Liquid silicates are used extensively as penetrating concrete sealers. The silica reacts with free calcium in the concrete and forms calcium silicate hydrate. This results in a concrete surface that is more abrasion-resistant, more chemical-resistant, harder and less permeable. Potassium silicate can be used to prevent whitish blooming, or efflorescence.

As a cement admixture, liquid or powdered silicates are added to cements to accelerate the set. Liquid silicates used in shotcreting or gunning provide immediate set.

Liquid and powdered silicates are also used in manufacturing refractory and chemical-resistant bricks, mortars, and gunning mixes. Silicates serve as a binder and as a source of alkali and silica to enhance heat resistance.

Because oil well cements have a relatively high water content, metasilicates are added to them to help prevent segregation of the solids from the water.