HISTORICAL ROOF TILE
With more than 150 years of craftsmanship and access to some of the world’s richest clay reserves, Gladding, McBean has been a leader in the production of historic clay roof tile. Our tiles have crowned landmark buildings across the country, combining time-honored manufacturing methods with carefully refined techniques that preserve the character and performance of traditional clay roofing. By honoring historic designs while utilizing modern production capabilities, Gladding, McBean continues to reproduce and restore many of the world’s most recognized architectural roof tile styles.
King Kalakaua Building
1920
The King David Kalākaua Building was most recently reroofed in 2025 using Franciscan Blend Cordova Two‑Piece tile, continuing a legacy of traditional clay roofing that has defined the structure for more than a century. Its previous roof—original GMB Roof Tile in a Franciscan blend—performed exceptionally well for nearly 100 years, a rare testament to both the durability of the material and the craftsmanship of the original installation.
What makes the reroof particularly notable is that the clay tile was not replaced due to failure. In fact, the existing tile was still in excellent condition and fully capable of continuing to perform. However, because this was a government project in Hawaiʻi, prevailing‑wage requirements made the labor needed to salvage, store, and reinstall the original tile significantly more expensive than purchasing new material. As a result, new tile was selected—not out of necessity, but because it was the more cost‑effective option within the project’s public‑contracting constraints.
This reroofing continues the building’s architectural tradition while demonstrating the exceptional longevity of clay tile roofs in demanding coastal climates.
Marysville High School
The roof at Marysville High School features Franciscan Blend Cordova clay tile, continuing a long tradition of Mission Revival architecture on the campus. The original roof was installed in the 1920s, during a major period of campus expansion when additional classroom wings and gymnasiums were added to accommodate a growing student population. Many of the GMB clay tiles still found on site date back to this era, reflecting the durability and timeless character of the material.
This early‑20th‑century construction phase established the architectural identity that remains central to the school’s appearance today. Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial influences—red clay tile roofing, stucco walls, arched entries, and courtyard‑style layouts—were especially popular for California civic and educational buildings at the time. The use of clay tile not only contributed to the visual cohesion of the campus but also ensured longevity; the original 1920s tile roof performed for decades, demonstrating the strength and reliability of traditional clay roofing systems.
