Preparing and shaping the clay
Manufacturing starts with preparing clay for consistent forming. Depending on the product, a maker may press material into a mold, extrude it through a shaped opening, or use several forming operations. The resulting tile may include drainage channels, nibs, holes or interlocking edges. Those features belong to a specific product design; a similar-looking tile from another factory is not necessarily compatible.
Drying, finishing and firing
A formed tile must dry before kiln firing. Surface treatments and firing conditions help determine its appearance. Natural color variation, deliberately mixed tones and applied finishes are different design choices. Ask the manufacturer which finish the proposed color uses and request actual samples. A digital rendering cannot show every texture, edge or change under daylight.
What to request for a project
Keep the exact product name, profile drawing, manufacturing source, finish designation and current technical sheet together. Request the applicable installation instructions and product test information as well. A factory story explains craftsmanship, but it does not establish the fastening schedule, allowable slope or suitability for a particular building. Those decisions require the complete roof assembly and local conditions.
Further reading & technical sources
- National Park Service · Preservation Brief 30 ↗
- Ludowici · How clay tile is made ↗
- Ludowici product technical documentation ↗
Consult the current product documentation and local requirements for your project. These introductions are not installation specifications.
More tile roofing guides
- Terracotta, ceramic and clay: what the names mean
- Pressed and extruded clay roof tile
- Why roof tile is not floor or wall tile
Tile Roofing USA editorial guide · Published October 28, 2026.