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How To Build an Earth Block Home

By Jackie Craven, About.com

5 of 10

Let the Earth Cure

Wrapping the Earth Blocks at Loreto Bay in Mexico

The compressed earth blocks are wrapped in plastic.

Photo © Jackie Craven
Earth blocks could be used immediately after they are compressed in the high-pressure hydraulic ram. However, the blocks will shrink slightly as they dry.

At the Loreto Bay plant in Baja, Mexico, workers set the newly made earth blocks on pallets. The blocks are wrapped tightly in plastic to preserve the moisture.

"Clay and lime must dance together for a month, then they can never divorce," said Jim Hallock, Director of Earth Block Operations.

The month-long curing process helps strengthen the blocks.

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