Clay or concrete, curved or flat, natural or glazed: tiles can be classified in several ways. Use this guide to identify the existing tile and discuss a replacement.
Start with the material
Clay tiles are shaped and fired; concrete tiles are made from a concrete mix. Both come in different profiles and finishes. Labels such as large-format do not establish dimensions or compatibility. Record the manufacturer and exact model.
A finish is not a different profile
Natural, reduction-fired, engobed and glazed describe clay colour or surface treatment; concrete tiles may have coatings. Matching colours do not prove compatibility. Check effective width, batten gauge, interlocks and accessories.
There is no universal minimum pitch
Pitch suitability depends on the tile, underlay, detailing and exposure. Do not apply one pitch limit to every tile. Wind fixing also needs assessment. For identification, clear front and back photographs help; have a professional obtain them safely.
Common tile profiles and families
| Profile or family | Identification | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Oude Holle (traditional Dutch tile) | Wavy S-profile; traditionally without interlocks | Historic dimensions and overlap |
| Improved Dutch / VHV | Curved interlocking profile | Not automatically interchangeable with OVH |
| Opnieuw Verbeterde Holle / OVH | Curved tile with its own interlock and dimensions | Exact version and batten gauge |
| Tuile du Nord | Flatter body with a characteristic roll | Versions have different dimensions |
| Double-pan tile | Longitudinal grooves or recessed double profile | Interlock and laying direction |
| Flat interlocking tile | Even, flat appearance | Flat appearance does not establish pitch limits |
| Plain tile / beaver-tail tile | Small flat tile, often with a rounded end | Laying pattern, overlap and total weight |
| Roman and Mediterranean profiles | Pronounced curved roll | Profile-specific accessories |
| Mission / monk-and-nun tiles | Separate curved lower and upper tiles | Support, fastening and coverage |
| Large-format and flat concrete tiles | Profiled or flat concrete product | Load capacity and existing dimensions |