Different intended functions
Roof tiles form an exterior water-shedding covering with overlaps, joints, attachment provisions and edge details suited to their intended assembly. Floor and wall ceramics are designed for other installation systems. A similar color or fired-clay composition does not establish that a floor tile can function as a roof tile or that a roof tile meets a flooring specification.
Consider the complete exposure
A roofing product may need to address wind, driven rain, freezing exposure and the forces associated with its supporting and attachment system. The building also needs underlayment, flashing and drainage details. Substituting an unrelated ceramic product leaves these questions unresolved. Avoid treating a decorative sample or a marketplace description as evidence of roofing suitability.
Order with a precise description
State that the material is clay roof tile and include the manufacturer, profile, finish, product documents and intended application. For reclaimed material, ask for identification and condition information instead of relying on an attractive photograph. If a design calls for an unusual ceramic feature, have the designer and manufacturer resolve its construction and weathering details before it becomes part of the roof.
Further reading & technical sources
- ASTM · C1167-22, Standard Specification for Clay Roof Tiles ↗
- National Park Service · Preservation Brief 30 ↗
- Building America Solution Center · Clay or Concrete Tile Roofs ↗
Consult the current product documentation and local requirements for your project. These introductions are not installation specifications.
More tile roofing guides
- How clay roof tiles are made
- Terracotta, ceramic and clay: what the names mean
- Pressed and extruded clay roof tile
Tile Roofing USA editorial guide · Published October 28, 2026.