Antique Roof Tiles

The choice on which antique tile you want to use will depend on shape and color blend.  The shape/style of tile brakes down into barrel tile or flat tile or a mixture of both.

Clay roofing tile is an Art as ancient as the Mediterranean itself, with the Greek, Roman and Middle Eastern civilizations that produced colorful terracotta barrel tiles that were strong and durable. The majority of the reclaimed tiles that we sell today are already more than 100 years old, and pass through thorough inspections before becoming the clay roofing of your home.

LEFT IMAGE - The barrel shape is identical both for the Cap tiles (top pieces) and the Pan tile (the upside down  one on the bottom). The majority of tiles are wider at one end and thinner at the other allowing for an  easier and more graceful look as they are laid. Myth has it that the shape is given by the fact that the wet clay was shaped using one’s thighs. Probably true in the origins and for small batches, but almost all the tiles from the Renaissance onward were made by using molds. Each region had their size preferences, some dictated by taste others by local rules.

CENTER & RIGHT IMAGE - Some areas of France used smaller flat tiles with pegs whereas areas of Central and Southern Italy went with a mixture of flat and curved. The flat pan tile, called a “Roman Pan” has vertical edges that catch the barrel cap tile. Again sizes varied a great deal so please do contact us for sizing information.

BELOW - Two European reclaimed 19th century styles, available with straight or curved edges. Supplied cleaned or uncleaned.

From the color point of view each geographical area has differences, even within the same country.