Altusa clay roof tiles were once widely used across Florida, North America and the Caribbean. But if you have tried to source them recently, you have likely discovered the problem — they are no longer in production.
So what do you do when you need to repair or match an existing Altusa roof?
The Challenge
This was exactly the situation faced by DAG Architects in Tallahassee, Florida during a project at St. George’s University in Grenada.
The original tile was Altusa — a traditional Spanish “S” profile that had been used across multiple buildings on campus.
However, by the time the project moved forward, Altusa tiles were no longer available.
The goal was clear:
- Match the existing roof as closely as possible
- Maintain the traditional Spanish “S” profile
- Ensure long-term performance in a Caribbean climate
The Best Modern Match: Verea Spanish “S” Tile
Over the years, we have worked with several alternatives.
Today, the closest match to Altusa is the Verea Spanish “S” tile.
Unlike earlier interlocking substitutes, Verea maintains the true shape and character of a traditional Spanish profile, making it a much better visual match for existing roofs.
It also offers modern performance benefits, including:
- Consistent manufacturing
- Strong weather resistance
- Proven performance in coastal and freeze-thaw conditions
Why This Matters
From the ground, a good match should blend seamlessly with the existing roof.
That is where many replacement tiles fall short — they may function well, but visually they do not align with the original installation.
Verea solves this by staying true to the traditional form while delivering modern reliability.
The Project at St. George’s University
One example of the replacement tile was approved and used on:
- A 4-story Superdorm
- A new Fitness Center
The finished result integrates cleanly with the surrounding campus buildings, maintaining the architectural character while improving overall performance.
A Setting Worth Getting Right
St. George’s University offers programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, and nursing — all set in one of the most beautiful locations imaginable.
They also have a campus in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north of England.
Having visited Newcastle on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon, I know which campus I would choose.
Need Help Matching an Altusa Roof Tile with Verea Spanish S or Pan & Cover?
If you are trying to match an existing Altusa roof, we can help identify the closest available option and guide you through the process.
Today, the closest match is the Verea Spanish S tile
