Matching old roof tiles is one of the hardest parts of roof repair. And if your roof tiles are no longer manufactured, a simple roof project can turn into a frustrating search for tiles! Even if you know the brand or style, finding the right size, profile and colour is not always easy. The good news is that a close or even perfect match could still be possible. With the right information, the right supplier, and access to recycled roof tiles, you can find old roof tiles that match. In this article, we explain why matching old roof tiles is so difficult, what information suppliers need from you, and how tiles are identified. We also look at why colour matching matters, the common mistakes homeowners make, and what to do when an exact match is no longer available!
If you are struggling with matching old roof tiles, give us a call and our team can help you find the closest possible match. You can also browse our range of roofing supplies and recycled roof tiles available across NSW.
Why Is Matching Old Roof Tiles So Difficult?
Matching old roof tiles is difficult because so many original tiles are no longer made. Over time, manufacturers discontinue certain profiles, sizes and styles, which means the exact tile used on your roof might not be available anymore. In some cases, the manufacturer has closed down altogether, making the search even harder.
Colour also plays a big part.
Even if you find the right profile, older tiles have usually faded and weathered over the years of sun, rain, and exposure. This means a new or reclaimed tile that should match can still look different. So you can see why matching old roof tiles is such a tricky task! Let’s find out how you can successfully match your old tiles with as little stress as possible.
What You Need When Contacting Suppliers
A successful old roof tile match starts with great preparation. Before contacting suppliers, it helps to gather clear photos and as much detail as possible about the tile you need to replace. This gives suppliers a better chance of identifying the correct style and finding the closest available match for you. Here are the most important photos you need to take before you contact a supplier:
Tile Profile: Clear photo of the tile profile from the front, showing its shape, curves or lines.
Side-angle Photo: This can reveal the tile’s depth and form more clearly.
Underside Markings: If possible, lift a tile safely and photograph the underside markings, as these may show a brand name, model number or other identifying detail.
Roof Overview: It’s helpful to take a wider roof overview photo so suppliers can see the roof style, tile layout and overall colour.
The more accurate the information you provide, the easier it is for tile suppliers to narrow down the options and help you find a suitable match.
How Do Suppliers Identify Tiles?
Once you’ve contacted your supplier and given them all the photos and information, what do they do with it? Suppliers start by examining the tile’s profile shape, which helps them narrow down the style and manufacturer. Even small differences in curves, ridges, or edges can indicate a completely different tile.
They also consider the tile’s thickness, since older and newer products can vary in size and weight. In Australia, roof tile dimensions, installation methods and performance requirements are governed by the National Construction Code, which is maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board.
Another important detail is the interlocking system. Many roof tiles are designed to fit together in a specific way, so suppliers need to check how the tile overlaps and locks into the surrounding tiles.
Regional manufacturing differences are also something that suppliers consider! Some tiles were only made in certain areas, and similar-looking tiles from another region may not be an exact match. By comparing all of these details, suppliers can identify the closest possible option and help you avoid ordering tiles that will not fit or blend in properly.
Why Is Colour Matching Important?
Colour matching is an important part of replacing old roof tiles, because even when the profile is correct, the wrong colour can still make the repair stand out! Here’s why that matters so much:
- Appearance: A close colour match helps the repaired section blend in with the rest of the roof, keeping the home looking neat and well-maintained.
- Resale value: A roof with mismatched tiles can affect how buyers see the property, making repairs look obvious or unfinished.
- Patch visibility: When only a small section is repaired, a tile that is too dark, too light or the wrong tone can draw attention straight away.
- Ageing differences: Older tiles have usually faded and weathered over time, so even a similar modern tile may still look noticeably different once installed.
This is why colour matters just as much as profile. The closer the colour match, the more natural the repair will look across your whole roof!
Common Mistakes When Matching Old Roof Tiles
One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when matching old roof tiles is buying “similar” tiles online without checking the exact profile, size or fit. A tile may look like a match in a photo but be completely wrong once it arrives! Another issue is mixing incompatible profiles. Even small differences in shape, thickness or interlocking design can stop tiles from sitting properly on the roof, which leads to leaks or a patchy finish.
Some homeowners also try painting mismatched sections to make them blend in. While this may seem like a quick fix, painted tiles often look unnatural and can weather differently from the rest of the roof over time. In many cases, it makes the repair more noticeable.
The safest approach is to avoid guessing. A proper tile match takes more than finding something that looks close. It is always better to get advice from a supplier who understands older roof tiles and reclaimed stock.
Old Roof Tile Matching FAQs
Should I buy spare roof tiles when matching old tiles?
It is usually a good idea to buy more tiles than you need for the immediate repair. This gives you a few spare tiles in case any are damaged during installation, and it also helps with future repairs if more tiles crack later on.
Are some old roof tiles impossible to match?
Yes, sadly, in some cases they are. If a tile profile has been discontinued for many years, the manufacturer has closed down, or there is very little reclaimed stock left, finding an exact match may not be possible. That said, a close match can usually still be found if you find a good supplier, like Recycling Roof Tiles!
Can old roof tiles be reused from another part of my roof?
In some situations, yes. A roofer may be able to take matching tiles from a less visible part of the roof and use them in a more noticeable repair area. Then, a similar replacement tile can be used in the hidden section, where it will not stand out as much. It is not always possible on every roof, but it can be worth asking about.
Does the age of my roof affect how well replacement tiles will blend in?
Yes, the age of your roof can make a big difference. Over time, roof tiles fade, weather and change in appearance. This means that even if you find the right tile profile, a replacement tile may still look newer or slightly different in colour. That is why recycled roof tiles are often a better option than brand-new ones if you have an old roof.
What if my supplier can’t find a match for my old roof tiles?
If your supplier cannot find an exact match, don’t despair! In many cases, they can still help you find the closest possible alternative. This may include a reclaimed tile with a similar profile and colour, or advice on using matching tiles in the most visible areas and close substitutes elsewhere.
Expert Advice From Recycled Roof Tile Specialists
At Recycling Roof Tiles, our team regularly helps homeowners and roofers identify discontinued roof tiles and find suitable replacements. With years of experience handling reclaimed roof tiles, we understand the small differences in tile profile, thickness and interlocking systems that can affect whether a replacement tile will fit properly.
Many older roofs across NSW were built using tile profiles that are no longer manufactured. Because we specialise in recycled roof tiles, we can often locate matching tiles that are no longer available through standard suppliers.
If you are unsure what type of roof tile you have, our team can help identify it from photos or measurements and recommend the closest available match.
How Choosing Recycled Roof Tiles Can Help
Choosing recycled roof tiles makes the process of matching old roof tiles much easier. When a tile is no longer manufactured, reclaimed and second-hand tiles give homeowners the best chance of finding a close match in both profile and colour. Because these tiles have already aged naturally, they blend in far better with your existing roof than brand-new alternatives. This can help avoid obvious patching and keep your roof looking its best!
At Recycling Roof Tiles, we offer a wide range of roof tiles for purchase, including cement and terracotta roof tiles. Whether you need to replace a few broken tiles, repair storm damage or match an extension to your current roof, our team can help you find the best match. If we do not have the specific type of tile you are looking for, we can source it for you. Give us a call today on to discuss your old roof tile matching needs!
