Sydney’s Trusted Source for Quality Recycled Roof Tiles & Roofing Supplies.
Sydney’s Trusted Source for Quality Recycled Roof Tiles & Roofing Supplies.
Terracotta roof tiles have been around for thousands of years and have been used across the world, from China to Greece to right here in Australia. The name itself comes from the Italian “baked earth”. Fitting, since these tiles are crafted from natural clay and fired in a kiln until they’re tough, water-resistant, and almost indestructible.
While most roofing materials fade, crack, or wear out over time, with the right care and maintenance, terracotta can last almost a lifetime. It holds its colour, even under Australia’s harsh sun, and helps regulate your home’s temperature, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
It’s no wonder terracotta has become a popular choice across the world! But, whether you’re building a new home, tackling a renovation, or simply need to replace a few tiles, choosing the right profile makes all the difference.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to source, match, and order the perfect terracotta roof tiles so your home not only looks sharp but stands the test of time.
Made from clay that’s fired in kilns at temperatures around 1,000°C, terracotta tiles get their signature reddish-orange colour from the iron particles in the clay reacting with oxygen.
But, what makes terracotta different from other materials?
Unlike synthetic or factory-coated tiles, terracotta is a ceramic made from natural clay. This makes it an organic, eco-friendly choice that doesn’t just look good but is built to last. Because the colour runs all the way through the tile (instead of sitting on the surface like paint), it never fades, even under the harshest sun.
That’s why leading manufacturers like Monier back their terracotta tiles with a 50-year colour warranty.
Terracotta tiles also have natural waterproofing qualities, so they don’t rely on extra chemical treatments to keep the rain out. They are also fire-resistant, giving your home serious protection in bushfire-prone areas.
With minimal maintenance, terracotta tiles typically last 50–75 years, and many roofs have held up for over a century. Compared to concrete tiles (around 50 years), asphalt shingles (about 30 years), or metal roofing like Colorbond (25–50 years), terracotta offers unmatched durability, making it one of the most reliable and long-lasting roofing materials you can invest in.
Part of this durability comes from how well terracotta holds up against the elements. These tiles are heavy enough to withstand fierce winds, up to 150 miles per hour, and naturally resistant to water damage, mould, and fire.
Terracotta performs well no matter where you live:
When compared to concrete and metal roofing, terracotta consistently takes the lead:
The only real consideration? Price. Terracotta tiles do cost more upfront than concrete. But when you factor in their unmatched lifespan, colour stability, and low maintenance, they’re a long-term investment that often saves homeowners money (and headaches) in the long run.
Terracotta roof tiles don’t just come in one shape or size. They’re available in a wide variety of profiles, each offering a unique look and performance benefit.. Sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, but common dimensions for many profiles sit around 280mm wide and 455mm long.
Roof tiles aren’t always one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on your home’s style, colour palette, and even the climate you live in. By carefully considering colour, texture, finish, and structure, you can achieve a roof that looks great and performs well for decades.
Terracotta tiles come in a range of natural shades, from deep reds and brick tones to softer oranges and pinks. The clay’s origin and use of pigments. Stains influence the final colour, giving homeowners plenty of options to complement their exterior.
Need some inspiration? Consider pairing terracotta tiles with whites, creams, or beiges. If you’re after something more modern, dark grey or anthracite (coal colour) accents can create a sharp contrast, especially if you match the tone of the mortar joints.
The surface texture of terracotta tiles can change their entire look. Textures reduce glare and highlight the natural colour of the clay, often giving each tile a unique character. Some homeowners prefer a mix of textures for added depth, while others prefer a more uniform look.
When it comes to finishes, glazed tiles deliver a polished, reflective style, while unglazed tiles give off a more earthy, natural vibe. Profiles such as the Monier Nouveau line combine texture and elegance, offering a sophisticated finish that works especially well on modern homes.
Your home’s design should help guide your tile choice. Older, heritage-style homes often look most authentic with traditional terracotta profiles in classic reds or deep browns. Coastal homes, on the other hand, may look good with softer greys or off-white tiles finished with a satin glaze. If you have a contemporary or more modern property, sleek flat tiles in charcoal or black can create a bold statement.
Climate can directly affect how your roof performs. In hot, sunny regions, lighter tiles help reduce heat absorption. In cooler, wetter climates, you’ll want tiles and profiles designed to drain water efficiently and prevent dampness.
Terracotta performs especially well in coastal areas, where it is resistant to wind, salt spray, and moisture. Thanks to its insulating properties, it also helps regulate indoor temperatures year-round, reducing energy costs in both summer and winter.
Finding the right terracotta tiles starts with choosing the right supplier. Specialist roofing suppliers, tile yards, and manufacturer showrooms usually carry a wider range than general building outlets.
At RoofBros, we make roofing simple. With over 20 years of combined experience, we supply premium new and recycled terracotta tiles from trusted brands like Monier and Bristile that are the ideal choice for new builds, renovations, or matching existing profiles.
Monier is one of Australia’s most established terracotta tile manufacturers. Their tiles are handcrafted locally in Victoria, reducing wait times compared to imported products.
Popular profiles include the French-inspired Marseille, the modern Urban Shingle, and the textured Nouveau, giving homeowners plenty of design flexibility.
Why choose Monier?
Bristile, part of the Brickworks Building Products Group, offers both locally made tiles and premium La Escandella terracotta tiles imported from Spain. Their products combine heritage charm with modern performance and come backed by strong warranties, like the Colour for Life Guarantee and up to 100 years product warranty.
Why choose Bristile?
As terracotta roof tiles are so durable and long-lasting, many removed tiles remain in excellent condition even after decades on a roof. This makes them ideal for restoration projects, repairs, or heritage homes where you need to match the tiles.
Because these tiles come from older roofs, they already carry a natural weathered finish that blends seamlessly with existing structures, avoiding the “patchwork” look that sometimes comes with new tiles.
Beyond aesthetics, second-hand tiles are also more cost-effective. They provide the same durability and longevity as new terracotta, but at a fraction of the cost. Sustainability is another major benefit. Choosing recycled tiles reduces waste and lowers the demand for new manufacturing, which makes them an environmentally responsible option.
At RoofBros, we carefully source, inspect, and stock quality second-hand terracotta roof tiles, so you can be confident in their performance. Our range makes it easier for homeowners to find the right match for their project, whether you’re replacing just a few tiles or sourcing larger quantities for a complete roof restoration.
Requesting samples before buying terracotta roof tiles is an important step. Handling a sample in person helps you evaluate its colour, finish, and fit for your home. Here are the key factors to check:
Check out our colour visualiser for experimenting with different terracotta shades on your roof and seeing how they pair with your home’s exterior before making a final decision!
After all, buying too many tiles can drain your budget unnecessarily, while ordering too few and be left short during installation, causing delays and extra costs! After looking at samples and deciding on the tile, you should have a good idea of its size, giving you a good place to start on determining how many tiles you need to order.
Next you need to know how big your roof is. Measure the total roof area in square meters, including slopes, valleys, and any irregular sections. Accuracy here is crucial for proper coverage.
You may already have these details outlined in building plans. For those who don’t, it’s worth taking the time to measure carefully yourself (or hire a professional to ensure every angle and slope is accounted for and accurate).
To get an estimate of how big your roof is, you will need to determine its length, width, and pitch of each roof plane. Here’s a quick overview of how:
1. Identify the Roof Shape: Break your roof into simple shapes like rectangles, triangles, or trapezoids. Take note of dormers, skylights, chimneys, or other features as they’ll need separate measurements.
2. Measure Length and Width: Use a tape measure to get the length and width of the building in metres. Add any roof overhangs to your measurements. Be sure to record each section’s measurements clearly to avoid mistakes!
3. Measure the Roof Slope (Pitch): This requires roof access, so safety first! Place a spirit level horizontally on the roof edge. Measure the vertical distance (rise) in centimetres from the level to the roof decking 30 cm away (run). For example: A rise of 12 cm over a 30 cm run equals a slope of 12/30, or 40%. You can also use online pitch factor tables to calculate the slope if measuring directly is difficult.
4. Calculate Roof Area: To calculate your roof area, first break the roof into simple shapes. For rectangular sections, multiply the length by the width in square metres. For triangular sections, multiply the base by the height and then divide by two. For trapezoidal sections, add the lengths of the two parallel sides, divide by two, and multiply by the height. Once you’ve calculated the area of each section, add them all together to get the total roof area.
5. (Optional) Use Online Tools: If measuring is tricky, there are a variety of online tools that can help estimate your roof’s area and even estimate how many tiles you need!
Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to find the coverage rate, is usually listed as the number of tiles per square meter.
Once you have your total roof area, you can calculate how many tiles you’ll need. Start by checking the tiles-per-square-metre figure provided by the manufacturer for your chosen tile profile. This number accounts for the size of the tile and how much each tile overlaps with its neighbours.
Next, multiply your total roof area (in square metres) by this figure. For example, if your roof is 150 m² and the tiles require 11 tiles per m², you would need 1,650 tiles in total (150 × 11 = 1,650).
Most terracotta tiles fall between 10 and 12 tiles per square metre, but the exact number depends on the tile profile and the degree of overlap.
Include all supporting materials in your calculations: underlayment, battens, ridge tiles, flashing, and fasteners. These are essential for a waterproof and secure installation.
Not sure what you need? No problem! RoofBros are here to guide you, providing expert advice and a full list of everything required to ensure your roof is installed correctly, safely, and built to last.
Terracotta tiles are significantly heavier than many other roofing materials. This weight adds up quickly across an entire roof, putting substantial stress on the roof frame.
Before installation, it’s essential to ensure that your roof structure can safely support this load. If the frame is older, weakened, or originally designed for lighter materials like metal or asphalt shingles, reinforcement may be necessary to prevent sagging or structural damage.
Consulting a professional, such as a structural engineer or licensed roofing contractor, can help assess the strength of your roof and recommend any modifications. Taking the time to check structural integrity not only protects your investment in terracotta tiles but also ensures the safety and longevity of your home.
Even if you’re confident in your DIY skills, consulting a licensed roofing contractor is highly recommended when working with terracotta tiles. These professionals can verify your roof measurements, check your tile quantity calculations, and ensure your roof structure is strong enough to support the weight of terracotta tiles.
Additionally, licensed contractors are familiar with local building codes and safety regulations, which ensures your roof installation meets legal and insurance requirements. By seeking expert advice, you gain peace of mind knowing your roof will not only look great but also perform reliably and last for decades.
Terracotta roof tiles have been trusted for thousands of years, and it’s easy to see why. These tiles are incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and capable of maintaining their rich, earthy colours for decades. They can be an upfront investment, but their benefits do outweigh the costs in the long run.
But when it comes to sourcing, choosing and ordering the right tile, there’s more to consider than just colour. You need to think about the tile profile, size, finish, roof structure, and climate suitability to ensure a long-lasting, functional, and visually appealing roof that complements your home.
At RoofBros, we offer a comprehensive range of terracotta options, including Monier Terracotta and Bristile Terracotta, as well as reclaimed tiles for heritage and restoration projects.
While we don’t provide roofing installation services ourselves, we have the knowledge to guide you through your selection, recommend professional roofers, and ensure you receive the right products for your project. Explore our full range or try our tile tool to confidently select tiles that will protect, enhance, and beautify your home for decades to come.
