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How To Build an Earth Block Home

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Stack the Blocks

Construction workers at Loreto Bay, Mexico

Mortar should be used sparingly on CEBs.

Photo © Jackie Craven
Compressed earth blocks (CEBs) can be stacked in a variety of ways. For best adhesion, the masons should use thin mortar joints. Earth Operations Director Jim Hallock recommends using a clay and lime mortar, or slurry, mixed to a milkshake consistency.

The masons should apply a thin but complete layer to the lower course of the blocks. They must work quickly, Hallock said. The slurry should still be moist when the masons lay the next course of blocks. Because it's made from the same ingredients as the CEBs, the moist slurry will form a tight molecular bond with the blocks.

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