Liquid glass: application in construction

Recommendation points

• Liquid glass: what is it, scope
• Advantages and disadvantages of liquid glass
• Variety and characteristics of liquid glass
• Features of working with liquid glass
• Recommendations for choosing liquid glass

Liquid glass is a material whose composition is similar to that of ordinary glass. Most often it is used in construction for various types of work. Let’s talk about what properties liquid glass has, how to choose it correctly and for what work it can be used.

Liquid glass: what is it, scope

Liquid glass, or, as it is called in another way, silicate glue, is an aqueous-alkaline solution of potassium or sodium silicate salts. It is obtained in various ways. As a rule, by exposing a solution of all the listed components to a material containing silica under conditions of constant temperature. Another method is firing a mixture of quartz sand and soda. The result is a substance that is viscous in structure and has good water-repellent and adhesive properties..

Liquid glass is most often used to perform such work:

• waterproofing of various surfaces, in particular, walls, floors, ceilings, ceilings, foundations, plinths, as well as pools, wells and other containers. For this, liquid glass is mixed in equal proportions with cement, sand and water;
• anti-corrosion treatment of metals in combination with cement;
• fire protection and antiseptic treatment of wooden structures;
• manufacture of refractory composition for chimneys, fireplaces, stoves, etc .;
• gluing together paper, cardboard, wood, glass, porcelain, etc .;
• as a component for the manufacture of paint for building facades.

Advantages and disadvantages of liquid glass

Liquid glass, in addition to waterproofing properties, has many other advantages, namely:

• absolute safety and environmental friendliness;
• fire resistance;
• good penetrating power;
• high adhesion;
• low level of thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to use it for thermal insulation;
• antiseptic effect, therefore, this material has found its application in horticulture when processing trees, in finishing works to combat fungus and mold, etc.;
• good elasticity when drying, due to which, when the house shrinks, the integrity of the waterproofing is not disturbed;
• relatively affordable cost;
• can be used even in extremely humid conditions.

It is also worth noting that this substance has a high drying rate, therefore, certain experience is required to work with it..

Variety and characteristics of liquid glass

Depending on its composition, liquid glass is divided into two types.

Sodium liquid glass – it is based on sodium silicate. This substance has good adhesive properties, interacts well with various minerals. Such material can be used in any climatic conditions. It is used in the process of reinforcing foundations, in the production of household chemicals, glassware, paper, porcelain, as an antiseptic, etc..

Potassium liquid glass – made on the basis of potassium nitrate. It has similar properties as the previous type, namely resistance to increased moisture, acids, atmospheric phenomena, etc. However, unlike sodium water glass, potassium does not form reflections on the treated surface. Due to this, it is used for outdoor painting, in the production of paint or silicate paints, etc..

Features of working with liquid glass

Liquid glass can be found on sale in ready-made mixtures, which are designed to perform a particular type of work. This is the most convenient option, since nothing needs to be diluted. However, the cost of such formulations is quite high for a common man in the street. Therefore, most often they use individual components (cement, concrete, sand and other additives), which are mixed together in certain proportions, depending on the type of work. Moreover, you must strictly follow them in order to achieve the desired result. The consistency is adjusted with water. If the solution thickens during operation, it can be diluted with a little water..

When working with materials such as liquid glass, to protect exposed areas of the body, experts recommend wearing protective clothing, gloves for hands and goggles to protect the eyes.

Of course, splashes can be removed mechanically, however, it is not so easy to get rid of the largest dirt. Therefore, it is better to be careful. Before proceeding with the application of the composition, the surface to be treated must be properly prepared: cleaned of dust, dirt, grease, dry thoroughly and only then process.

This is done with a brush or spray gun, depending on the type of work. Moreover, everything should be done promptly, since liquid glass tends to set quickly. An inexperienced craftsman can simply ruin the material. Apply liquid glass evenly over the entire surface. Its impregnation depth should be more than two centimeters, the composition is applied in several layers, each of which should be allowed to dry well for half an hour. Experts recommend that such coverage be renewed every 3-5 years..

Recommendations for choosing liquid glass

On the market, liquid glass can be found in the majority of ready-made building mixtures. As for the correct choice of liquid glass in its pure form, there should be no difficulties in this matter, since expensive or cheaper compositions of different manufacturers practically do not differ from each other. Therefore, you can give preference to any of them. The only thing worth paying attention to is the type of liquid glass and its purpose. As mentioned above, potassium water glass is more viscous in its structure, therefore it is best suited for impregnation and waterproofing of foundations. But sodium compounds are better to choose for waterproofing all other objects, as well as painting the facades of buildings, etc..

Thus, liquid glass is an affordable means for performing a whole range of works, both in construction and in other areas of the national economy. To obtain a quality result, you must have certain skills and experience..