Industry produces several varieties of this product. But the most widely used, especially in the construction, were potassium or sodium silicates, whose aqueous( alkaline) solutions are called liquid glass( JS).This material is used for various purposes, but we will focus only on one type of work - waterproofing, i.e.protection of structures against the effects of liquids.
In principle, in order to equip the waterproofing layer, there are many different products. Mastic, roll, film and a number of others. All of them have their own characteristics and specific application. But the technique of working with liquid glass is so simple that it does not present any complexity even for an inexperienced person, does not require special preparation, and it is possible to use this product practically under any conditions.
Advantages of "liquid" glass
Firstly, , if it is necessary to provide additional protection of the metal components of the structure against corrosion, then the LC is an excellent option. It absolutely does not allow water or air to pass through.
Secondly, , ZHS is well used to improve the moisture-repellent properties of various building or finishing materials. After all, reliable waterproofing can be ensured not only by the arrangement of a protective coating. If a little "liquid" glass is added to the prepared mortar for concrete or plaster, the moisture resistance of the final "product" will increase dramatically.
Thirdly, , if it is necessary to increase the reliability of structural elements, then it is impossible to do without a liquid crystal. It "glues" individual particles of the material, thereby making its structure more durable.
Fourthly, , some waterproofing materials have limitations in the application. Especially often it is necessary to encounter difficulties when it is necessary to process sections or with a complex configuration, or with a number of technological apertures( pipe-ways passageways, ventilation windows and the like).There are situations that, due to the limited space available, the handling of roll goods is difficult or impossible.
Fifth, the , not all waterproofing materials are capable of withstanding a mechanical impact for a long time, temperature changes and a number of other factors. Therefore, "liquid" glass is advisable to use in processing, for example, septic rings( w / w), walls of sedimentation tanks, caissons and the like.
Sixth , in the presence of many small cracks on the surface of the liquid crystal, will simultaneously perform the function of the sealant, reliably isolating all such defects.
Technology
Surface preparation
Such work often reduces only to cleaning the dirt, removing various fasteners( nails, screws, etc.) and leveling. By the way, the latter is done if necessary, depending on the method of exterior decoration.
But all this is not entirely true, since the events should be held more. It should be noted that after the completion of all work, the wall( floor, ceiling) will be "closed" from free access. Therefore, care must be taken to maximize the life of the base material. How it's done?
- After cleaning, the surface should be washed to make all defects visible. In particular, the divergent seams, cracks and the like. Their sealing is necessary in order to reduce the heat loss of the room and additionally protect it from the penetration of liquids. In addition, such a thorough preparation of the base cleans the pores of its material from dirt, which ensures a deeper penetration of the JS into its structure.
- To prevent the occurrence of dampness and its "satellites"( mold and fungus), it is advisable to impregnate the surface with an antiseptic compound. If it is a question of finishing the structural elements made of wood, then it is obligatory - and fire retardants( from ignition) - read more about it here.
Next - depending on the method of further cladding. Activities include:
- application of putty. It is made in order to maximize the basis( for example, for painting);
- priming. To ensure a quality "hitch" between the surface to be treated and the material to be glued( for example, foam poles for insulation).
Waterproofing ZHS can be produced in different ways. Briefly we will stop on each kind.
Lubricating
Can be used as basic or optional( if necessary, for roll products).It is not always possible to use products based on bitumen( including mastics) for this type of work. Therefore, the substrate is pre-treated with a solution of "liquid" glass. It is applied in a thin layer, and the crystals fill all the pores of the material, sealing them securely. After that, rolls are pasted.
Depending on the specifics of the structure, it is sometimes possible to limit one coating. No complications and a minimum of time. For better protection of the surface, the layers are applied twice;the second - after the drying out of the first.
Penetrating
It is advisable to use in various emergency situations. For example, leakage of seams, leaks and so on. Cement mortar is being prepared to seal the damage spots. First, 1 part of the "liquid" glass is added to the water( 10 parts), mixed, and then - a portion of the cement. Again, "kneading" - and on the damaged area, which before that should be slightly wet( if necessary).It is more convenient to use a spatula, which the "patch" is aligned with.
You need to work quickly, as the mixture will almost immediately "grasp".That is why it is recommended to prepare the composition in small portions and only after the completion of the preparatory measures:
- cleaning of the damage site;
- crack extension. Sometimes this is done to ensure deeper penetration of the JS into the material.
Given that the solution quickly hardens, it can not be constantly mixed. This will lead to the destruction of crystals, which are formed quite quickly.
Often ZHC is used as an additive. For example, during the preparation of a concrete solution, a "liquid" glass is introduced together with water added to the mixture. This is often done with the installation of monolithic foundations, the manufacture of products from reinforced concrete, pouring floors and the like.
The information is more than enough to decide whether it is worth working with such material as "liquid" glass. By the way, specialists classify this method of waterproofing of structures as budgetary, since the costs, in comparison with other methods, are small, including the terms of work.
The cost depends on the type of product, but an average of 10 liters of LCD will cost 375 rubles.
Given that such products are delivered to the market quite a lot of manufacturers, it is necessary first of all to follow their recommendations for use.
