A buyer’s guide to quality checks, common flaws, and trusted sources — like Northern Roof Tiles. We do all the checks so you don’t have to.
Reclaimed clay roof tiles offer something brand-new tiles simply can’t replicate: timeless character, proven durability, and a patina that only decades of weather can create. But buying reclaimed tiles isn’t like picking up a box of new shingles from a local store — every batch has a story, and every tile deserves a careful eye.
Whether you’re repairing a historic roof, matching an obscure profile, or restoring a heritage home, here’s what to look for before purchasing reclaimed clay tiles.
1. Start With the Most Important Rule: Grade Matters
Not all reclaimed tiles are created equal. The single biggest indicator of longevity is their original grade.
- Grade 1 tiles were manufactured for severe weather zones and high freeze-thaw cycles.
- Grade 2 tiles were intended for mild climates and often won’t survive Canadian or northern US winters.
Here’s the good news:
If a Grade 1 clay tile has already survived its first two winters, it will typically last for many lifetimes.
That’s why reclaimed tiles from reputable sources can be an incredible investment — they’ve already proved their durability in real-world conditions.
At Northern Roof Tiles and Roof Tile Solutions, we only deal with Grade 1 reclaimed tiles unless otherwise stated. They pass the hardest test there is: time.
2. Check for Common Wear — and Which Flaws Actually Matter
When inspecting reclaimed tiles, focus on structural integrity first. Some imperfections are normal and cosmetic; others are deal-breakers.
Look for:
✔ No cracks — even fine hairline cracks can spread through freeze-thaw cycles.
✔ Minimal edge damage — small chips are usually okay; missing corners often aren’t.
✔ Uniform thickness — thinning from decades of erosion may signal a weakened tile.
✔ No spalling — surface flaking indicates freeze damage and reduces lifespan.
✔ Solid nail holes — elongated or widened holes can affect installation.
Flaws that commonly don’t affect performance:
- Light surface staining
- Colour variation (expected with patina)
- Dust or mortar residue from previous installation
- Minor corner wear that doesn’t affect overlap
Understanding which flaws matter is exactly why working with a specialist makes all the difference.
3. Matching the Profile: The Hardest Part for Most Buyers
Reclaimed clay tiles come from dozens of manufacturers, spanning a century of production, with profiles and colours that may have only been made for a few years.
To match your roof correctly, you need to confirm:
- Manufacturer (Ludowici, MCA, Heinz, etc.)
- Profile and model
- Size and dimensions
- Interlock design (if applicable)
- Colour blend and finish
Even a 1–2 mm difference in dimensions can cause installation issues.
This is where Northern Roof Tiles truly shines — send us photos, measurements, or even a sample tile, and we’ll identify it for you. Then we locate reclaimed stock or provide alternatives.
4. Moisture Testing, Freeze–Thaw Performance & Weather Reliability
A big question customers often ask: “Will old tiles still hold up?”
With Grade 1 tiles, the answer is almost always yes.
Before we sell reclaimed tiles, we check for:
- Micro-cracks
- Soundness (a ring test indicates solid clay)
- Evidence of past freeze damage
- Structural density
If a tile has already survived decades outdoors — including its earliest winters — it’s a strong indicator of long-term reliability. A tile that passes these checks is likely to outlast every modern roofing material on the market.
5. Source From Reputable Sellers (Hint: You Already Found One)
Buying reclaimed tiles from random listings or demolition yards can be risky. Tiles may be misidentified, poorly stored, or mixed from multiple batches — creating a mismatched roof that stands out for all the wrong reasons.
A trusted supplier should:
✔ Accurately identify the tile brand, profile & colour
✔ Verify Grade 1 status
✔ Inspect every tile for damage
✔ Sort tiles by colour and batch
✔ Provide proper counts, coverage rates, and shipping options
✔ Offer support if you’re short or need compatible alternatives
At Northern Roof Tiles / Roof Tile Solutions, this is literally what we do all day.
We do all the checks so you don’t have to.
From identification to sourcing to delivery, we take the uncertainty out of reclaimed tiles.
6. Bonus: Why Reclaimed Clay Tiles Are an Incredible Long-Term Choice
- Eco-friendly — zero new manufacturing required
- Durability — Grade 1 tiles can last 100+ years
- Aesthetic authenticity — perfect for restoration and heritage homes
- Cost-effective — often cheaper than custom reproductions
- Weather-proven — you know exactly how they’ve performed over decades
A reclaimed roof isn’t just a repair — it’s a continuation of history.
Final Thoughts
Buying reclaimed clay tiles doesn’t have to be complicated — you just need to look for quality, avoid common pitfalls, and work with a supplier who understands the nuances of old profiles and historic manufacturing.
If you need help identifying your tile, sourcing reclaimed stock, or verifying the quality of a batch you’ve found, reach out anytime.
Northern Roof Tiles and RoofTileSolutions.com specialize in doing the hard part for you — from tile ID to delivery.