Liquid glass: application in construction

Liquid glass is the common name for aqueous solutions of certain silicate salts. Most often sodium silicate is used, more rarely - potassium silicate. And in special cases, for example, in the electrode coating, lithium silicate is used. Viscous transparent liquid, this is how the liquid glass looks. Its application is wide enough. It is indispensable in the chemical industry, as well as in the production of building materials, for example, fireproof concrete. It is also used in soap making, textile and paper production and even in machine building.

However, liquid glass is the most widely used in construction, which is greatly facilitated by its physical and chemical properties. On its basis create excellent waterproofing materials that are suitable for both protecting the walls and the foundation of the house from water, and for treating the walls and the bottom of the pools and wells, that is, the liquid glass can well tolerate constant contact with moisture. In addition, antiseptic properties allow it to be used as an impregnation for various materials susceptible to the appearance of mold and fungus. It will also help protect wooden structures from the flame. As you can see, the liquid glass is multifunctional enough.

Now it is based on the active manufacture and sale of paints, primers and insulating materials, so it's enough to just come to the store and choose the product you need. However, you can meet it in its purest form. It is possible to use liquid glass in self-preparation solutions. However, most often, only experienced builders who have long mastered this substance and have developed their own proportions do this. For example, consider some such solutions.

Liquid glass. Priming application

First, water-cement mortar is prepared, then liquid glass is introduced into it. Its quantity should be equal to the volume of used cement. Pay attention to the consistency. If the mixture is too thick, it will quickly harden and it will be impossible to work with it. In this case, you need to add more water.

Liquid glass. Application in waterproofing basins and wells

First you need to sift the sand. Then it is mixed with cement and liquid glass in equal proportions. The resulting mass first spreads all the seams, and then covers the entire insulated area. Cooking this mixture is better little by little, as it quickly hardens.

Liquid glass. Manufacture of refractory mortar.

Such a substance can be used when laying stoves and fireplaces. First, a conventional cement mortar is prepared, and then a small amount of liquid glass (15-20% of the amount of cement) is added to it.

Liquid glass. Application in antiseptic impregnation for walls

One liter of water will require about 400 g of this substance. This solution is applied to the impregnated surface with a brush in several layers. The second layer begins to be applied only after the first coat has dried completely. Please note that painting or any other decorative treatment of the treated surface will then be difficult. The fact is that the liquid glass forms a thin and smooth film in the area of its application.

Choose a finished product based on liquid glass or prepare the solution yourself - decide for yourself. In any case, the outstanding properties of this material will help you to easily achieve the desired result.

Liquid glass is produced in several types of containers: steel drums for 250 dm3, tin cans of various capacities from 0.5 dm3. Guaranteed to retain properties for 1 year at room temperature. After the expiry of this period, it must be checked for compliance with quality standards before use. It spreads liquid glass most often through construction markets.