Abril Roofing, Inc. is a family-owned roofing contractor that specializes in installing polyurethane foam roofing for residential and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area. According to co-owner Rick Abril, Jr., the firm’s precise focus and familial organization leads to an emphasis on quality. “Foam roofing is our specialty, but we bring a high level of expertise to many aspects of roofing,” he explains. “And because we’re a family business, every job is important to us.”

Foam roofing is designed for flat or low-sloping roofs that are commonly found on commercial buildings, although some styles of residential homes, such as Eichler homes, have them as well. The roofing material is comprised of a layer of polyurethane foam topped with an acrylic surface. Since flat-roofed buildings usually don’t have attics, the foam provides insulation that can significantly reduce energy bills–reducing indoor temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees in summer and saving up to 30 percent on heating bills in winter. Also, when applied, the foam can be given a slight slope to improve drainage and prevent water from pooling.

Abril Roofing provides a 15-year, transferrable warranty on its roofs and also offers annual maintenance agreements, which include semiannual inspections to clean customers’ roofs and ensure they’re draining properly.

When installing polyurethane foam roofing, be aware of the quality of its coating. “Foams are pretty standard, but coatings range significantly in terms of quality and durability,” says Rick Abril, Jr., co-owner of Abril Roofing, Inc. “It’s important to ensure your contractor is using high-quality materials.” Coating prices range from $5 to $20 per gallon, and differences in estimated prices are often the result of the coating itself. Determining the best kind can be complex, so it’s best to simply ask your contractor what they use and why.

When you’re selecting a contractor to handle your foam roofing project, Mr. Abril says experience should be the most important factor. “Foam roofing installation carries a significant learning curve. You want someone who’s been in the industry for at least five years.” According to Mr. Abril, actually applying the foam requires the most expertise. “Almost any good worker can do the prep or wrap-up stages. The applicator makes the biggest difference between a good roof and a poor one.”

Mr. Abril recommends obtaining multiple bids for foam roofing projects. “Customers should talk to at least three reputable foam roofers and compare their differences. Some customers get two bids for traditional materials and one for foam, but that can be a mistake.” If you’re considering foam roofing, Mr. Abril says it’s a good idea to get multiple bids for the foam alone.

Q: How is foam roofing applied?

A: We apply it in three stages, with a different crew for each stage. Each crew is supervised by a single, dedicated foreman who ensures efficiency and understands the particular needs of different buildings. The first stage is preparation, during which our five-person team cleans and preps the roof. They’re followed by the installation crew, who spray the foam, and the wrap-up crew, who finish the job.

Q: Can I walk on a foam roof?

A: Yes. It’s not soft or spongy. We use high-density foam that’s very firm, strong and durable.

Q: Is foam roofing difficult to install?

A: Yes. It’s probably the most difficult roofing material to apply. The foam must be manufactured onsite by complex equipment. There’s a large learning curve; it requires highly specialized skills, which is why we use separate crews for each of the three stages.

Q: How long does a foam roof take to install?

A: Most residential roofs take three days to install.

Q: Does the weather affect the installation?

A: Yes. Weather is the most problematic factor in meeting installation schedules. We need warm, sunny days with low winds to spray the foam properly

Q: Is foam roofing installation messy?

A: All roofing is messy, and foam roofing is no different. But cleanup is in our contract—we clean at the end of every day and thoroughly at the end of the job.

Q: Do I need a permit for foam roofing?

A: Yes, but we’ll pull the permit for you.

Q: What’s an Eichler home?

A: Joseph Eichler was a pioneering housing developer in the 1950s. He constructed homes that were modern, elegant and moderately priced. Eichler homes have flat roofs that are ideal for foam roofing. There are more than 14,000 Eichler homes in the Bay Area.

Q: Do I have to worry about birds, insects or any other maintenance problems on my roof?

A: No. Insects and birds won’t damage or crack a roof. The only maintenance issue is the acrylic surface, which will flake away over time, just like paint. Acrylic needs to be reapplied every 15 years, but it’s similar to painting a roof.