Liquid glass is very often used by builders in the preparation of various building mixtures. As a rule, it contains calcium or potassium silicates. The production price of this kind of material is low, adding liquid glass to concrete, you significantly increase its quality. Given the presence of silicates in its composition, it can be used in the manufacture of refractory structures.
Water glass can be added to concrete for the following purposes:
- Strengthening moisture protective properties.
- Improving antiseptic qualities.
- Strengthening fire resistance.
It is used in the following areas
Liquid glass is widely used in the foundry industry, without it it is impossible to produce soap and paper.
If we talk about construction, then the scope is much narrower. In particular, when liquid glass is added to concrete, it can be used in the form of a high-quality primer. In quantities of up to ¼ can be added to building concrete to improve its quality. So, with an increase in water resistance, it is added in an amount of 15%, in order to enhance refractory qualities it is necessary to add 25%. For the same purpose, builders impregnate wooden structures with this compound.
It is most justified to add liquid glass to concrete during the installation of
foundation pillows of buildings located in moist lowlands, in places with a high groundwater position, with the aim of constructing hydraulic structures, as well as in the construction of boiler houses, stoves and fireplaces. The foundation with such an additive not only perfectly protects the building from moisture, but also does not need any additional treatment with antiseptics.
This is how silica and aluminosilicate foundations are prepared. In principle, in the presence of appropriate buildings and at least minimal construction experience and equipment, it is quite possible to prepare them even at home.
It is necessary to know exactly the conditions for the preparation of standard concrete and the properties of its specific brand. So, when using the M200 brand and above, one liter of liquid glass must be added per cubic meter of the finished solution. The mixture voltage at this ratio is the most optimal. However, in amateur construction, such high qualities are not required from the structure, and therefore it is perfectly acceptable to add liquid glass to concrete, bringing the proportions up to 1: 10. So you can save a lot of money.
Consider how the composition for waterproofing is prepared:
- Glass is added only to the concrete mix, using one liter of glass per 10 liters of it.
- The composition should be used within only 5-7 minutes!
Together with concrete, such a composition forms a dense and rapidly hardening mixture. It is possible to find some simple ways out of this situation. If high quality is not required from the solution, you can dilute it with water, but the waterproofing is so-so. Still, it is more correct to add liquid glass to concrete, preparing it in small portions. In the case of a well-made
construction mix, the foundation will have excellent technical qualities.