Tile types
- Curved (Spanish or “mission”) tiles, laid as over and under channels.
- Mixed or interlocking profiles that cover more area per tile.
- Flat tiles for a modern look.
- Matching accessories: ridge tiles, hip tiles, verge and ventilation pieces.
Technical points
Ask for the declaration of performance and the manufacturer’s installation guidance for the profile you choose.
- EN 1304 sets the requirements for clay roofing tiles and fittings.
- Frost resistance, important for cold climates, is tested under EN 539-2.
- Impermeability, flexural strength and dimensional tolerances.
- Minimum roof pitch recommended by the manufacturer for each profile.
Colour and finish
Natural red terracotta, aged or flashed tones, and engobed or glazed finishes. Natural clay varies between batches; for a single roof, order from one batch and keep a reference sample.
Packing and shipping
Roof tiles are heavy and fragile. Agree the pallet type and packing, and how many accessories are needed per square metre. Containers are weight-limited. Prices are commonly quoted EXW the factory, FOB a Spanish port or CFR/CIF to your port.
Climate and installation
Clay tiles behave differently in hot, dry climates and in cold, wet ones. In areas with frost, absorption and frost resistance matter most; in windy or coastal areas, fixing methods and clips become important. The manufacturer’s installation guidance, together with local building rules, should decide the batten spacing, fixings and minimum pitch, rather than price alone.
Renovation and matching
For renovation projects, matching existing tiles is often the main concern. Send photos and, if possible, a sample tile with its dimensions. Aged or flashed finishes can help new tiles blend in, but exact matches are not always possible; ask for samples before committing.
Storage on site
Store pallets on level ground and keep packaging intact until use. Mixing tiles from several pallets during installation helps spread any natural colour variation across the roof.
Profiles and coverage compared
- Curved tiles give the traditional Mediterranean look but need more pieces per square metre and more labour.
- Interlocking tiles cover more area with fewer pieces and lock together, which can help in windy conditions.
- Flat tiles suit contemporary designs and need careful attention to pitch and underlay.
Documents for CE-marked products
Clay roof tiles sold in the EU are construction products covered by a harmonised standard, so manufacturers issue a declaration of performance and CE marking. Keep these documents with the order: building inspectors, architects and contractors may ask for them.
Ordering enough material
Order the full quantity for a roof in one go, including a margin for cuts and breakages agreed with the installer, plus a few spare tiles for future repairs. Reordering later can mean a different batch and a visible colour difference.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a profile without checking the roof pitch it requires.
- Ignoring frost resistance in cold climates.
- Ordering tiles without enough ridge, hip and verge pieces.
- Mixing batches on the same roof.
Checklist before you order
- Profile, colour and finish chosen from samples.
- Declaration of performance and frost resistance class checked.
- Accessories calculated with the installer.
- Packing, pallet type and container weight agreed.
- Incoterm, payment terms and documents in writing.
How Kestrade helps
We find manufacturers that make the profile and finish you need, check their documents and capacity, and present one offer with accessories, Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.