Advantages and Disadvantages of Mud Bricks

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Mud bricks also called as adobe bricks are prepared of earth with a high content of straw and clay. If it is produced by manually, the earth mix is poured in open molds and are allowed to dry. These mud bricks are not kiln fired, they are only sun-dried and while used for the construction purpose, these bricks are fixed in the wall by utilizing the mortar of earth and finished walls are softened before they are dried out it. Even the clay render is often applied as a surface coating.

In those countries with a huge demand for mud bricks, they are prepared by adopting a brick making machine or they are made mechanically in commercial brick making yards.


Advantages of Mud bricks

Using these mud bricks or adobe bricks is probably one of the easiest way to build for homes. The mud walls have numerous advantages and relatively less cons.

Because of the clay nature and the production, these mud bricks consists of good water resistance. It is also very vital to give adequate weather protection of the earth walls, mainly in the exposed situations. It is generally done with the provision of adequate eaves.

Other advantages of using these mud bricks include general feeling of security and solidity as well as less sound transmitting through walls.

With the sufficient supervision, this mud bricks technique is highly suitable for building owners because for it no expensive equipment or tools are required. And as it is easy to know-how these bricks can be easily acquired on a training workshop and through hands-on experiences.

One of the main benefits of the mud bricks is that it let the individual units or the bricks to get shrink totally before they are places in the wall. The risk of cracking and shrinkage that can occur in large content in monolithic wall is prevented.

The mud bricks can be cast from a large range of soils that is suitable even with the high content of clay than with the in-situ techniques.

The small mud units offer good flexibility in the construction and design of earth buildings. These mud bricks can be easily cut for fitting and could be provided with holes for services and reinforcing.

Most of the people find these mud walls texture and pattern very attractive.

Disadvantages of mud bricks

  • The life of mud bricks is limited.
  • The mud flooring surface is not smooth as compared to PVC.
  • Mud flooring generally has low resistance to stain as it has high porosity.
  • Mud flooring requires often maintenance that is at least two times a week.
  • These mud bricks flooring is not as durable as flooring of PVC.
  • Mud bricks flooring is non-resistant towards moisture and hence it could cause bacteria go grow which is unhygienic.

Make Mud Bricks in 6 Steps

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Mud bricks also called as adobe bricks are one of the older forms of the building materials that are very simple to make and are inexpensive. These mud bricks are environmentally friendly, and are used all over the world for fireproof as well as low-cost buildings. So to prepare such type of bricks, initially make sure that you have a dry area that is cleared well for making the bricks as these bricks can take several days to dry and may need to be safe place that is away from the rain and water. Here are steps to follow to prepare your own mud bricks.



Step 1 –  Take out Enough Soil

As an initially step, collect the enough loamy soil to start preparation of your mud bricks. This soil can be collected from the sides or top of any natural hill as the soil from those places are very good to make the mud bricks that can withstand erosion and rain. You can even mix this soil with some sand to enhance the quality. Filter the collected soil by a mesh screen to take off any stones present in it that could weaken the strength of bricks and can cause cracks in them

Step 2 – Prepare the Mold

By using any 2 five foot length lumbers on the sides, cut down the third into 6 pieces with each piece being 14 inches long and then nail those pieces again to two five foot lengths, ten inches apart. Your final frame would look like a ladder that consists molds for five bricks, each with dimensions 10″ x 14″.

Step 3 – Dig a Pit

If you want to just make few bricks, then by using wheelbarrow blend the total soil. Dig a huge hole that is three feet deep in to the ground and then fill that hole with water and allow it to drain itself. This whole process can take place for at least 24 hours. However, it is very important to do as it would totally prevent the crumbling of walls during the mixing process.

Step 4 – Mix the Soil

Fill half of the hole with soil. Take a bucket full of water and add a soil to it along with hoe or shovel mixing. Adding some manure or straw can be done to prevent the cracking of bricks. Add required water to make thick mix.

Step 5 – Add the Mixture to the Mold

Allow the mold to be flat and make it to get dry. Pour the mole into each section, filling it completely. Pat the top of it strongly with the shovel back to pack it tightly to remove excess water or air bubbles.

Step 6 – Allow it to Dry

Make the mud bricks to settle down for long time before taking the mold off. Move them to another dry spot to prepare another set of five bricks. Continue this process until the required bricks are prepared.

Wait at least for 12 days before using your sun-dried bricks. All the bricks edges have to turn into white colour before you can use them, otherwise the bricks can crumble. These sun dried bricks can last up to nearly 35 years before they start to crack. So it’s best to fire them in a kiln if you want them to last longer.

How to Make Mud Bricks for the Wet Climate

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Mud bricks are one of the important building supplies that are prepared of earthen raw materials which are composed with high quantity of skill and water. These mud bricks generally would hold as a set offering the basic building block for the construction purposes. However, if you are the one living in wet climate or damp, it is very vital to ensure that all the mud bricks would hold up during the time of humidity and heavy rains. 

Mud bricks prepared from the soil mainly consisting the clay would generally have a waterproof quality naturally that could also controls and can even combat the humidity condition. Though it can take some error and trial methods for the getting the right mixture, there is also way to prepare your own mud bricks for the wet climate. All chores that had been successful done through several trial and error method just like the Tree Removal Brisbane North service they are specialist today due to those mistakes they’d in the past which taught them to become a pro in the field of tree service. Meanwhile, here suggestions on to prepare your durable mud bricks. 

Preparation of Moisture-Resistant Mud Bricks

From any of your local soil store, buy the soil that consists of little amount of clay as clay could add more strength and can enhance the mudbrick properties of resistance towards moisture. But keep in mind that using excess of clay can lead to cracking of your bricks. So the soil amount you would need probably depends on the number of mud bricks you are planning to prepare. As a starting step, pour all the soil in to five-gallon bucket and then blend it with a little amount of cement as cement would enhance your mud bricks strength. On the other hand, also add the water in to it, till you get pasty and thick consistency. Later, pour this thick and pasty mixture of mud in to wooden frame sections. After filling each section, use a 2×4 piece of wood to level off the top of each brick. Finally, allow the mud bricks to set and then dry it for at least three to four hours. After drying them, take off the frame from the bricks and by using the putty knife, scrape the frame cleanly to reuse it for next time. 

After the completion of whole process, let the bricks to dry for three to four days and then turn every brick on its side. Let the bricks dry further for three to four more days, sitting on their sides. Once all the sides of bricks are dry, then again use a putty knife to shave and scrape all the uneven surfaces and to remove excess mud layers from the sides of the bricks.

Warning : At starting, just prepare one test brick before you commit to make a more number of bricks. If you observe any cracking of the bricks, while they dry, it means your soil contains too much of clay. At that time, blend the mixture of mud brick with some sand to overcome cracking in the subsequent batches.

High Quality Compressed Mud Bricks

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Mud bricks offer inexpensive building materials. With the harsh economic times, most people are going through, they are slowly being embraced by those looking for durable structures without the need to spend too much money on achieving what they wish to achieve. The mud bricks are used in different kinds of structures including areas of worship and work, monuments, agricultural building, and even residential areas to serve different needs. They have plenty of advantages, but here are some of the facts you probably never knew about soil blocks.

The Health Factor

The Earth has a way of regulating house climate and since the compressed mud bricks are not fired, they offer unique moisture regulation as well as heat accumulation properties. They are properties preserved in the bricks with your walls absorbing moisture in wet weather and giving it back when it is dry. The bulkiness of the blocks makes it possible for them to store heat amazingly well and give it off thus lessening temperature fluctuations. They are good for health since they do not emit any hazardous substances such as gasses to the atmosphere and can actually neutralize cigarette smoke. Earth houses tend to offer fresher breathing air which is good for people with airway issues.

Production Process

Compressed mud bricks rely on a mobile compressing machine in production. The machine has the ability to produce the blocks on a large scale to cater to larger construction projects and this can actually be done on site if the ground has the needed soil quality for the production. The topsoil which is fertile will in most cases be moved aside to allow the underlayer which is clay retaining to dry under the sun and the wind before pulverizing is done. Mixing and moistening depend on clay proportions. Then this mixture is fed to the compressing machine for the making of uniform earth blocks. The blocks are then allowed time to dry before they are ready for use in construction.

The Environment and Sustainability

Most areas have clay, sand and silt present in a natural form up to 30 centimeters under the top layer which is the fertile layer of the soil. This makes it possible for local extraction and the soil can also be dug from building excavations or got as a by-product of waterway and road projects. It is for this reason that the bricks are inexpensive since the soil is readily available. During the production process, earth properties are not damaged in any way; hence the soil can still be used without limits. This is especially possible if the same earth serves as mortar and plaster for the structures. Any painting of the bricks using natural breathing paint will also make it reusable in the environment without any worries. There is actually no need for the soil bricks to be processed before they can return to the ecological system. This is something that cannot be said for most other building materials.

Getting A Quality Mud Brick Supplier And Manufacturer

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Mud bricks can be used in the construction of floors, walls, and even roofs. They have become very popular even in modern construction with a good number of buildings today featuring earth blocks. The major factor that makes the mud bricks a popular choice even amongst architects is that it is a material that is readily available, inexpensive and friendly to the environment. In the world of a need to go green, the soil makes a very good construction alternative in different given situations.

With the rising popularity of the mud bricks, the number of suppliers and manufacturers has also risen to cater to the demands in the construction industry. This means you would need to be careful when choosing your supplier or manufacturer to get quality bricks at the end. Here are some of the considerations you can make when looking for a manufacturer or supplier.

The Manufacturing Process

It is an important process that can determine the end results you get with your bricks. Earth blocks that are not fired tend to be the best; hence you can settle for a manufacturer who allows the blocks to dry in the wind and the sun. The natural drying process adds to the quality and the durability of the blocks. Find out about all materials that will be used in making your bricks and the advantages of each. This is considering that whereas some of the bricks can be purely made from soil, some have the soil with other products mixed to get the quality bricks. Consider this and determine the suitability of the mud bricks you are about to settle for.

Consider The Machinery

A good manufacturer knows the importance of getting the needed number of bricks in the shortest time possible and will, therefore, invest in a good manufacturing machine. The kind of machinery your manufacturer or supplier has determined the turnaround time with the bricks. This is especially important when you have a large construction project requiring plenty of the bricks. The better the machinery the higher the brick production rate and the more enhanced and convenient the construction process will be.

Check Available Services

Besides manufacturing and supplying earth blocks, consider other services that you can enjoy from your potential company. The services can include possibilities of having your mud bricks made right at the site of construction or having the number you need to be delivered to the site for convenience. Consider also the possibilities of having the mud bricks designed to suit your style in terms of the shapes or sizes that you might need. Apart from manufacturing the bricks, some of the companies also offer construction services thus getting you the full services you need for your earthen structure project. For instance, Moretons Timber Floor Sanding has an array of services for timber flooring for their clients to choose from.

Consider The Pricing

This can be determined by a variety of factors including the number of bricks you need, the sizes and styles as well as materials used in the process. If you are getting other services from your manufacturer, make sure you also have that included in the budget so you can determine how friendly the pricing for the project is for you.

Buying Mud Bricks Of Superior Quality

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Natural inspiration is what many architects are looking for to come up with stunning and unique structures. It is therefore understandable why there are so many modern buildings mimicking natural designs making them stand out. Apart from mimicking nature, the professionals are looking for ways to make the construction industry cost-effective and as eco-friendly as possible. Mud bricks come in handy in creating stunning structures, at the same time offering a green alternative and cost-effective method to meet housing needs across the globe.

Compressed earth blocks offer an inexpensive building material that is durable, aesthetically appealing, has a lower carbon footprint and has impressive thermal properties. Even though the earth blocks have been in use for years, they have just begun becoming popular with more and more people settling for mud bricks as their best alternative in different kinds of constructions. The soil is now being used in different forms in places of worship, places of work, earthen architecture, city walls, agricultural building, and even monuments.

Mud bricks are of superior quality and perform brilliantly well without any rain erosion, crumbling and dusting. These are however advantages you can only enjoy when you buy your bricks from a reputable manufacturer. Before buying your mud bricks, it is important to evaluate your options and make all considerations to be sure you are making the right decision.

Compare building material options – In as much as mud bricks are inexpensive and can be very durable, it is still of importance that you take the time in comparing earth blocks and other building materials. You can relate this to the kind of structure you want and how you will be using the structure or building. It will help you determine how suitable the mud bricks are for your construction.

Find a reliable manufacturer – The manufacturer will greatly determine the quality of the mud bricks that you get for your construction. When looking for a reliable manufacturer, consider the manufacturing process, the skills, machinery and everything else related to the process of getting you the bricks you require for your construction. They are all factors that will not only influence your brick quality but also the turnaround time depending on the number of units you need for your construction. Some of the manufacturers will make the process easy for you by making the bricks right on the site of construction. Make all important considerations to get the best bricks and the best services for that matter.

Choose your bricks – Earth bricks can be different depending on the type of soil that is used to make them. The fact is that it is even possible to find red earth blocks for your construction. You can use one soil type or mix them up to get the kind of results you have in mind. When choosing quality soil bricks, you also would need to select the right block sizes for the construction. Most of the manufacturers offer the bricks in different sizes; hence you can select the size you feel is best for you.