Start with the existing architectural language
Record whether the building has broad roof planes, small projecting roofs, deep eaves or decorative ridge lines. Historic curved-tile roofs use several different arrangements, and regional names can overlap. Keep photographs and profile sketches together so the design discussion concerns the actual shape rather than an ambiguous label such as Spanish or Mediterranean.
Examine the cap and pan separately
A two-piece Mission system has separate covers and drainage pans. Ludowici’s Tapered Barrel Mission 14 combines tapered caps with straight pans. That particular pairing demonstrates why a sample of the cover alone is incomplete: the assembled spacing, visible pan and size of the cap all contribute to the roof’s repeating rhythm.
Compare a one-piece alternative in assembly
Ludowici Spanish 13 is a one-piece barrel profile, with a larger Spanish option also offered. A one-piece sample should still be viewed as several joined courses. Compare the resulting wave, edge line and interval between raised portions with the proposed two-piece design; similarity in color does not make their finished patterns identical.
Give the perimeter its own design review
Photograph the first visible course, the side edges and the meeting of hips and ridges. These features often make the difference between a generic curved roof and the building’s original character. Prepare a separate list of closures, starters and terminals, then review their shape and visibility alongside the main field rather than selecting them later by convenience.
Check the pattern on more than one roof plane
Compare the intended appearance on the broadest slope and on a small dormer or porch. A pattern that feels balanced across a large surface may read differently over a short run. For restoration, document any deliberate changes in tile size or exposure. Keep those visual decisions in the drawings so the historic roof’s rhythm remains legible.
Related questions
Further reading & technical sources
- National Park Service · Preservation Brief 30 ↗
- Ludowici · Tapered Barrel Mission 14 ↗
- Ludowici · Spanish 13 ↗
Consult the current product documentation and local requirements for your project. These introductions are not installation specifications.
Tile Roofing USA editorial guide · Published October 26, 2026.