Liquid glass for basement: waterproofing and protection against damp inside

Liquid glass for basement is an aqueous solution of sodium silicate that treats the walls and floor of a basement or cellar from the inside to stop dampness, capillary moisture, and mold. The material fills the pores of concrete and bricks, forms a water-repellent barrier and simultaneously works as an antiseptic. ETIZ sodium liquid glass is made from natural raw materials — quartz sand and soda — and is suitable for membrane waterproofing, impregnation of floors and additives in cement mortar. Below we analyze how to apply liquid glass for the basement step by step, in what proportions to dilute and how to combine treatment with ventilation.

Why is it damp in the basement and how does liquid glass help

The basement and cellar are below ground level, so their structures are in constant contact with soil moisture. Water rises through the capillaries of concrete and brick, emerges on the walls, accumulates on the floor and creates conditions for mold, fungus and musty odor. It is difficult to make external waterproofing after building a house — you need to dig out the foundation. Therefore, most often the dampness in the basement is won from the inside, and here the silicate concentrate becomes an inexpensive and working solution.

Liquid glass penetrates into the pores of the base and, when reacted with the composition of concrete, forms insoluble compounds that “seal” microcracks and capillaries. As a result, the surface ceases to absorb water, air humidity decreases, and the treated concrete becomes stronger and less dusty. Additionally, silicate inhibits the development of mold and putrefactive bacteria, so it is also useful as an antiseptic for wet rooms.

What gives the treatment of the basement with silicate

• Waterproofing cuts off capillary moisture and protects against wet walls and floors.
• Antisepsis suppresses mold, fungus and rot in a damp room.
• Hardening and dedusting: the concrete floor ceases to "dust", becomes harder.
• Chemical resistance: increases the resistance of concrete to water and weak chemical environments.
• Non-flammable mineral silicate does not burn, which is important for enclosed spaces.

Which liquid glass to choose for the basement

For waterproofing the basement and cellar use sodium liquid glass — universal composition for construction, waterproofing and concrete works. This is what ETIZ produces. Potassium liquid glass is another product that is more often used in paints and flame retardants, and it is not needed in basement waterproofing. Sodium liquid glass is standardized by GOST 13078, and the exact characteristics of a particular batch are indicated in the passport.

It is possible to focus on the "typical" indicators of sodium liquid glass as follows: the silicate module is about 2.6-3.4, the density is about 1.4 g/cm³. These are common ranges for sodium silicate — see ETHYZ data sheet for exact values, they depend on the specific product. Concentrate is supplied in easy-to-repair containers — cans of 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg), which is enough for both local embedding and processing of the entire cellar.

The proportions are approximate: the exact dosage should be specified according to the ETIZ instructions and for a specific task. It is important to remember that the liquid glass sets quickly, so the solution is prepared in small portions and produced quickly.

Waterproofing of the basement with liquid glass step by step

Work from the inside is carried out on a dry, cleaned base. It is optimal to treat the basement in the warm dry season, when the humidity is minimal.

1. Preparation of the surface. Remove peeled plaster, efflorescence, dirt and loose concrete. Split and clean cracks. Allow the walls and floor to dry as much as possible.
2. Primary impregnation (soil). Apply the diluted solution (approximately 1:3) with a brush or roller so that the silicate is absorbed into the pores. Let the layer grasp.
3. Coating layer. Apply a more concentrated solution (approximately 1:2–1:3) in a continuous layer, carefully passing the corners and joints of the wall with the floor.
4. Second layer After drying the first one, apply the second layer perpendicular to the first one — this is how the gaps overlap. Work in small areas because the composition thickens quickly.
5. Sealing of problem areas. Seams, pipe inlets and cracks shall be additionally smeared with silicate putty (liquid glass + cement + sand).
6. Protective finish. In its pure form, the silicate film is brittle, so cement waterproofing plaster or screed with the addition of liquid glass is usually applied over the coating.

Adding liquid glass to concrete and screed

If you are pouring a new floor or repairing a screed in the cellar, part of the protection can be “built” into the concrete itself. A small proportion of liquid glass in the cement slurry makes the concrete more waterproof, accelerates setting and increases chemical resistance. The dosage is taken tentatively, adding silicate to the mixing water, and it is necessary to clarify for a specific brand of cement and the task according to the instructions.

Dampness cannot be defeated by waterproofing alone: the role of ventilation

Waterproofing cuts off moisture coming from outside through the walls and floor. But in the basement there is also internal moisture — from the breathing of vegetables in the cellar, condensation and fumes. If it is not removed, the droplets will again settle on the walls, even waterproofed. Therefore, liquid glass treatment is always combined with ventilation.

• Обеспечьте: supply and exhaust ventilation: two pipes — inflow at the floor, hood under the ceiling in the opposite corner.
• Occasional ventilate cellar, especially after the harvest and in the off-season.
• Control the humidity; in case of severe dampness, use a desiccant dryer or desiccant containers.
• Insulate manhole and pipes to reduce condensation on cold surfaces.

Precautions for operation

Liquid glass is an alkaline material. Wear gloves and glasses, avoid contact of concentrate with skin and eyes, rinse with water if in contact. Ventilate the room. Rinse the instrument with water immediately after use until the compound is set. Prepare the solution in small portions: the silicate thickens quickly, and the composition dried on the instrument is difficult to remove. You can get acquainted with the line of sodium liquid glass and packaging in catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ.

Overview of main features.

Liquid glass for the basement is a working and inexpensive way to stop dampness from the inside: it waterproofs walls and floors, de-dusts and hardens concrete, suppresses mold. It is applied in two layers on a dry base, approximately diluting 1:2–1:3, and protected from above with a cement layer. The full effect is achieved only in conjunction with proper ventilation of the cellar.

FAQs

In what proportions to dilute the liquid glass for waterproofing the basement?

Approximately, the concentrate is diluted with water approximately 1:2–1:3 for the coating layer and more liquid (about 1:3 or more) for the primary impregnation of the floor. The exact values depend on the task and product, so always check the dosage according to the ETHYZ instructions. Prepare the solution in small portions: the liquid glass quickly sets and thickens directly into the container.

Is it possible to completely remove dampness in the cellar with liquid glass?

Silicate waterproofing cuts off moisture flowing outside through walls and floors, but does not remove internal fumes and condensate. Therefore, the treatment is necessarily combined with supply and exhaust ventilation and ventilation. Only together do waterproofing and ventilation provide dry air and protect the cellar from the reappearance of dampness, mold and musty odor.

Does liquid glass protect the basement from mold?

Yes, sodium liquid glass has antiseptic properties: it suppresses mold, fungus and putrefactive bacteria, and also reduces surface moisture, depriving the fungus of nutrient medium. Before treatment, the mold foci are cleaned, the surface is dried, and then the silicate is applied. For a stable result, the affected areas are additionally treated and maintain proper ventilation of the room.

What kind of liquid glass is needed for the basement — sodium or potassium?

For waterproofing of the basement and cellar, sodium liquid glass is used — a universal building silicate, which is produced by ETIZ. Potassium liquid glass is another product more commonly used in paints and flame retardants, and it is not required for basement waterproofing. Sodium liquid glass is standardized by GOST 13078, see the passport for the exact characteristics of the batch.

Do I need to protect the liquid glass layer after application?

Yes. In its pure form, the silicate film is brittle and can crack under mechanical stress over time. Therefore, cement plaster or a screed with the addition of liquid glass is usually applied over the membrane waterproofing. Such a "pie" protects the silicate layer, extends the service life of waterproofing and makes the surface of the walls and floor of the basement stronger.