Homemade bricks cracking and chipping? Master these curing techniques for sturdy and beautiful finished products

Homemade bricks cracking and chipping? Master these curing techniques for sturdy and beautiful finished products

If your homemade bricks crack, chip, or powder on the surface, the problem is often not in the pressing process, but in improper curing methods. More than half of a brick's final strength is formed during the curing stage. Mastering the following key techniques will allow you to make sturdy and uniform bricks.

Tip 1: Do not move or expose to direct sunlight immediately after demolding. Freshly pressed, wet brick blanks are very fragile. After demolding, allow them to rest on a flat pallet or ground for at least 12-24 hours to gain initial strength before handling or stacking. Absolutely avoid direct sunlight or strong winds, as this will cause rapid surface moisture loss and uneven internal stress, leading to cracks.

Tip 2: Adhere to "moisturized slow drying," not "rapid drying." Bricks are not dried in the sun, but need to harden slowly in a humid environment. The correct procedure is as follows: After allowing the bricks to cure, neatly stack them in a cool, sheltered place, and cover them tightly with damp burlap sacks, straw mats, or plastic sheeting. Uncover the covering and spray with clean water 1-2 times daily to keep the bricks moist, then replace the covering. This process should continue for at least 7 days.

Tip 3: Be patient and don't rush to use them. Even after a week of curing, the bricks will only reach 60-70% of their original strength. If they are to be used for load-bearing or paving, it is recommended to continue curing them naturally in a dry, well-ventilated place for about 28 days, at which point the strength will be optimal. During the curing period, avoid impacts and excessive stacking.

Additional Note: The raw material ratio is fundamental. Ensure that the cement ratio in the mixture is not too low (generally not less than 15%), and that the mixing is thorough. The water-cement ratio should be moderate; too dry a mixture is difficult to compact, while too wet a mixture shrinks excessively and is prone to cracking.

Remember the core principles: "First, let them rest; second, keep them moist; third, be patient." Proper curing allows cement and water ample time to react chemically, forming a robust internal structure. Given enough time and moisture, you can harvest a batch of sturdy, durable, and angular homemade bricks.