As a commercial property owner in Toronto, it’s important to know everything about the structural integrity of your building – and that includes your flat roof and how it will hold up during Toronto’s hot summer months. During the summer, heat absorption can create high flat roof temperatures – but how hot do they really get?

Every type of industrial roofing material offers a different rate of light reflection and heat absorption. To help you understand the differences in temperatures between the various commercial or industrial flat roofing systems in Toronto, we’ve put together a basic reference guide below.

Here’s the kind of temperatures you can expect your flat roof to reach this summer in Toronto, Ontario.

1. Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems 

Modified bitumen roofs are a top choice for flat and low-sloped roofing structures. This type of roofing material is composed of polymer modified bitumen material that is reinforced with one of more layers of fabric. When it’s installed, a variety of application methods can be used, including cold applied, heat weld, self-adhered, mechanically fastened, and hot applied applications.

How hot does a modified bitumen roof get during Toronto’s summer months? 

When it comes to heat absorption, modified bitumen roofs can absorb up to 90% of solar energy, converting to heat and emitting into the atmosphere. As a result, a modified bitumen roof’s temperature can range from 60-88 degrees celsius on a hot, sunny summer day in Toronto.

2. Built Up Roofing Systems 

Built Up Roofing (BUR) are multi-ply, hot asphalt-based roofs, and are ideal for sectional and complete flat roof replacements and repairs. BUR consists of alternating layers of asphalt and other reinforcing materials, and as a result, creates a finished, waterproof membrane to provide longevity and effectiveness.

How hot does a built up roof get in during Toronto’s summer months? 

A built up roof can range from 50-60 degrees celsius during the summer in Toronto. These temperatures are lower than that of what a modified bitumen roof can see, but still, fairly hot compared to other types of industrial roofing material.

3. PVC Roofing Systems 

PVC is a type of single-ply roofing membrane that is also used on flat or low-sloped structures. PVC is known for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for flat roof repairs. This type of roofing membrane is the third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer in the world.

How hot does PVC roof get during Toronto’s summer months? 

Because of its highly reflective material, it is unlikely that a PVC roof will overheat in the summer, or at all. The average temperature of a PVC roof in the summer months is between 38-48 degrees Celsius. An added benefit to a PVC roof is that its highly reflective materials reduce energy demand as well as monthly heating (with insulation) and cooling costs.

Toronto’s Commercial Roofing Experts

Interested in learning more about how to properly maintain your commercial or industrial roof during Toronto’s hot, sunny summer months? Crown Industrial Roofing has a reputable team of commercial roofing contractors offering services for expert roofing in Toronto and the surroundings. Contact us today to speak with our team of highly trained roofing professionals, or book your free industrial roofing inspection here.