Remember your grandparents' home? Yes, the one surrounded by a huge yard and mango trees. Even though you went there in the summer, it was still not that hot inside.

How was it so? One of the reasons was the roofing of the house. It had traditional tiles. And later you came to know it is called Mangalore tiles. There was a time when mangalore tiles ruled houses of South India. Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had houses that had these as the staples.

Now after decades of ignorance people are going back to Mangalore tiles.

But, why did they actually become so popular?

The Origins of Mangalore Tiles

The year is 1860. India had a lot of visitors and missionary from Europe. Among them was a German named Georg Plebst. He was intrigued by the fine clay in mangalore. He saw potential in it. So Georg started a factory and named it the CommenWealth Trust Ltd. There he started making roofing tiles.

This was the first version of Mangalore tiles. The locals of the area called the factory Basel Mission Tile Factory. The mangalore tile slowly started to pickup demand. What was one factory soon became 75. The rest is history.

How is Mangalore tiles made?

The best quality clay of Mangalore are dug from natural sources like river banks and fields. This clay is taken into factories, where people separate the finest clay for tile making. This is then added to moulds as per the needed sizes of the tiles. The logo of the producer is stamped on top of each tile. Then after pressing the clay into the mould, the excess clay is removed. The batches are then heated under high temperatures and then glazed. This gives the tiles strength and durability.

Depending on the requirements colours can also be added to the tiles. But naturally the tiles are brown, orange or red based on the colour of natural clay.

What makes Clay Tiles so popular?

Mangalore tiles became a signature of South Indian houses of the last century. It mainly had to do with these reasons:

1. Affordability

Mangalore tiles use minimal recourses for production and can be easily scaled. This made the tiles highly affordable to homemakers. The tiles can be used to roof houses for as low as Rs.40/ square feet. The labour charges for the tiles are also comparatively low.

2. Strength

How can clay be so strong? Clay when heated to a specific temperature gets really strong. Making it durable through any climate. Be it heavy rain or scorching summers.

3. Eco-friendly materials

Unlike other materials clay leaves behind minimal carbon footprint. If you are looking stay close to nature then Mangalore tiles are a great option.

4. The cooling effect

Mangalore tiles are great in preventing heat during the daytime. A study published in the Aswan University Journal of Environmental Studies highlighted that Mangalore tiles can reduce the indoor temperature by up to 1.5 degree celsius. This makes summers feel less hot.

5. Provides Ventilation

The overlapped design of the tiles creates air holes between each piece. This lets air flow freely. Making the home well ventilated. There can also be air holes placed in between the tiles for greater airflow

6. The vintage aesthetic

People love the way mangalore tiles look. They are a class apart. It goes well with a lot of styles.Even a modern house can pull of a mangalore tile roofing.

Bangalore is a city of young spirits and high energy. In a place like that who would want a roofing idea from the 17th century?

First of all, how did it last all these years. A lot of other roofing methods have come before and after it. How did it thrive all these while?

Mangalore tiles last long, so long it is almost ancient history. It can reduce the heat and make the inside cooler. Making it perfect for the Bangalore climate. It can be easily maintained. And the tiles very affordable.

What more does it need? It is an almost perfect product for Bangalore homes.

Why should you consider Mangalore tiles for your Bangalore home?

Who should not choose Mangalore tiles

Complex Roofing Ideas
If you are looking for a highly sophisticated roofing design then Mangalore tiles might not work for you. It is better for simple roof designs. So consult with your architect before you make a decision.


Modern architecture styles
If your home is highly modern with the new lines and curves, you would feel Mangalore tiles are not for you. You will find modern roofing options that suit you better.

Places with extreme climates
If you are in Bangalore you do not have to worry about this. But if you are not in a tropical region, and if you recive snowfall, or heavy thunderstorms then Mangalore tiles are not for you.

In Conclusion

Mangalore tiles are a great option if you are looking for an aesthetic and affordable roofing option. The tiles are durable and requires low maintenance. If you want to know how to get your home mangalore tiled then we are here to help.