SPOT FAKE OR WEAK BUILDING BLOCKS BEFORE YOU BUY THEM

HOW TO SPOT FAKE OR WEAK BUILDING BLOCKS BEFORE YOU BUY THEM

By Adeboye Prince Adetu, IgbeNews

Let’s be real — some block makers are not honest. They sell weak blocks that look fine today but will crack or break later, putting your building at risk.

You might pay for "9-inch blocks" but receive smaller, weaker ones. Sometimes the damage only shows months after your building is done — cracks on walls, hollow sounds when you knock, or even worse.

Don’t let this happen to you. Here’s how to check blocks before you buy or accept delivery:

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1. The “Drop Test” — Does It Break or Stay Strong?

· What to do: Pick one block from the batch. Drop it from your waist level (about 3 feet high) onto a hard ground.

· What it means: If the block breaks into pieces or cracks badly, it’s weak. A good block should only chip slightly, not break completely. If it sounds hollow when it drops, it’s also a bad sign.

2. Look Closely at the Block’s Body

· Check the edges — are they straight and sharp, or crumbling and rough?

· Check the surface — is it smooth and firm, or does it look dusty, powdery, or ashy?

· Why it matters: Dusty surfaces or broken corners mean not enough cement was used or the block was not properly made.

3. Measure the Size — Are You Being Cheated?

· Use a tape measure.

· A real 9-inch block should be 9 inches wide (225mm).

· Many fake “9-inch” blocks are only 8 inches or less. That’s cheating. Smaller blocks mean weaker walls.

4. Ask This Important Question:

Ask your supplier: “How many blocks do you make from one bag of cement?”

· Good answer: “30 to 35 blocks per bag.”

· Bad answer: “50 to 60 blocks per bag.”

· Why: More blocks per bag means less cement in each block. Less cement = weak blocks.

5. How Long Were the Blocks “Cured”?

· Curing means keeping blocks wet for some days to make them strong.

· Good blocks are cured for at least 7 days before being sold.

· Bad blocks are sold fresh (1–2 days after molding). They will be weak and can crack easily later.

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Why Should You Care?

Weak blocks can cause:

· Cracks in your walls

· Doors and windows not fitting well

· Costly repairs later

· In extreme cases, building collapse

A small saving on block prices now can lead to huge losses later.

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What You Should Do:

1. Test before you pay — do the drop test on at least 2–3 blocks from the batch.

2. Measure — don’t just assume the size is correct.

3. Ask questions — mix ratio and curing time.

4. Buy from trusted suppliers — ask for recommendations from builders you trust.

5. Reject bad blocks — if they fail these checks, send them back immediately.

Your house is only as strong as the blocks it’s built with. Don’t gamble with your safety and your money.

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