further construction.
The video shows how long concrete takes to dry:
At first, it can collapse even from a slight load. In order to find out the drying time of the foundation in your region, you need to use special literature. If the construction process is done manually, then you can ask a specialist for advice.
Adhesive for aerated concrete, price and application features are indicated in the article.
You can see what a pile foundation for a house made of aerated concrete looks like in this article.
What is the specific gravity of aerated concrete per 1 kg m3 is indicated here: https://resforbuild.ru/beton/gazobeton/ves-gazobetonnogo-bloka.html
This article shows all the pros and cons of aerated concrete.
When cement is poured, its grains are converted into strong compounds during a chemical reaction. Very often they are called potassium hydrosilicate. It all starts like an avalanche, and then little by little everything slows down and can continue for years.
However, there is a time that will be enough to continue building a house on the foundation received. If you need to carry out more critical concreting, then it may take 1-3 months for the concrete to dry.
When construction occurs under normal weather conditions, builders use generally accepted standard base curing times. This does not mean that the concrete has become completely solid, it simply acquires a state in which further work will not harm the structure.
Application of liquid glass
When working with potassium or sodium liquid glass, you should use protective equipment - a special suit and mask. If the mixture gets into your eyes or skin, rinse with plenty of water. Since the solution sets quickly enough - within 30 minutes, you need to calculate the one-time volume of the batch. After half an hour, you can apply the next layer.
Basement waterproofing
The basement is an important structure, so protecting it from moisture is the main condition for a favorable atmosphere in the house and the safety of food. Most often in the basement there is poor insulation of joints and the presence of cracks.
Basement insulation diagram Source moydomik.net
To get rid of them:
- first clean the seams and cracks from various inclusions and dust;
- then prepare a solution of silicate glue and cement in a ratio of 1/20, add water until a plastic consistency is obtained;
- then apply the mixture to the seams or cracks and level them with the same solution;
- After this, coat with water using a brush.
After a day, it is better to apply a layer of glue to the repair site.
Treatment of a concrete well, swimming pool
First, the concrete is cleaned with a brush to remove dirt and dust. After this, apply one layer of impregnation with a roller or brush. After half an hour, apply the second layer. Liquid glass should lie evenly, without gaps. Then prepare a solution from a cement mixture and silicate glue in a ratio of 9/1 and apply it with a spatula in 20 minutes, taking into account the low viability of the solution.
Preparation of silicate solution - tools and consumables
When working with liquid glass, it is best to use ready-made mixtures designed to perform a specific task.
The disadvantage of such mixtures is the high cost and the need to completely use up the entire purchased container. The latter is due to the increased rate of hardening of the mixture after air enters it.
It is much cheaper to use individual components, so manual preparation of solutions is more common, especially since there are a large number of ways to use it.
For a small scope of work in home construction, you will need a set of tools and materials:
- Bucket used only for construction work. The toxicity of silicates is low, but storing food products together with them will not be the best solution.
- A drill with an auger attachment designed for mixing thick solutions.
- Brush or spray (if necessary).
- Cement (ordinary Portland cement is sufficient).
- Fine (sifted) sand.
- Running water or well.
- Putty knife.
- Workwear.
It is necessary to mix liquid glass with water and other components in the proportions recommended for a specific type of work. If surface characteristics lead to reduced adhesion of the mortar, the water content can be reduced or the cement content can be increased.
General recommendations for treating concrete bases with liquid glass
The work of processing the concrete base is done quickly - the ready-made liquid silicate adhesive can simply be mixed using a construction mixer. Work should be carried out at temperatures above plus 5 degrees. After collecting the glue, the container is tightly closed. And :
- there is no need to treat external surfaces if frost is expected;
- if there is ice or frost on the base, no work is carried out;
- When processing horizontal areas, puddles are unacceptable.
Any surface must be properly prepared - silicate glue is applied only to dry and clean surfaces. The top loose layer (ironization and cement laitance) is removed using various tools and units. For large areas - this is a grinding machine, sandblasting and shot blasting machine. For hard-to-reach places and in junction areas - hand tools. The resulting sludge and debris are cleaned out with stiff brushes and a construction vacuum cleaner.
Cleaning up garbage with a construction vacuum cleaner Source kwitka.com.ua
Advantages and disadvantages
Liquid glass has its advantages and disadvantages. The first include:
- low cost;
- low consumption of glue in solutions;
- resistance to precipitation;
- ease of use;
- good adhesion (penetrates 2-3 mm into concrete);
- durability of concrete and protective film.
Along with this, silicate adhesive prevents the accumulation of static electricity and is resistant to acids.
Protective film on wood countertops Source woodspil.ru
Along with the advantages, the material also has disadvantages:
- The protective film is not strong enough and is destroyed by mechanical stress.
- Not applicable on brick.
- When waterproofing the foundations of buildings and structures, rapid crystallization of the composition with the addition of LC occurs.
If the proportions of components in solutions are not observed, it is impossible to obtain the expected result.
Getting to know the material
Many people have heard that the construction industry uses an additive called liquid glass. However, not everyone has an idea of what it is. The ingredient in question is potassium and sodium silicates dissolved in water, derived from silica. Almost everyone has encountered an aqueous solution of silicates when using silicate glue for household purposes. The material is visually perceived as a viscous liquid with a whitish-yellow tint. Let us dwell on the manufacturing technology, according to which the material is classified by type.
Ensuring safety precautions
The glue is non-toxic, non-flammable and non-explosive. The prepared mixtures are stored in a dry, cool place at a positive temperature of 5 to 40 degrees.
Safety precautions and precautions Source beton-house.com
Silicate glass is frost-resistant and can withstand temperatures down to minus 34 degrees. The material can withstand 5 freeze/thaw cycles without losing its consumer properties. Should not be placed near heating devices or operating equipment. Residues must be disposed of correctly - do not pour into water bodies, soil or sewers.
Where to order JS?
Searching and choosing a store or supplier of liquid glass directly depends on the required volumes for your goals and objectives.
In small quantities it can be found in construction markets, hypermarkets or on websites.
But if you need to purchase sodium liquid glass in large volumes of 1 ton or more according to individual characteristics, you must contact federal manufacturers, for example, the Promsteklocenter company. According to the information posted by this manufacturer, it produces and supplies silicate products throughout Russia and the CIS in any container and by any transport, and also owns its own laboratory, which guarantees high quality of the product.
