The Long-Term Value of Premium Blocks
When it comes to construction, every decision affects the safety, durability, and profitability of your project. Choosing low‑quality building blocks may seem like an easy way to cut costs up front – but the real cost often surfaces later in structural failures, high maintenance, and dissatisfied clients. In this guide, we’ll uncover why paving blocks and building blocks in Ghana from inferior sources can derail budgets and reputations and how investing in high-strength blocks from Bessblock pays dividends over a building’s lifetime.
1. Short‑Term Savings vs. Long‑Term Liabilities
- Apparent Savings: Low‑quality blocks often retail for 20–30% less.
- Hidden Costs:
- Structural Repairs: Cracked or crumbling walls demand patch‑ups or rebuilds.
- Safety Risks: Reduced compressive strength (< 300 psi) can lead to wall collapse, endangering lives and triggering liability claims.
- Weather Damage: Poor blocks absorb more water, leading to efflorescence, damage and accelerated wear.
Case Study: A small commercial building in Madina used substandard blocks; within five years, owners spent 25% of their original wall‑cost on repairs and waterproofing.
2. Quality Parameters You Can’t Ignore
| Parameter | Low‑Quality Block | High‑Quality (BCPL) Block |
| Compressive Strength | 250–350 psi | ≥ 600 psi |
| Water Absorption | 8–12% | ≤ 6% |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ± 10 mm | ± 3 mm |
| Density & Weight | Inconsistent, lighter | Uniform density for predictable performance |
Why It Matters:
Accurate dimensions and consistent density ensure tight joints, uniform load distribution, and easier installation—reducing labor time and joint‑failure repairs.
3. Hidden Project Delays & Budget Overruns
- Re‑ordering & Delivery Delays: Unreliable suppliers may run out of stock mid‑project, causing site shutdowns.
- Installation Challenges: Irregular block sizes lead to longer bedding and pointing times, sometimes adding 15–20% to labor costs.
Tip for Contractors: Always verify supplier stock levels and request a Quality Certificate before purchase. Bessblock provides internal test results with internationally approved mechanisms or the client can take samples to conduct an independent testing.
4. The BCPL Difference: Quality You Can See, Strength You Can Trust
- Proven Strength: Every BCPL block is tested to ≥ 600 psi, well above industry minimums.
- Custom Moulding: We can produce bespoke block shapes and sizes to fit complex architectural designs, eliminating waste and fitting time.
- Eco‑Friendly Option: Soon launching our 80% recycled‑plastic composite blocks, offering both sustainability and unmatched durability – ideal for government and green‑certified projects.
- Reliable Supply Chain: With two Accra display centres and a dedicated fleet, BCPL guarantees on‑time delivery for bulk orders across Greater Accra and beyond.
5. Best Practices for Specifying Blocks
- Request Test Results: Always ask for laboratory compressive strength and absorption test results.
- Inspect Samples on Site: Check color, texture, and sizing before placing your order.
- Verify Supplier Reputation: Look for manufacturers with 10+ years of local and regional experience.
- Plan for Extra Stock: Order 5 – 10% surplus to cover cuts, breakages, and future maintenance.
Invest wisely in your next project. Choose Bessblock Concrete Products Ltd – Ghana’s trusted name in high‑strength, precision‑manufactured blocks.
Regimanuel Gray (RGL) is an established real estate developer in Ghana and a member of the RG Group. RG Group has subsidiaries including Regimauel Concrete Products Ltd (RCP), Bessblock Concrete Products Ltd (BCPL), Sierrablock Concrete Products Ltd (SCPL) and Desjoyaux Ghana Ltd (DGL) a swimming pool construction company.