All You Need to Know About Mangalore Tiles

If you’re wondering what Mangalore Tiles are, you’re not alone, it is a very popular construction material used for roofs. We’ve seen it in homes, commercial properties, sheds etc. This is what it looks like –

Now, why are they called Mangalore tiles if they are found all over the country? Well, that’s because it was mainly produced in the city of Mangalore, Karnataka. As these tiles were made from laterite clay, and this clay is found in abundance by the Gurupura and Nethravathi rivers.

The History of Mangalore Tiles

The production of these tiles came about in India only in the 1860s. This was thanks to a German missionary Georg Plebst. He was the one who first spotted the clay in Mangalore and decided to open a factory there. The Factory was called The CommonWealth Trust Ltd or as the locals called it- Basel Mission tile factory.

In a short span of time, the popularity of these tiles soared and from 1 factory there were soon 75 factories that were hard at work to create these tiles.

The Process of Making Mangalore Tiles

The first step is to collect this fine, unprocessed clay and it is placed into moulds. Once the mould is filled to the correct thickness and size, the factory logo is then imprinted on it. Any excess clay is removed and it is then taken to be baked at high heat and then glazed.

These tiles are normally in natural colours like red, brown, yellow or orange. If a customer asks for any specific colour this can be done by spraying enamel colour on the clay before it is baked.

What is the Cost of Mangalore Tile Roof?

Mangalore tiles are a popular roofing material in India, known for their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. The Mangalore tile roofing cost can vary depending on factors such as the size of the roof and the quality of the tiles used. 

However, on average, the cost ranges from INR 45 to INR 250 per square foot. This makes Mangalore tiles an affordable option for those looking to install a new roof or replace an existing one. Additionally, the fact that these tiles are made from natural materials and are recyclable makes them an environmentally friendly choice for roofing.

6 Mangalore Tile Roof Designs

Mangalore tiles are a type of terracotta tiles commonly used for roofing in the southern region of India. Here are six popular Mangalore roof tiles house designs.

Orange Walls and Mangalore Tiles

This combination creates a rustic yet vibrant look, perfect for traditional or modern homes. The orange walls complement the natural earthy tones of the Mangalore tiles, providing a warm and inviting feel.

White Window Frames and Orange Mangalore Tiles

The contrast of the white window frames against the orange Mangalore tiles creates a striking visual effect. This design is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their roof and create a unique look.

Tiles and Plaster Layering

By layering tiles and plaster, this design creates a textured and dimensional effect. It adds depth and character to any roof, and the neutral tones of the tiles and plaster make it easy to pair with any exterior colour scheme.

Go Minimal: Red Tiles

For a simple and sleek look, red Mangalore tiles can be used on their own without any additional design elements. This design is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic and want their roof to stand out in its simplicity.

Brown Rounded Tiles

The rounded shape of these tiles adds a unique and playful element to any roof design. The brown colour gives a natural and earthy feel, perfect for homes that want to blend in with their surroundings while still maintaining a unique look.

Mangalore Tiles with Glass

This design combines the natural, earthy tones of Mangalore tiles textures with the sleek and modern look of glass. It creates a unique and eye-catching effect, perfect for those who want to blend traditional and modern design elements into their home.

Why do People Use Mangalore Tiles?

There are many reasons why these tiles are preferred, here are a few of them –

• Affordable
• Sturdy
• Lightweight
• Eco-Friendly
• Fire resistant
• Looks great
• Can be moulded into any shape with ease
• Good for ventilation

Another reason why these tiles are so popular is that they are extremely easy to lay and transport because of their size and weight. The only disadvantage is that it can’t withstand heavy winds and tends to get lifted off the roof.

Sadly, these tiles that were once extremely popular are now slowly on the decline. This is because the cost of making them has increased over the years. These tiles involve a lot of natural materials and manual labour. Labour is now much more expensive as compared to a few years ago.

These rising costs have made many factories shut down. Thus, making these tile a little harder to find and a lot more expensive to purchase.

Looking for homes that use Mangalore Tiles, you might find them on garage roofs, and sheds, browse through NoBroker by clicking below and find homes that might have them.