Start with the material
Clay roof tile is a fired ceramic building product. Terracotta commonly describes fired clay with an earthy appearance, but the word alone does not identify a particular roof tile, performance grade or attachment method. Concrete roof tile uses a different manufacturing process. Both materials can appear in curved and flat profiles, so a photograph or color name is not enough to establish what is on a roof.
Then identify the shape and surface
Spanish, Mission, French and flat tile describe families of shapes or traditions, with individual manufacturers using their own product names. A glaze is a surface finish, not a separate roof structure. A color blend describes the combination of tones selected for a roof. Write these attributes separately so a supplier can identify the intended material rather than substitute a visual approximation.
Build an identification record
Record any readable underside marks, dimensions, edge configuration, profile and surface appearance from a tile already removed by a qualified roofer. Keep photographs with a scale and the roof location. Do not climb a roof to obtain a sample. When the original product remains uncertain, describe it as unidentified clay tile until a reliable comparison supports a more precise name.
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
- How clay roof tiles are made
- Pressed and extruded clay roof tile
- Why roof tile is not floor or wall tile
Tile Roofing USA editorial guide · Published October 28, 2026.