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– Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

In demand: The terracotta tiles weave a rhythmic harmony with nature.

Factories in and around Kozhikode have now launched products remarkably eye-catching shape and colour. The tiles available in the market are user-friendly, easier and simpler to lay. The products are manufactured to last for generations, companies say.

The passion for clay tiles in fact has also revived the title industry. Sales have increased considerably in the past few years. Now titles are booked for housing projects in major cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Goa and Mumbai, he says.

Mr. Ramadas says that Commonwealth Tile Factory manufactures the traditional Mangalore pattern titles. These are available in two models. The prices are Rs.14 a piece and downwards. “The ridges cost Rs.21.50 a piece. However, we do not manufacture the decorative model,” he says. One will need about 1,800 tiles for a 1,500 square feet house. The calculation is 120 roof titles per 100 square feet. These days, both high-end and low-end users use roof tiles without compromising on quality, Mr. Ramdas points out.

Kozhikode Revenue Divisional Officer P.S. Mohammed Sagir, who is constructing a house in the city, says that laying tiles over concrete roofs give a traditional look apart from the cooling effect. “Tiles blend tradition with modernity,” says Mr. Sagir, who has purchased 2,750 tiles for roofing his house.

The Calicut Tile Company established in 1878 manufactures several types of tiles. The roofing tiles are priced in the range from Rs.10.75 to Rs.6; ridge tiles Rs.19 to Rs.18; ceiling tiles Rs.11 and decorate ridges, dome, taylor tiles and ventilator tiles Rs.150 per piece. “The decorative types are manually made,” says Mohammed Rajay, assistant general manager of the company.

Roof tiles have become a fad among the upper class. Earlier, in the late 1980s and 1990s, the rich and the affluent went for frills in concrete. Today, tile roofing has become a fashion statement among the younger generation too. They also seek more varieties. Property developers particularly involved in the construction of villas scout for branded quality of clay tiles, Mr. Rajay says.

During the heydays of the tile industry, Feroke, a major town near Kozhikode, had 18 factories. But many of them discontinued business following the collapse of the sector. Now only eight of them survive here, he says.

The company redefined the aesthetic concept of building with its high quality and classy terracotta products. The Queen Brand has fetched big business in the domestic market as well as in West Asia and the United Kingdom.

Utmost care is taken in sourcing and refining the clay needed for manufacturing the tiles. To ensure the good quality of clay, the selection and procurement is made only during specific seasons. Water salinity is another factor that determines the quality of the clay. “Usually the clay is procured from Tenhipalam and areas bordering Kozhikode and Malappuram districts,” Mr. Rajay says.

The company also markets split tiles, paving tiles, ventilator bricks of different sizes and designs, perforated bricks and hollow bricks. Its clientele ranges from educational institutions to commercial establishments in South India.

The terracotta tiles create a rhythmic harmony with nature. Its natural elements are harmless to arthritis patients. Clay tiles in exteriors and interiors can mitigate atmospheric temperature. Even five star hotels are turning to clay tiles now, he says.

The beautiful glazes of terracotta tiles are softer and more sensitive to scratches and wear and tear than tiles made from normal porcelain or ceramic material. These are not only cheap but also durable. Moreover, tiles create a safe, healthy and permanent climate for the roof and the structure of the house.

Terracotta floorings, ceilings and wall coverings are carefully designed. These precision-made roofing tiles are comparable to top quality ceramic floor tiles, the company says. The Queen Brand tiles are designed for versatility. It can be laid quickly and simply saving time and labour cost. Different plane and pan tiles give roofing specialists a wide range of possibilities suiting the requirement of individuals.

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