Questions covered in this guide
Name both material and shape
The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance describes clay and concrete tile in varied profiles, including curved forms and styles resembling slate or shake. A photograph alone cannot identify the material, product, or complete assembly proposed for your house.
Study the roof as several visible surfaces
Ask for images or samples showing the field tile, ridge, hips, and exposed edges together. Compare the view from the driveway with the side elevation, especially if a low addition meets a taller roof. Identify any section you intend to keep. Tell the installer whether you want an exact match, a deliberate contrast, or the closest available replacement. Do not let an attractive field sample become automatic approval of every finishing piece.
Prepare a tile identification card
Record the manufacturer, product series, clay or concrete designation, profile, finish, color blend, and sample identifier. Add separate blanks for ridge and hip components. Ask the installer to enter the proposed assembly and identify who will determine whether the existing structure is suitable. Include a place for discontinued products or substitutions. If two bids use different profile names, compare their product sheets before treating them as competing prices for the same roof.
Resolve the incomplete parts of the proposal
Have the roofer distinguish the selected appearance from any unresolved support, attachment, or transition details. Ask when each unresolved item will be determined and whether it could change the order. Keep a physical sample and an approved product sheet with your project records. Use the national roofing calculator for broad planning only; a tile selection needs a project-specific quote. Ordering should follow confirmation of the complete assembly and its suitability for the property.
Putting it into practice
The worksheet makes material, profile, finish, and accessory choices explicit. This is useful when a homeowner asks for a tile look but competing bids represent different physical products and incomplete edge treatments.
Sources and supported claims
The Tile Roofing Industry Alliance describes both clay and concrete roof tile.
Source ↗ · national · Checked 2026-10-12
The alliance describes tile profiles resembling wood shake, slate, and curved barrel or S shapes.
Source ↗ · national · Checked 2026-10-12