If you’ve ever filed a claim for hail damage on a tile roof, you’ve probably heard a version of this story before. The contractor or public adjuster submits a report that goes something like this:

“Approximately 100 tiles are damaged from the hail event. These damaged areas could be repaired at a cost of approximately $23,000. However, this style of tile is no longer sold and there are no currently manufactured tiles equal in color, size, and specification. Further, a search of known boneyards does not indicate that any replacement tiles are available to conduct repairs. Thus, repair is not an option. Total roof replacement is required at a cost of $175,000.”

Sound familiar? According to Steven Badger, a seasoned insurance coverage attorney, it crosses his desk several times a week.

And every single time, the insurance industry has a well-established counter-argument — one that’s only gotten stronger thanks to new developments in tile manufacturing.

The Insurance Industry’s Standard Response

For years, insurers have pushed back on the “unavailable tile” argument using two key methods:

1. Boneyard Sourcing

Boneyards — salvage yards that collect discontinued roofing materials — are a well-known resource in the roofing industry. Insurers have long maintained that almost all tiles are available at a boneyard somewhere. It may take some effort, but matching tiles can often be found.

2. Harvesting

Even when a boneyard search comes up short, there’s another recognized solution: harvesting. This technique, endorsed by the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), involves pulling undamaged tiles from a less visible slope of the same roof to repair the damaged areas — then replacing that donor slope with new, similar tiles.

This means:

• Damaged areas get repaired with original matching tiles pulled from the same roof
• The donor slope (often a rear-facing or less visible section) gets replaced with new, closely matching tiles
• Underlayment, if damaged, can be repaired as part of the process

The result is a like kind and quality repair — without replacing the entire roof.

The Game-Changer: Custom Tile Manufacturing

Now there’s an even more compelling answer to the “unavailable tile” problem — and it’s changing the conversation entirely.

Companies now exist that will manufacture identical replacement tiles to match your existing roof — same form, same size, same color. Send them a sample tile, and they can produce a custom match. This eliminates the scarcity argument almost entirely, and at a cost far below a full roof tear-off and replacement.

This is a significant development for everyone involved in tile roof insurance claims.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you have a tile roof and you’re navigating a hail damage claim, here’s the bottom line:

• Don’t assume replacement is the only option. Before accepting or disputing a claim outcome, make sure all repair alternatives have been genuinely explored.
• Boneyard sourcing, harvesting, and custom tile manufacturing are all legitimate, industry-recognized methods.
• The cost difference is substantial. A repair might run $20,000–$30,000. A full replacement could exceed $175,000. Understanding your options matters.

Credit & Source

This article was written based on insights shared by Steven Badger, insurance coverage attorney, in a LinkedIn post highlighting one of the most common and recurring arguments in tile roof insurance claims.

You can read his original post here: Steven Badger on LinkedIn — Let’s Talk Tile Roofs

Steven Badger is an experienced insurance coverage attorney who regularly shares practical, no-nonsense insights on property insurance claims. His perspective bridges the gap between legal interpretation and real-world claims handling — making his commentary valuable for homeowners, contractors, and adjusters alike.