Liquid glass for waterproofing: how to apply

Waterproofing with liquid glass is one of the most affordable ways to protect concrete, brick and cement mortars from water. The method is based on sodium liquid glass (sodium silicate) is a viscous aqueous solution that the ETIZ plant produces from natural raw materials: quartz sand and soda. The product is supplied with concentrate in cans of 5 L (7 kg) and 10 L (14 kg) and is suitable for construction, waterproofing and concrete hardening.

How waterproofing with liquid glass works

The principle of operation is simple and physically understandable. Liquid sodium silicate has a high penetrating power: applied to a porous mineral base, it flows into the capillaries and microcracks of concrete. Upon contact with air and cement stone components, the mortar gradually solidifies to form insoluble silicate compounds. The pores and channels through which moisture used to rise up (capillary suction) or seep inside are filled and “sealed”.

As a result, the surface receives several effects at the same time:

• WATER PROOFING — pores are blocked, capillary moisture is cut off;
• hardening and dedusting — loose top layer of concrete binds, stops dusting;
• increase in chemical resistance — the surface resists aggressive environments better;
• antiseptic effect — silicate suppresses mold, fungus and putrefaction;
• Non-flammable — mineral silicate does not support combustion.

It is important to understand the honest limitation of the method: in its pure form, the frozen liquid glass gives a rather brittle film. Therefore, for loaded and deformable structures, liquid glass coating is usually combined with other solutions — for example, silicate is added directly to concrete or used as a primer-impregnation for subsequent finishing.

Waterproofing methods: coating, additive, impregnation

In practice, liquid sodium glass is used in three main ways.

Lubricating waterproofing

The concentrate is diluted with water and applied with a brush, roller or wide brush to the prepared base in 1–2 layers. This is a classic option for foundation, basement walls, cellar, pool and well walls. Each layer should dry before applying the next.

2. Additive in concrete and mortar

A small fraction of the liquid glass is introduced into the concrete or cement mixture at the kneading stage. This increases the waterproofness and chemical resistance of the concrete, speeds up the setting and allows to obtain waterproof or acid-resistant concrete. Such an “internal” method of waterproofing is more durable than a surface film.

3. Primer-impregnation

Concrete floors and walls are impregnated with diluted mortar for dedusting, hardening and preparation for self-leveling floors, tiles or paint. Impregnation simultaneously reduces the water absorption of the base.

Approximate dilution proportions

The exact proportions depend on the task, the absorbency of the base and the recommendations in the product data sheet, so we give them tentatively — specify according to the ETIZ instruction and for a specific task.

General rule: the more porous and loose the base, the more diluted the first layer is taken so that the solution penetrates deeper. The finishing layer is made more concentrated. Always check the exact values with the instructions on the canister.

Preparation of the base — half of the

Liquid glass works only on a properly prepared surface. Procedure:

1. Clear base from dust, dirt, oil and grease stains, flaking pieces and old paint.
2. Expand and repair large cracks and sinks with repair compound.
3. ■ <g id="8713">dedust.</g> surface — sweep away dust, vacuum if necessary.
4. The base must be durable and slightly wet, but without puddles — excess water will prevent the penetration of silicate.
5. Operate in sub-zero temperatures and with good ventilation.

Separately about the application technique: liquid glass quickly grasps, so dilute the solution in small portions and treat the area by area, preventing the mixture from thickening in the bucket. Do not stretch one knead all over the wall.

Where liquid glass coating is appropriate and where it is not

Membrane waterproofing with sodium silicate shows itself well on static mineral bases: foundation blocks, walls of basements and cellars, concrete floors, well rings, screeds, technical rooms. Dedusting, capillary moisture cut-off and hardening are important here.

And here is where a more careful approach is needed to liquid glass:

• deformable and vibration-loaded structures — brittle silicate film may crack; it is more reliable to introduce silicate into the concrete;
• surfaces permanently exposed to the atmosphere without protection — it is desirable to cover the coating with a finishing layer;
• potable water tanks — specify the purpose of the product according to the passport.

When working with concentrate, use hand and eye protection: alkaline solution. ETHYZ product is sodium (universal) liquid glass; potassium glass is another product, more often for paints and flame retardants, and it is not positioned in this waterproofing line.

Characteristics of sodium liquid glass

The key numerical parameters of sodium silicate are the silicate module and density. Typical values for sodium liquid glass are: module approximately 2.6-3.4, density of about 1.4 g/cm³. These are ranges specific to the product as a whole; see ETHYZ data sheet for exact values. Sodium liquid glass is standardized by GOST 13078.

You can order the concentrate in cans of 5 l and 10 l in the catalog: Liquid glass. Ibid. — packaging and accompanying documentation. If you doubt the proportions for your task, check them with the instructions on the package from liquid glass catalogue.

Bottom line: waterproofing with liquid glass is a quick and inexpensive way to cut off moisture and harden concrete, if the foundation is properly prepared, work in small areas and understand the limitations of fragile film. For critical components, it is better to combine silicate with an additive in concrete and a protective finish layer.

FAQs

How to dilute liquid glass for foundation waterproofing?

For membrane waterproofing, the sodium liquid glass concentrate is usually diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:2–1:3, applying a solution in 1–2 layers with intermediate drying. The exact proportion depends on the porosity of the base and the task, so be sure to check it according to the ETIZ instructions on the canister. A more porous surface is primed with a more diluted first layer, and the finishing layer is made more concentrated to better cut off moisture.

Can liquid glass be used as the only waterproofing?

On static mineral bases — basement walls, cellar, concrete floors — sodium silicate coating works well. But in its pure form, the solidified liquid glass gives a fragile film, so on loaded and deformable structures it is better to combine it with the addition of silicate directly into the concrete and a protective finish layer. This combined approach gives a more durable result than a single surface film.

Why do liquid glass need to be applied quickly?

Sodium silicate sets quickly in air and on contact with cement stone. If you dilute a large volume at once, the solution will thicken in a bucket before you have time to produce it. Therefore, they are diluted in small portions and the surface is treated section by section, without stretching one kneading to the entire wall. It is more convenient to work together: one prepares the solution, the second applies it.

What liquid glass does ETHYZ produce — sodium or potassium?

ETIZ produces sodium liquid glass — a universal aqueous solution of sodium silicate for the construction, waterproofing and strengthening of concrete. Potassium liquid glass is another product that is more often used in paints and flame retardants, and in this line, ETIZ does not position it. The product is supplied with concentrate in cans of 5 L (7 kg) and 10 L (14 kg).

How to prepare the base before applying liquid glass?

The surface is cleaned of dust, dirt, oil stains and delamination, large cracks and sinks are sealed with repair compound, then dedusted. The base should be strong and slightly wet, but without puddles — excess water prevents the silicate from penetrating into the pores. They work at positive temperature and good ventilation, using hand and eye protection, as the solution is alkaline.