FAQs

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No. Ludowici’s industry-best 75-year warranty covers color-fastness regardless of a project’s location.

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Color Range refers to the naturally-occurring variation of tones present on every clay tile roof. Many factors contribute to a color range, including placement in the kiln, chemical characteristics of glazes being applied, and composition of raw materials. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for samples and photographs to help illustrate the beauty and depth of Ludowici’s color pallette.

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No. The numbers likely indicate the tile’s manufacturing date, but they do not provide profile or color information. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for assistance with submitting a sample to Ludowici for identification.

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No, not with any degree of certainty. Ludowici’s Technical Department and Ceramic Engineer can provide profile and color information only if they can examine a piece of the existing tile. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for assistance with submitting a sample to Ludowici for identification.

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Ludowici warrants its clay tile to be free from manufacturing defects and to maintain color-fastness during the 75-year period following sale of the tile to the original purchaser.

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No. Ludowici manufactures clay products exclusively, with raw materials harvested less than 6 miles from the plant.

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LudoSlate and LudoShake offer Ludowici’s signature durability and sustainability, but both profiles weigh less than 600 pounds per square. As a result, they are the ideal choices for projects where weight is a concern.

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Yes. Many of the patterns and molds for Ludowici’s historic pieces still exist. If necessary, though, Ludowici’s Technical Department can generate drawings for new sets of patterns and molds to be made.

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Yes. Ludowici’s Technical Department can generate drawings based on any sample they receive. In some cases, molds and patterns already exist because of the frequency with which Ludowici is asked to match defunct manufacturers’ profiles.

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Yes. Because Ludowici tile outperforms all ASTM C 1167 test requirements, it can be used in all climate zones. In the past year alone, Ludowici has shipped material to projects in Canada, Russia, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

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Lead-times are affected by a number of unpredictable factors, so they are subject to change on a weekly basis. Lead-times will vary by profile type, field tile, and accessory or custom pieces. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for current lead-times.

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Yes. Although the vast majority of Ludowici’s production is on a made-to-order basis, certain profiles and colors are in stock for immediate shipment. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for a list of available material.

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Ludowici’s Technical Department and Ceramic Engineer can provide profile and color information only if they can examine a piece of the existing tile. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for assistance with submitting a sample to Ludowici for identification.

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Yes. Visit our EPD page for more info.

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Yes. Raw materials, production equipment, and manufacturing techniques change from time to time, so Ludowici encourages the customer to approve a new sample set before placing an order.

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Yes – but only in some instances. Ludowici encourages, and in many cases requires, a customer to view samples prior to order placement. At the discretion of Ludowici’s Project Managers, however, the color-approval process can be waived for certain standard offerings. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager to discuss the specific details of your project.

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Yes. Ludowici’s Technical Department will provide a full material take-off free of charge if roof plans and elevations are provided. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for assistance with submitting a request to the Technical Department.

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Yes. Customers are welcome to arrange freight on their own, regardless of how large or small the order might be. Please contact our Shipping Department directly to discuss logistics.

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Yes. Raw materials, production equipment, and manufacturing techniques change from time to time, so Ludowici encourages the customer to approve a new sample set before placing an order.

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The return of goods will be considered on a case-by case basis. Any material returned will require a “returned goods authorization number” issued by Ludowici’s Finance Department. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager to discuss the potential return and any applicable fees and charges.

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No – samples to approve profile/shape and color are free. Limiting sample quantities allows Ludowici to continue to offer this service at no cost to the customer.
Large sample orders for mock-up construction will incur a small fee.

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Ludowici sells through distribution or direct to contractors and building owners.

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For pricing and availability, please contact your local Sales Representative or Territory Manager.

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Yes. Ludowici encourages, and in most cases requires, sample approval prior to order placement. Please contact your local Sales Representative or Territory Manager to submit a sample request at no charge.

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Yes. The Renovation QuickShip program offers a combination of profiles and colors with no minimum quantity requirements. Please contact Ludowici directly for assistance with order placement.

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Ludowici requires a 50% deposit at the time of order placement for all custom material. Orders sold direct to contractors and/or building owner might require a deposit if no account has been established with Ludowici.

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Yes. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager to request a credit application.

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Yes. Ludowici accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover payments for orders totaling less than $2500.

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About Your Ludowici Roof Tile

For more than 136 years, Ludowici is known for and continues to manufacture awe inspiring, beautiful terra cotta roof tile, wall tile and quarry tile that includes a 75-year material warranty that is unmatched in the industry and includes color-fastness. With minimal maintenance your terra cotta tile will stand the test of time.

As a home or building owner with a Ludowici roof/wall you should be familiar with our product’s proven performance, life-cycle, ASTM C1167 grade one moisture absorption, strength/durability, colorfast glaze, and the associated material warranty that comes with these premier clay tile products. ASTM C1167 is a standard specification for clay roof tiles used in roofing and waterproofing. It sets criteria for the physical properties, dimensions, and tolerances of these tiles. Compliance with ASTM C1167 ensures quality, durability, and uniformity in clay roof tiles, which is crucial for their performance and longevity in various climatic conditions. All Ludowici products produced in our factory in New Lexington, OH meet and exceed the ASTM C1167 performance criteria for Grade 1 clay tiles.

It is very important to note that Ludowici terra cotta products are resistant to rot, decay and color change because of the dense, compact clay body, the very low water absorption rate and the very high breaking strength of the terra cotta tiles. However, once these terra cotta tiles are installed and begin the installed aging process, the possibility of some algae, moss, mildew and lichen growth may occur on the terra cotta’s surface, particularly with non-gloss glazes and textured surfaces (also dependent on the environment and area of the country its installed). Algae, moss, mildew and lichens typically settle on the northern sides of pitched roofs, due to less sunlight and shading, as well as from/under trees that are only a short distance from the roof. When terra cotta tiles experience moss, mildew, algae and lichen growth, it is not a tile imperfection or failure — it is strictly a temporary visual impairment. With Ludowici tiles and our extremely dense clay body, low water absorption and color permanent ceramic glazes, your tiles can easily be cleaned and returned back to their original pristine condition.

All building products get dirty and need to be cleaned on occasion. For Ludowici, we take pride in the fact that for the most part, our terra cotta products require minimal cleaning. Tiles with smooth surfaces and gloss glazes typically remain very clean. Tiles with design profiles, texture on the surface or matte finish glazes with less smooth surfaces create the ideal conditions for dirt, moss, mildew, algae and lichens to exist. This is primarily because the clay tile glaze and weathered surface consists of tiny irregularly shaped clay particles which provide the color one sees. It is in these areas in which the moss, mildew, algae and lichen growth may occur. This growth is only on the surface of the tile and does not and will not affect the structural integrity or color fastness of our terra cotta material.

Occasionally, scheduled cleaning of these areas may be necessary, just as you would clean your roof gutters of debris on a regular basis. This cleaning can be a soft cleaning with little to no impact on the structure or the terra cotta tiles. Ludowici would strongly suggest using a professional contractor who has experience working with and walking on clay roof tiles (contact us for guidance on how to properly walk on terra cotta tiles).

Maintaining Your Tile Roof System

Some existing roofs and walls with Ludowici tiles may potentially require more future maintenance (mainly cleaning) because of the environment, landscaping, trees, foliage, the impact of shade, moisture, etc. in which they were installed. The good news is the tiles longevity, the tiles performance and the tiles original color are not permanently affected by these conditions. Maintaining and returning the Ludowici products original beauty after organic growth has started can be achieved with several basic cleaning options (outlined below).

It should also be noted that if a homeowner or building owner needs to hire someone for a repair or cleaning, specific instructions need to be given prior to them getting on the roof. The need to access or get on the roof could potentially be for various reasons including basic roof cleaning, gutter/valley cleaning, chimney cleaning, mechanical/HVAC repairs, skylight access, solar panel installation or access, repairing flashings, mortar, or the replacement of broken tile.

If you have broken tiles on your roof you can check out our Quik-Tac bracket repair option for small quantity, broken tile repairs (or contact Ludowici for more guidance).

Cleaning Options, Tips and Considerations

As noted above, a Ludowici tile is not defective if it becomes discolored or organic growth has started on the surface of the roof/tile. There are various methods/options and cleaning supplies available for consideration to help restore the Ludowici tiles to their original color and condition.

Below we offer some roof cleaning tips and recommend you consider hiring a professional. The tips below are to help a homeowner/building owner provide direction to someone who cleans the roof or help them be an informed buyer of services.

Roofing companies that specialize in “softwashing” are an excellent consideration. Below are examples of the types of chemicals/solutions professional softwash companies may use.

Chemical mixture options that can be used to clean roofs:

• Sodium hydroxide: A good choice for cleaning concrete, tile, and slate roofs
• 10% pool chlorine and water: Mix equal parts water and 10% pool chlorine in a pump sprayer, and add a tablespoon of dish soap to help the solution stick
• Sodium percarbonate: Also known as oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide, this solution can kill growth on a roof
• Hydrogen peroxide: An eco-friendly option that can kill organic growth on a roof

Tips for cleaning clay tile roofs:

• Consider hiring a roofing softwash company/expert
• Start at the highest surface and work downwards
• Wear shoes that provide traction and balance
• Use a secure, durable ladder
• If you need to walk on the terra cotta tiles, use the 2–3″ headlap area of the tile laps (contact us for more information/assistance) — this is very important in order to minimize the chances of breaking tiles due to foot traffic
• Avoid spraying water underneath tiles and shingles
• Avoid allowing the cleanser to dry before rinsing
• Avoid washing the roof upwards
• Avoid high pressure water unless used with extreme caution and also sprayed away from laps, flashings and critical areas where high pressure water could enter the roof system and potentially cause leaks

While Ludowici is not roof cleaning experts, there are companies that specialize in roof cleaning and “softwashing” that should be considered. A suggestion would be to contact a roof softwash professional in your area.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Soft Washing a Clay Roof Tile

If you have flowers, delicate landscaping, cloth awnings, or drapes on outside structures, make sure you cover them, remove them, or protect them from the chemicals used during softwashing.

Do not leave vehicles near or close to the roof being washed. Keep them in the garage or move them away from the washing area.

Do not let the cleaning detergent/solution dry on the roof tile. This will often leave behind unsightly streaks and marks as well as a sticky residue that attracts even more dirt than before. After soft washing, rinse the roof before the detergent dries.

Avoid washing the roof upwards or spraying the water underneath tiles and shingles. This is a surefire way to loosen and lose those pieces during the next storm! If the first softwash does not remove mold, algae, and other debris between shingles and tiles, use more cleanser and wash the spot repeatedly rather than trying to use more pressure.

Be patient and take your time. Avoid trying to clean your home’s roof so quickly that you end up creating a mess along exterior walls and other surfaces!

Below are example before and after images of Ludowici using a local softwash professional on the tile roofs of our historical office buildings in New Lexington, Ohio.

BEFORE

DRONE APPLICATION

HUMAN SOFTWASH APPLICATION

AFTER: TWO WEEKS LATER

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Just After Installation/Construction

Often during the construction and installation process, other materials can get on the terra cotta tiles and require them to be cleaned.  Other construction and/or roofing materials like tar, caulking, sealant, mortar, and paint, etc.  For this type of cleaning situation you can consult companies that specialize in cleaning product solutions for construction materials, like Prosoco.  Please visit their website at www.prosoco.com or contact their Customer Service representatives at (800)255-4255 for more details.

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Ludowici’s product-specific Installation Manuals are available for download here.

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A detailed information sheet is available for each standard Field Tile profile Ludowici produces. In addition, our Technical Data brochure provides information for all profiles in one convenient place.

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Yes. Ludowici’s Technical Department will provide a full material take-off free of charge if roof plans and elevations are provided. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for assistance with submitting a request to the Technical Department.

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Yes. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for the names and phone numbers of qualified and experienced contractors.

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Yes – but only in some instances. Ludowici encourages, and in many cases requires, a customer to view samples prior to order placement. At the discretion of Ludowici’s Project Managers, however, the color-approval process can be waived for certain standard offerings. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager to discuss the specific details of your project.

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The return of goods will be considered on a case-by case basis. Any material returned will require a “returned goods authorization number” issued by Ludowici’s Finance Department. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager to discuss the potential return and any applicable fees and charges.

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Ludowici’s Technical Department and Ceramic Engineer can provide profile and color information only if they can examine a piece of the existing tile. Please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for assistance with submitting a sample to Ludowici for identification.

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The Estimated Completion Date for your order appears on all Order Acknowledgements and Invoices. If you need assistance locating it, or if you do not have copies of those documents available, please contact your Sales Representative or Territory Manager for assistance.

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Ludowici’s Sales Representatives and Territory Managers are always available to help with any aspect of your project. Please contact Ludowici directly for the name and phone number of the person in your area.

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Ludowici’s warranties are non-prorated, unlike many other material warranties offered in the roofing industry, including certain “lifetime” warranties. Ludowici’s material warranty also includes color while most others exclude color because competing roofing products often fade and their appearance is diminished over time. Finally, Ludowici’s warranties are backed by a company that has been in continous operation since 1888 with millions of terra cotta tiles installed in all weather climates that are still performing after 100 years of use.

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Ludowici Roof Tile Inc. offers two different types of warranties for the terra cotta tiles it produces in its New Lexington, Ohio facility. The first warranty is a 75-year limited warranty that covers the terra cotta tile itself. This warranty is offered on new tile for completed projects produced and sold from its factory in New Lexington, Ohio; provided that such tile is not being installed and blended with existing terra cotta tiles. The 75-year limited warranty is provided with the purchase of each piece of new terra cotta tile and is not purchased separately. The terms and conditions of the 75-year limited warranty are outlined within this document.

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Subject to certain conditions, Ludowici warrants its standard grade clay tile to be free from manufacturing defects during the 75-year period following sale of the tile to the original purchaser.

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Yes; provided, however, that the clay tile will not be considered defective with respect to color, shade or hue so long as the color, shade or hue provided it does not vary by more than two Hunter E units from the original tile sample.

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In order for Ludowici to issue the final warranty for a completed project a completed warranty request form must be provided to Ludowici for review. The final warranty document/certificate will be issued once all necessary information is supplied, reviewed, approved and all final invoices are paid in full.

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No cost. The warranty is included in the price of the terra cotta tiles.

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No, for the 75-year Limited Material Warranty.

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Ludowici’s terra cotta materials are warranted for 75 years when purchased new from Ludowici Roof Tile; provided that such tiles are not installed and blended with existing terra cotta tiles.

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Prior to 1982, Ludowici Roof Tile did not offer a warranty. In 1982, a 50-year material warranty was put in place for the first time. In December of 1992, the 50-year material warranty was changed to 75-years.

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A specific underlayment or waterproofing membrane is not required in order to receive Ludowici’s 75-Year Limited Material Warranty. However, Ludowici recommends that typical installation details including roof deck preparation and underlayments be followed per Ludowici’s published installation instructions.

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Yes, Ludowici Roof Tile is a New Lexington, Ohio based company in continuous operation since 1888. Ludowici has terra cotta products (natural terra cotta, matte glazed terra cotta, and gloss glazed terra cotta) installed all over North America dating back to 1888.

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Ludowici’s warranties are backed by Ludowici Roof Tile, a New Lexington, Ohio based company in continuous operation since 1888.

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In this very rare situation, to obtain performance under this warranty, the customer shall notify Ludowici in writing of any claimed manufacturing defect within 30 days following its discovery and shall submit with such notification proof of date of purchase and tile installation, in order to provide Ludowici an opportunity to investigate the claim and examine the material claimed to be defective. All warranty claims must be made during the warranty period and shall be provided to: Ludowici Roof Tile, Inc., 4757 Tile Plant Road, P.O. Box 69, New Lexington, Ohio 43764, Attn: Warranty Claims. Ludowici shall then promptly investigate the claim. Within a reasonable time after approval of the warranty claim, Ludowici will perform its obligations under this warranty. Any warranty claim not made within 30 days after the defect is or should have been discovered will be barred.

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No. Only the terra cotta products manufactured by Ludowici Roof Tile are covered by the 75-year Limited Material Warranty.

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Yes, a Ludowici warranty will not be issued or applicable if the new terra cotta tiles are blended with existing terra cotta tiles on the same roof plane. If new Ludowici terra cotta tiles are to be used in conjunction with old Ludowici roof tiles on the same roof, they must be separated and used on different roof planes in order for the warranty to be effective. A roof plan documenting where new versus old tiles were used must be supplied at the time of the warranty request. Photos illustrating new vs old areas will also be required. Blending old Ludowici tiles with new Ludowici tiles will result in Ludowici not being able to provide the 75-year Limited Material Warranty on the project.

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Yes. The warranties offered by Ludowici are transferrable provided the terra cotta materials remain in their original installed position, on the same original installed structure at the same original project location. The warranties become void if the terra cotta tiles are removed from the original structure on which they were installed.

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It is limited to the supply of new replacment material only or to the original purchase amount value of the tile.

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Yes. Ludowici warranties will not apply to projects located in alpine conditions (climatic areas that experience frequent heavy winter snowfall intermittent with strong solar radiation, common to high altitude geography) unless otherwise expressly pre-approved in writing by Ludowici Roof Tile.

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Yes. The same 75-year Limited Material Warranty that Ludowici Roof Tile offers on its terra cotta roof tiles also applies to the NeXclad tiles installed vertically on a wall.

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Yes. Ludowici’s Premium Service Program Limited Warranty (10-year or 20-year) requires that all terra cott tiles be installed by a Ludowici certified Crown Roofer. The Crown Roofer is liable for the weathertightness performance of the installation for the first (5) years of the warranty. For potential claims within the first 5-years customers must contact the installation contractor for all watertightness performance issues. If the customer contacts Ludowici, Ludowici will direct the customer to contact the installation contractor during this initial 5-year period.

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No, Ludowici’s material warranties only apply to new Ludowici products purchased directly from Ludowici Roof Tile.