Breeze Blocks Are Back
Breeze blocks from Clay Imports are made in Mexico of natural clay and offered in 14 different shapes and sizes.
While they require more expertise to install than a typical brick wall, breeze blocks add great depth and texture to both indoor and outdoor spaces, whether you install a small line around your garden beds or build an entire privacy wall. For projects like those, we have used the line from Clay Imports, which is made in Mexico and offered in 14 different shapes and sizes. The composition of the blocks is natural clay, which gives them a distinct color, and the many unique patterns there are to choose from really sets these breeze blocks apart from those produced and sold by other companies.
The blocks are thinner and more lightweight than standard bricks, requiring steel supports and straps to be welded into place during the build to ensure a solid structure. To install, start with a solid concrete foundation; an existing concrete patio is usually suitable. Make sure there are no cracks where you are building the wall, or it will transfer up into the blocks over time. If you are building a freestanding wall without existing concrete, you will need to pour a minimum 4-in.-thick by 6-in.-wide rebar-enforced footing. The blocks must be sealed prior to installation so the mortar doesn’t stain the blocks. I recommend a water-based natural-look sealer that can be purchased at most home centers.
The cost for these breeze blocks ranges from $13 to $18 per sq. ft. They’re not recommended for a DIY project unless you are an experienced welder and have masonry experience.
— Joel Kreuzer, owner of Kreuzer Tile
Photos: courtesy of the manufacturer
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