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Just realized that pre-soaking bricks is worth the extra time
The mortar bonds way better without drying out too fast.
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betty_patel6mo ago
Read somewhere that dry bricks suck moisture from the mortar too quickly. That can cause weak joints and cracks over time (which is a real pain to fix later). Soaking them first just makes everything hold together better.
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gavin_burns496mo ago
Found out about this when I was building a small wall in my backyard. Totally agree with @betty_patel on the moisture thing. I made the mistake of using dry bricks once, and the mortar cracked within a month. Next time, I soaked them for a few hours before starting, and the difference was huge. The joints stayed solid, and no cracks appeared even after a harsh winter. How long do you usually soak your bricks for?
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robertlopez6mo ago
Check what kind of brick you're using first, because some types only need a quick rinse instead of a long soak. I mean, soaking the wrong ones too long can actually mess up the mortar bond.
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