Liquid glass and its application
Construction – Sfera extensive applications of liquid glass. This is due to the wide range of material properties. Here they are:
- moisture resistance;
- excellent adhesion to most surfaces;
- chemical inertness;
- antiseptic;
- fire;
- the abrasion resistance;
- low thermal conductivity;
- anti-corrosion properties;
- lack of toxicity;
- the windproof.
Liquid glass – it is primarily the ingredient. In its pure form for construction purposes it is used less frequently. Industrial production of liquid glass is in the firing (sintering) the mixture of quartz sand with soda, shredding the resulting product and dissolving it in the water.
Species ↑
Liquid glass is sodium silicate solution or potassium silicate in water. For its production also use both these salts or lithium silicate. In this regard, there are several types of material:
- sodium;
- potassium;
- sodium-potassium;
- potassium-sodium;
- lithium.
Potassium glass finds greatest application as a binder component and for the preparation of enamels. The construction leader is sodium water glass. Consider every option to use it in separately.
Waterproofing ↑
Water-repellent properties allow you to apply liquid glass for sealing a variety of building facilities: swimming pools, wells, garages, walls, floors and Foundation of the premises. This is especially true for regions with humid climate and frequent rainfall.
Basement waterproofing ↑
In order to create a reliable waterproof barrier of the Foundation, to cover the concrete surface with two layers of liquid glass, giving each of them dry completely. This is known as a membrane and provides for further protection of roll waterproofing materials.
In the processing of cracks, and for joints when laying the Foundation of brick or concrete blocks successfully applied cement mixture with addition of liquid sodium glass. For its preparation you will need cement, liquid glass and water. 1000 g of cement does not take more than 50 g of liquid glass, pour it in water and this solution is mixed with dry cement. 10 g of glass must have 150 g of water. Cook a small amount of blend to consume it as soon as possible because the solution hardens quickly.
The third option is creating a water proof basement is the addition of liquid glass in the concrete mixture for monolithic pouring of Foundation. You will need:
- cement;
- sand;
- liquid glass – 5% of the total volume of the mixture;
- water;
- crushed stone.
Procedure:
- pre-prepare for the pouring of the Foundation, to make a timbering, lay rebar);
- mix cement with sand;
- dissolve in water and liquid glass is added to the cement mixture;
- add the gravel and immediately begin pouring the Foundation.
Pool waterproofing and structure ↑
Liquid glass is used for interior and exterior waterproofing of pools. In the first case the material is applied 2-3 bedrooms in even layers on the floor and the walls of the pool. Liquid glass pre-processed all joints and recesses. This method provides an excellent seal. In the second case, liquid glass is a component of concrete mixture, effectively protects the pool from the impacts of groundwater and provides base strength.
For waterproofing of the well, prepare a mixture of equal parts sifted sand, cement and liquid glass, cover its seams and joints, and then the rest of the surface. For greater effect, before that it over the walls of the well liquid glass.
Basement waterproofing with liquid glass ↑
The problem of water ingress into the basement through joints or the concrete itself is not rare. A good way of solving it is waterproofing with liquid glass. If the seams leak, the algorithm is as follows:
- thoroughly clean joints of debris and dust;
- prepare a repair mixture of Portland cement and liquid glass in the ratio of 20:1, add water until the consistency of thick cream;
- tightly put the mixture into the joints and large cracks;
- RUB the surface with water using a brush;
- a day produce the processing liquid glass.
At a humidity of concrete walls they are treated in the same way, trying to make a layer of the mixture is dense and thick. Do not forget that the mixtures with a content of liquid glass is carried out in small portions for quick use.
Fire protection ↑
Refractory properties of liquid glass find use:
- in a laying of furnaces and fireplaces;
- when you create a chimney;
- for the processing of metal elements and structures of buildings;
- in the production of heat-resistant grades of concrete and refractory enamels and paints.
To prepare refractory mortar for the construction of a furnace or fireplace, mix cement, sand and liquid glass in the ratio 1:3:1. Use small portions, and the glass insert in the solution in the least. Liquid glass also gives refractory properties of wood.
Antiseptic ↑
Wooden objects and structures is treated dissolved in water with liquid glass to protect them from the appearance of fungus and mold. You can also perform antiseptic treatment of the concrete or plastered walls.
The surface is covered with at least two layers of a 40% solution of liquid glass with a brush, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly. Keep in mind that the painting and plastering of the walls, thus treated, will be difficult, so weigh the pros and cons before you use liquid glass. The price starts from 15 rubles per kilogram.
Other applications ↑
Applied to the facade of the building, liquid glass prevents the weathering of the material. Some craftsmen add it to the mortar for self-leveling floor. Effective action has a waterproof coating with liquid glass of the walls and floor in the bathroom. The material is durable glue that securely binds together the wood, fabric, cardboard, porcelain, glass and other surfaces.
Storage and safety ↑
Liquid glass is not toxic, however, it is recommended to follow some rules:
- do not let it contact with skin, mucous membranes and eyes;
- during the preparation of mixtures and solutions, wear protective goggles, gloves and clothes with long sleeve;
- tightly close jar or canister with molten glass immediately after use.
Shelf life of liquid glass – 1 year. The material can withstand multiple freeze that does not affect its properties. Also the norm is the formation of sludge.
For reviews liquid glass has established itself as a practical, easy to use and available material for various construction purposes.