Which Block is Best for Gambian Climates? A Practical Comparison

The Gambian climate is hot, humid, and has a heavy rainy season. Any block used for construction must stand up to this environment.

Manual Cement Blocks in Gambian Climate

  • Absorb rainwater quickly → walls stay damp.
  • Grow black mould easily.
  • Heat up during the day → make homes hotter indoors.

Machine-Made Blocks in Gambian Climate

  • Perform better under heavy rains due to denser compaction.
  • Still hold moisture → not mould-proof.
  • Better at withstanding erosion and cracking.

CIEBs in Gambian Climate

  • Naturally cooler indoors → reduces need for fans.
  • Very low water absorption → no constant damp patches.
  • Environmentally adapted → used successfully in climates similar to The Gambia worldwide.

Example:During rainy season:

stylus

Manual block homes

wet patches inside.

Machine block homes

fewer issues but still some damp.

CIEB homes

dry and mould-free with no repainting needed.

For Gambian weather, manual blocks struggle, machine-made blocks survive, but CIEBs thrive.