Liquid glass for foundation: coating, concrete additive and moisture cut-off

The foundation is in constant contact with soil and capillary moisture. Water rises through the pores of concrete from the bottom up, destroys the material by freeze-thaw cycles and pulls dampness into the basement and walls of the house. Sodium liquid glass ETHYZ — aqueous solution of sodium silicate from natural raw materials (quartz sand and soda) — fills the pores and microcracks of concrete, forms a waterproof mineral layer and breaks the capillary suction. This is one of the most affordable ways to strengthen the waterproofing of the base both during construction and during the repair of the finished structure.

How liquid glass protects the foundation

The principle of action of sodium silicate is filling and mineralization. Penetrating into the surface layer of concrete, the mortar reacts with the components of the cement stone and seals the pore space. As a result, the foundation acquires several properties at once:

• Waterproofing Filled pores stop passing water and cut off the capillary moisture coming from the soil.
• Increased water resistance and durability. Treated concrete becomes denser, better resists water and aggressive environments.
• Dedusting and hardening. The surface of the floor and walls of the basement ceases to "dust", is being prepared for finishing.
• Antiseptic effect. Silicate suppresses mold, fungus and putrefaction — it is important for damp basements and cellars.
• Chemical resistance. When introduced into concrete, resistance to acidic and alkaline media increases.

That is why liquid glass is used comprehensively: outside — coating the walls of the foundation, inside — impregnation of the floor and walls of the basement, and at the stage of pouring — an additive in the concrete mixture. You can choose the packaging for the scope of work in catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ — cans of 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg).

Three applications on the foundation

The choice of method depends on which stage you are at: pouring a new foundation or waterproofing an existing one.

*Approximately, check according to the instructions and the specific task. The exact values are in the ETHYZ product data sheet.

Membrane waterproofing of walls and plinth

The most common scenario is external and internal coating. The solution is applied with a brush or roller over the cleaned surface. To cut off capillary moisture, the coating is often carried out in a bundle, followed by plastering with a cement composition, to which liquid glass is also added — so the film is protected from mechanical damage.

Concrete additive during pouring

The introduction of sodium silicate into the concrete mix gives waterproof and more chemical-resistant concrete, accelerates setting. An important nuance: liquid glass shortens the life of the mixture, so the additive is introduced in small portions and mixed thoroughly, and the kneading is prepared for quick laying.

Impregnation and priming of concrete surfaces

The diluted composition is impregnated with the finished concrete floor or basement walls. The solution strengthens the surface layer, removes dusting and increases adhesion to paint, self-leveling floor or tile.

Step-by-step instruction: foundation coating

1. Prepare the tooth surface. Clean the concrete from dust, dirt, efflorescence and delamination. The base must be solid.
2. Prepare the solution. Dilute the concentrate with water approximately 1:2–1:3 under the waterproofing coating (take the exact proportion according to the instructions and the task). Stir until smooth.
3. Work quickly and in small areas. The liquid glass quickly sets — do not dilute more than you have time to apply in one step.
4. Apply the first coat. Distribute the solution evenly with a brush or roller, carefully passing the joints, corners and junctions.
5. Allow to dry and apply a second coat. The second pass closes the gaps and seals the protection.
6. Protect the film. In its pure form, the silicate film is brittle, so the coating is usually covered with plaster or a screed with the addition of liquid glass.

Restrictions and honest warnings

Liquid glass is a working, but not a universal material. What is important to consider:

• Quick set. You need to work quickly, in small areas; a large batch will simply "stand up" in the bucket.
• Brittleness of the clean film. Without a protective layer of plaster or screed, the coating is vulnerable to mechanics and ground movements.
• Does not replace drainage. At a high level of groundwater, the coating is combined with roll waterproofing and drainage.
• Protective equipment Alkaline solution — wear gloves and glasses, take care of your skin and eyes.
• Compatibility Liquid glass is an ETHYZ silicate concentrate and not a vapour glass insulation, composite sheet or reinforcement; do not confuse products.

Characteristics of sodium liquid glass

Sodium liquid glass is standardized by GOST 13078. The key technical parameters are silicate module and density. For sodium LC, the following landmarks are typical: a silicate modulus of the order of 2.6-3.4 and a density of the order of 1.4 g/cm³. These are universal values for construction sodium silicate; for the exact values of a specific batch, see the ETHYZ data sheet. It is sodium (and not potassium) liquid glass that is suitable for waterproofing, admixture in concrete and strengthening the foundations — this is a universal construction option of the line.

Properly applied liquid glass for the foundation extends the service life of the structure, keeps the basement dry and significantly increases the water resistance of concrete with a minimum budget. It is convenient to choose the right volume for coating, pouring or impregnation in catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ.

FAQs

Which liquid glass is needed for the foundation — sodium or potassium?

Sodium liquid glass is used to waterproof the foundation, additives to concrete and strengthen the foundations — it is produced by ETIZ. It is a versatile building silicate: it increases the water resistance and strength of concrete, cuts off capillary moisture and works as an antiseptic. Potassium glass is another product, it is more often used in paints and flame retardants, and it does not apply to foundation tasks.

In what proportion to dilute the liquid glass for coating the foundation?

For waterproofing coating, the concentrate is diluted with water approximately 1:2–1:3, but this is an average reference point, and not a hard recipe. To add to concrete, a small fraction of the cement mass is taken. The exact proportion for your task should always be specified according to the instructions and the passport of the ETIZ product: it depends on the density of the composition, the purposes of processing and the condition of the base.

Is it possible to waterproof the finished foundation with liquid glass?

Yes, this is one of the main scenarios. The finished concrete is cleaned of dust and delamination, then the diluted solution is applied with a brush or roller in one or two layers, carefully passing corners and joints. To protect the fragile silicate film, the coating is covered with plaster or a screed with the addition of liquid glass. At a high groundwater level, the method is combined with roll waterproofing and drainage.

Why do you need to work quickly and in small areas?

The liquid glass quickly sets and accelerates the hardening of the solution. If you dilute a large volume, part of the composition will harden directly into the container and become unsuitable. Therefore, the solution is prepared in portions for the area that you have time to process in one approach, and immediately thoroughly stirred. The same principle applies when introducing an additive into concrete: kneading is prepared for immediate placement.

Does the liquid glass replace the full waterproofing of the foundation?

Not always. Liquid glass perfectly cuts off capillary moisture and increases the water resistance of concrete, but pure silicate film is fragile and vulnerable to ground movements. Under difficult conditions — high groundwater, heaving soil - the coating is considered as one of the layers of the system together with roll or membrane waterproofing and drainage, and not as the only protection.

In what packaging is liquid glass ETHYZ available?

ETHYZ sodium liquid glass is supplied in canisters of two volumes: 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg). It is convenient to take a smaller canister for spot repairs, impregnation of the basement floor or trial treatment, a larger canister for coating the foundation walls and an additive in concrete when pouring. You can choose the right volume for a particular stage of work in the catalog of liquid glass on the website etiz.ru.