What are Rosie’s tips for working with adobe brick?
• Much of the adobe brick from Mexico is put together without cement stabilizers, so it’s not as durable as the stuff that’s made in the U.S.A. In fact, building codes in Phoenix and Tucson say it’s not stable enough to use as a “structural” product, so you can’t build your house with it. Still, if you love the authentic look and made-in-Mexico label, use the product for decorative uses–for skirting round the bottom of your stucco house, for instance, on a perimeter wall or as a surround for an outdoor fireplace. • Even adobe made with stabilizers can suck the moisture from your mortar, which makes it less likely to adhere. • If you’re laying adobe bricks with mortar, dip each brick in water for a few minutes first or hose the bricks down as you’re building to keep them hydrated. A damp brick works more easily with mortar. • Mix bonders into your mortar to keep it hydrated for longer. The more hydrated your mortar, the the longer it will take to cure and the stronger it will be. Marve
