When you own an older home, your roof is often one of its most defining architectural features. Whether it’s a hand-pressed English shingle tile or a rustic French barrel tile, the texture, color, and profile of those clay tiles play a big role in your home’s character.
So what happens when you need to replace a few damaged tiles—or a whole section of roof—and can’t find anything that looks quite right?
That’s where Roof Tile Solutions comes in. Matching old clay roof tiles is part detective work, part craftsmanship, and part experience. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Start with the Details
No two clay roof tiles are exactly the same. Even tiles from the same manufacturer can vary slightly depending on when and where they were made.
When matching, start by gathering as much detail as possible:
- Measurements: length, width, thickness, and exposure
- Shape or profile: flat shingle, interlocking, pan & cover, or barrel
- Color and finish: natural red, weathered brown, sanded, glazed, or mottled
- Markings or stamps: many European and North American tiles have maker’s marks, codes, or country names pressed into the back
Photograph the front, back, and side of a tile—ideally next to a ruler or tape measure for scale.
2. Identify the Manufacturer (If Possible)
Some older homes were roofed with tiles from now-defunct manufacturers, but others came from companies still operating under different names or merged brands.
At Roof Tile Solutions, we maintain a detailed archive of European and American clay roof tile profiles and markings, allowing us to identify tiles based on subtle clues.
Even if a tile is no longer in production, that information helps us locate reclaimed stock or compatible reproductions from Europe.
3. Compare Texture and Color Weathering
Age, sun, and climate all affect clay tile color. A brand-new tile might look too bright or smooth compared to your existing roof.
The goal isn’t just to match size—it’s to match the look and feel.
We often source reclaimed tiles that have naturally weathered over decades, giving a perfect visual match. For larger projects, we can blend reclaimed and new tiles for a seamless transition between old and new sections.
4. Source from Reclaimed Specialists
Reclaimed roof tiles are not just eco-friendly—they’re often the only way to get an exact match.
We work with trusted yards across the U.S., Canada, and Europe to find and ship the correct tiles directly to your site.
Whether it’s a single missing tile or a full restoration, we’ll handle the search, comparison, and logistics so you can focus on the repair.
5. Get Expert Help
Matching clay roof tiles is a specialized skill that saves time, money, and frustration.
A small difference in profile can make installation difficult—or leave gaps that let in water.
At Roof Tile Solutions, we specialize in identifying and locating reclaimed roof tiles for historic homes, restorations, and additions. Send us photos and measurements, and our team will identify your tile and source matching pieces quickly and accurately.
🧱 Final Thoughts
Older homes deserve materials that respect their craftsmanship. With a careful approach—and help from experts who understand historic roofing—you can replace missing or damaged tiles without compromising your roof’s original character.