How to Identify an Unknown Roof Tile Using a Photo and Tape Measure

A single cracked or missing tile can quickly lead to leaks, water staining, and costly repairs. The challenge for many homeowners and roofers is that thousands of roof tile profiles in Australia are now discontinued or obsolete, particularly older ranges from Monier, Bristile, and Wunderlich.

Replacing a roof tile doesn’t always mean ordering a whole pallet. At Roof Tile Recyclers, we specialise in matching individual tiles from our stock of more than 150,000 recycled and hard-to-find profiles. This makes it possible to repair a section of roof without the expense of a full reroof. For many, identifying the right tile is the crucial first step.

Step 1 – Take a Clear Photo of the Tile

The easiest way to start identifying your roof tile is with a photo. You don’t need professional equipment, a smartphone camera will do.

• Capture the front and back of the tile.
• Always include a side profile, as the curve or flatness of a tile is one of the best clues for matching.
• Take photos in natural daylight against a neutral background, avoiding shadows or glare.

Tip: Place a small object, such as a coin or ruler, beside the tile for scale.

Once your photos are ready, you can upload them directly through our Tile Finder Tool so our team can begin comparing them against our inventory of obsolete and current tiles.

Step 2 – Measure the Tile with a Tape

A roof tile’s dimensions are often the deciding factor in whether it can be matched. Two tiles may look similar at first glance but differ by only a few millimetres, enough to cause leaks or poor alignment.

When measuring:

• Record the length and width from edge to edge.
• Measure the thickness or depth, especially for concrete profiles.
• Pay attention to distinctive shapes, such as a central hump or the width of a watercourse.

Common Australian profiles include the Marseille terracotta tile, the Macquarie concrete tile, and the Regent S-profile. Noting these features ensures that the match will sit flush with the surrounding roof.

Step 3 – Check for Manufacturer Markings

Many roof tiles in Australia have identifying details on the underside. If you can safely remove a tile or access a spare, turn it over and look for:

• Stamped names or logos, common manufacturers include Monier, Bristile, Boral, Pioneer, Wunderlich, and Lutum.
• Profile codes or numbers, these often indicate the model or batch.
• Raised imprints or faded marks, use a flashlight or rub chalk across the back to make worn markings easier to read.

Knowing the brand narrows the search dramatically. For example, Monier Concrete Tiles and Bristile Terracotta Tiles have distinct profiles that are still stocked today.

Step 4 – Compare Using RTR’s Online Tile Finder Tool

While many homeowners search forums or Facebook groups for answers, those sources are often unreliable. A better approach is to use RTR’s dedicated Tile Finder Tool.

Here’s how it works:

1. Upload your tile photos (front, back, side).
2. Add the dimensions you’ve measured.
3. Our team cross-checks against 150,000+ recycled and obsolete tiles in stock.

This process often identifies a tile within 24 hours, even for discontinued lines that other suppliers can’t provide.

Step 5 – Confirm the Tile Material

Once markings and dimensions are logged, confirming the material type helps refine the match:

• Terracotta (clay): warm earthy tones, slightly porous, long lifespan.
• Concrete: heavy, smooth surface, often painted or coated.
• Slate: natural stone appearance, cool to touch, irregular edges.
• Metal/Composite: lightweight, thin, flexible, sometimes with a visible metallic sheen.

Understanding whether you have concrete or terracotta is especially important before ordering replacements, as these tiles behave differently when installed and coated. For homeowners considering painting as an alternative, our FAQ section covers whether concrete or terracotta can be repainted and what preparation is required.

Step 6 – Order a Matching Tile Replacement

Once the profile, measurements, and material have been confirmed, the next step is securing the replacement. At Roof Tile Recyclers, we make this simple:

• Single Tile Sales: Unlike most suppliers, we’ll sell one tile if that’s all you need.
• Bulk Orders: Whether you’re replacing ten tiles or a thousand, we can supply consistent batches.
• Delivery Across Australia: Tiles are carefully packed and shipped to any postcode, with local pickup also available from our Prospect, NSW warehouse.

This approach means you don’t have to buy a full pallet to fix a small section of roof, keeping repairs affordable and sustainable. For enquiries or same-day pickup, you can contact us directly.

What If the Tile Can’t Be Matched?

Even with Australia’s largest recycled tile inventory, there are times when an exact match is no longer available. In these cases, we help homeowners and roofers find the next best solution:

• Colour Visualiser Tool: Our 42-colour visualiser lets you preview coatings that blend replacement tiles into the rest of the roof.
• Tile Relocation: Move tiles from less visible areas of the roof to more prominent spots, then fill the hidden gaps with alternatives.
• Roofer Referrals: For larger repairs or re-roofing, we can connect you with accredited roofers in your area through our Roofers Near Me network.

These options ensure your roof remains watertight and visually consistent, even if the original tile is out of production.

Start Your Tile Match Today

Don’t let a single broken or missing tile compromise your entire roof. With Roof Tile Recyclers, identifying and replacing an unknown roof tile is straightforward:

1. Take clear photos of the tile (front, back, and side).
2. Measure its length, width, and thickness.
3. Upload your details using our Tile Finder Tool.

From there, our team will review your information and compare it against our stock of more than 150,000 recycled and obsolete tiles. In many cases, we can provide a match within 24 hours, delivered anywhere in Australia or ready for same-day pickup at our Prospect, NSW warehouse.

If your tile is no longer manufactured, we’ll guide you through colour-matching options or connect you with a roofer for larger repair projects.

📞 Need a quick answer? Call us (02) 9756 3350 today to discuss your roof tile match and get your replacement sorted fast.

FAQs About Roof Tile Identification

Here are some of the most common questions we hear from both homeowners and roofers:

How do I tell what roof tiles I have?Check the tile’s underside for markings, measure its dimensions, and confirm the material type. Our Tile Finder Tool combines these clues to narrow down your match.

Is there an app to identify tiles?There are generic apps, but they’re not reliable for Australian profiles. Our database is designed specifically for Monier, Bristile, Wunderlich, and other local brands.

Can you match a roof tile with just a photo?Yes, provided the photo clearly shows the tile’s profile and surface texture. Measurements add accuracy, but our team can often identify tiles from images alone.

What if my tile is discontinued?We stock over 150,000 obsolete tiles, and if yours is no longer available, we’ll suggest colour-matching or roofer referrals as alternatives.