Measure more than overall length
A curved tile may taper from one end to the other. Record the width at each end, curvature, thickness, overall length and any fixing features using a safely available sample. Note which end faces the eave and whether the piece served as a pan or a cover. A photograph without orientation or scale can be misleading.
Document installed relationships
Have the roofer record course spacing, side relationships and how units sit on their supports. Some older roofs contain more than one generation of repair tile. Compare several representative locations rather than treating the first loose tile as definitive. Mark samples by roof area so differences can be traced to their original positions.
Require a physical fit check
A candidate tile may share nominal dimensions yet curve differently or contact its neighbors at different points. Ask for a trial assembly before ordering a large quantity. Record where the proposed unit is acceptable and where a special piece is required. If a custom reproduction is considered, approve both appearance and fit, and retain the accepted prototype as the reference for production.
Further reading & technical sources
Consult the current product documentation and local requirements for your project. These introductions are not installation specifications.
More tile roofing guides
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- French interlocking clay roof tile
- Roman pan-and-cover clay roof tile
Tile Roofing USA editorial guide · Published October 28, 2026.