Monier and Boral tiles cover a huge share of Melbourne roofs, so they are the tiles most often needed for repairs. The challenge is that both makers have changed their ranges over the decades. Knowing which profile you have, and whether it is still made, decides whether you buy new or look for a replacement tile.
The short answer
- Look under a tile for the Monier or Boral name
- Group the profile: flat, semi-flat, raised or terracotta
- Monier's current concrete range is smaller than what is on roofs
- Older profiles are found as replacement tiles
- Photograph and measure a tile to compare against stock
How to identify the maker
- Take a loose or broken tile rather than guessing from the ground.
- Turn it over. Monier and Boral tiles are often marked with the maker's name, and sometimes the profile, on the underside or near the head lugs.
- Check the material: concrete is grey and grainy where chipped; terracotta is fired clay.
- Measure length, width and cover width.
- Photograph the face and underside.
Profile shapes
| Shape | What it looks like | Examples we stock |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | Flat face, crisp modern lines | Monier Shingle, Boral Shingle, Boral flat terracotta |
| Semi-flat | Low ribs or a shallow wave | Monier Atura, Boral Slimline |
| Raised or wave | Pronounced roll or wave | Monier Elabana, Monier Centurion, Boral Macquarie |
| Terracotta Marseille and French | Interlocking clay with ribs | Monier Marseille, Boral Modern French |
Monier profiles
Monier's current concrete range lists Madison, Cambridge and Horizon (flat), Atura (semi-flat), and Tudor and Elabana (raised). Many Monier profiles on Melbourne roofs are not in that current range, including Centurion, Homestead, Roman, Strake, Continental and Monier 100's.
We stock new Monier Elabana, Atura, Centurion, Shingle, Marseille and Nouveau, plus replacement Monier Elabana, Centurion, Homestead, Roman, Strake, Shingle, Continental, 100's, Marseille and Swiss profiles. See Monier roof tiles.
Boral profiles
Boral concrete and terracotta tiles are also common across Melbourne. We stock Boral Macquarie, Shingle, Slimline, Contour, Striata, Tasman and Windsor in concrete, and Modern French, Montoro French, Swiss and flat profiles in terracotta, in new and replacement stock. See Boral roof tiles.
Colour matching Monier and Boral tiles
Even with the right profile, colour can differ. Concrete tiles carry their colour on the surface, and Monier notes it fades and weathers over time, so a new tile in the original colour often looks brighter than the rest of the roof. A weathered replacement tile usually blends in better. Where the tile will be very visible, consider moving an existing weathered tile from a less visible slope to the visible spot and fitting the new tile in its place.
Terracotta tiles keep their fired colour much longer, so matching terracotta is more about the clay colour and glaze than weathering.
When to stop matching and re-roof
Matching makes sense for repairs. It makes less sense when a large share of the roof is cracked, the tiles are badly eroded, or the battens and sarking underneath are failing. At that point, a re-roof or a full restoration is usually the better investment. If you are re-roofing, choose a current profile so future repairs are easy.
- Many tiles cracking across several slopes
- Concrete tiles worn back to exposed aggregate
- Sagging roof lines or rotten battens
- Repeated leaks after repairs
Finding discontinued profiles
When a profile is no longer made, a replacement tile from another roof is usually the only exact match. Our yards hold replacement stock across many older Monier and Boral profiles alongside makers such as Atlas, Hume, Whitelaw, Wunderlich and Daniel Robertson.
- Match the exact profile, not just the shape
- Check each tile for cracks and chipped lugs
- Buy a few spares
- Expect some colour difference on concrete tiles, which fade over time
Read our second-hand roof tiles guide for more.
Walking on tiles cracks them and puts you at risk of a fall. WorkSafe Victoria treats falls from roofs as a serious hazard and puts edge protection ahead of ladders and harnesses. If you are not trained and equipped to work at height, use this guide to buy the right products and brief a roofer.
Common questions
How do I know if my roof tiles are Monier?
Look on the underside of a loose tile for the Monier name or stamp, then compare the profile shape and size against known Monier profiles.
Which Monier tiles are still made?
Monier's current concrete range lists Madison, Cambridge, Horizon, Atura, Tudor and Elabana. Other profiles are mostly found as replacement stock.
Can I still buy Monier Centurion tiles?
We stock new and replacement Monier Centurion tiles. Check the product page or call the yard for current stock.
Are Boral and Monier tiles interchangeable?
No. Each profile interlocks with its own kind, so replacements must be the same profile.
What if my tile has no markings?
Measure it and photograph the face and underside. Shape, size, lugs and material are usually enough to find a match.
Related
Sources: Monier: Concrete roof tiles; Monier: Choosing a roofing material (FAQs); WorkSafe Victoria: Prevention of falls in housing construction.
