To replace old roof tiles you need a tile that matches on four things: material, manufacturer, profile and colour. Turn a tile over to find the maker’s stamp, photograph the front and back, and take it to a yard that stocks older profiles. On a weathered roof, a second-hand tile of the same profile usually blends in better than a new one.
The short answer
- Match material, manufacturer, profile and colour
- The back of the tile usually shows the maker’s name
- Second-hand tiles often blend in better on an older roof
- Many older profiles are only available reclaimed
- Buy a few spares; neighbouring tiles can crack when lifted
Step 1: identify your tile
- Material: look at the back or a broken edge. Terracotta is clay coloured all the way through; concrete is grey underneath even when the face is coloured.
- Manufacturer: most tiles carry the maker’s name on the back. On Melbourne roofs we commonly see Boral, Clarke, Monier and Pioneer, among others.
- Profile: the shape across the tile: flat, low wave, high wave, or the double roman and french patterns on older homes.
- Colour and finish: including how much the roof has weathered or faded.
Step 2: photograph it properly
- Front and back of a loose or spare tile, in daylight
- A close-up of any stamp or lettering on the back
- A wider photo of the roof showing the colour in place
- A tape measure across the tile if you can, for overall size
Spare tiles are often stacked in the garage or under the house from when the roof was built. If you have one, bring it in. Nothing matches as well as the real thing.
Step 3: new or second-hand?
| New tiles | Second-hand tiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full re-roofs and extensions | Replacing a few tiles on an older roof |
| Colour match | Fresh colour can stand out on a weathered roof | Already weathered, so blends in |
| Availability | Current profiles only | Includes discontinued profiles |
| Read more | Roof tiles and supplies | Second-hand roof tiles |
Concrete tiles that no longer match closely can be brought back to a uniform colour with a roof recoat as part of a restoration. Terracotta is usually matched rather than painted.
Step 4: where to find them
Royce Roofing’s yards hold one of Melbourne’s largest stocks of roof tiles: around 250 pallets in Mulgrave and a second yard in Doveton, with over 200 tile types between them, new and reclaimed, terracotta and concrete. Homeowners, handymen and trade roofers buy from us every day.
Send us your photos through the contact form and tick “Help finding a tile”, or bring a sample to 5-6 Rosemary Court, Mulgrave. Stock changes daily, so call 1300 992 911 before you drive over.
Looking for a matching tile?
Send us a photo of the front and back, or bring a sample to our Mulgrave yard.
Step 5: how many to buy
Buy the number of broken tiles plus a few spares. Lifting tiles to slide a new one in can crack the ones around it, especially on older roofs, and spares on hand make the next repair simple. For an extension or a large repair, we can help work out quantities from the roof area and profile.
Fitting replacement tiles
Replacing tiles like for like generally does not need a building permit in Victoria. New tiles should be fixed to Australian Standard AS 2050 and the National Construction Code, which set out how roof tiles are laid and fixed, including the ridge, hip, barge and valley tiles. Our crews fit what you buy if you would rather not get on the roof, and our guide to replacing a broken roof tile walks through the job.
Sources: BPC: When is a building permit required? (BP-01); HIA: AS 2050 Installation of roof tiles; NCC 2022 Housing Provisions Part 7.3: Roof tiles.
When replacing tiles is not enough
If broken tiles are turning up all over the roof, the problem is usually the roof’s age rather than bad luck. At that point a restoration or a roof replacement may be better value than chasing individual tiles. We will tell you honestly which applies after an inspection.
Common questions
How do I find a matching roof tile?
Identify the material, check the back for the maker’s name, note the profile and colour, and photograph the front and back. A yard with older and reclaimed stock can then find the closest match.
Can I still get discontinued roof tiles?
Often, yes, as second-hand tiles. Many older profiles are no longer made but are available reclaimed. Our yards hold over 200 tile types, including discontinued profiles.
Are second-hand roof tiles any good?
Sound second-hand tiles perform like new ones and often blend in better on a weathered roof. They should be checked for cracks and chips before use.
How many spare roof tiles should I keep?
Buy a few more than you need for the repair. Neighbouring tiles can crack when lifted, and spares make future repairs quick.
Do I need a permit to replace roof tiles?
Replacing tiles like for like generally does not need a building permit in Victoria. Changing to a different covering material usually does.
Can you fit the tiles I buy?
Yes. Royce Roofing crews replace tiles across Melbourne, and we can supply only or supply and fit.
Related
Sources: BPC: When is a building permit required? (BP-01); HIA: AS 2050 Installation of roof tiles; NCC 2022 Housing Provisions Part 7.3: Roof tiles.
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