How to Identify the Right Reclaimed Tile for Your Roof

Matching a reclaimed roof tile isn’t just a matter of color — it’s part detective work, part craftsmanship, and a lot of experience. Whether you’re restoring a heritage building or repairing storm damage, finding the perfect tile match is key to preserving both function and aesthetic.

At Northern Roof Tiles, we specialize in identifying and sourcing reclaimed clay tiles from across North America and Europe. Here’s what to look for when trying to find the right match — and how we can help.

🧱 1. Shape and Profile: Start with the Form

The shape is your first clue. Is the tile flat or curved? Interlocking or overlapping? Handmade or machine-pressed?

Common profiles include:

• Flat Shingle or Plain Tile – Often used on English or Colonial-style roofs
• Pan & Cover (Mission Style) – Common in Spanish or Mediterranean architecture
• S- Tiles (Pantiles) – Found in Dutch, Belgian, and coastal areas
• Interlocking Tiles – More modern and often seen in mid-century builds

Even small differences in nib placement, thickness, or curvature can rule a tile in or out. We can often identify the manufacturer or region just from a clear photo of the back.

🎨 2. Color and Texture: More Than Meets the Eye

Reclaimed tiles naturally weather over time, so don’t rely on color alone. Instead, look at:

• Firing method (handmade tiles often have variation and a sanded finish)
• Clay content (tiles from different regions have different base tones)
• Patina (the natural aging of the tile)

We’ve matched tiles that are decades — even over a century — old. If the color doesn’t exist anymore, we’ll find something that blends so well you won’t know the difference.

📍 3. Region of Origin: The Hidden Clue

Knowing where the original tile came from can be a huge help. Certain manufacturers only served specific regions. For example:

• Tiles from the Midwest often came from Ohio or Illinois makers
• California and the South West has a long tradition of importing Spanish and Mexican mission tiles
• New England often used English-style shingle or flat tiles

If you have even a rough location of where the tile was installed, we can narrow the search dramatically.

🕵️ 4. Let Us Do the Sleuthing

Not sure what you’re looking at? That’s where we come in.

You can send us:

• A few clear photos (front and back)
• Approximate dimensions
• Any markings or stamps on the back
• A rough idea of when the roof was installed

From there, we’ll help identify the tile and either match it from our reclaimed stock or source it from our network of trusted contacts.

🧰 Matching Tiles, Preserving Character

There’s an art to getting it right — and we’ve been doing this long enough to know what to look for. Whether you need just a few tiles for a repair or enough for a full restoration, we’re ready to help.

📩 Need Help Identifying Your Tile?

Visit our Reclaimed Roof Tile page, send us a photo or fill out our contact form. We’ll help you find the perfect match — no guesswork, just expert help.