The Challenge of Managing Multiple Roofs
Facility managers juggle countless responsibilities, and roofs are often overlooked until leaks or major issues appear. Even the most diligent teams face challenges when roof portfolios include multiple sections, different installation dates, varying contractors, and diverse materials.
That’s where RAM Companies comes in. As a full-service roof and building envelope consultant, we’ve developed proprietary tools and solutions to simplify roof asset management, making it more proactive, efficient, and cost-effective.
Why Aerial Infrared Matters
RAM’s proprietary aerial infrared inspection process is designed specifically for large-scale roof portfolios. Whether starting from scratch or complementing an existing program, our scans provide the fastest, most accurate, and most cost-effective way to identify moisture in roofing systems.
Infrared works because wet insulation retains heat longer than dry materials. At night, our advanced cameras detect these subtle differences – down to hundredths of a degree – giving a clear picture of hidden problems. Mounted on fixed-wing aircraft, these cameras deliver speed, safety, and unmatched coverage.
“Aerial inspections are typically less expensive, safer, and more accurate than traditional walk-over inspections – and they cover every square inch of the roof.”
– Joe Cobb, Director of Operations, RAM Companies
Speed, Safety, and Scale
Scanning dozens of buildings in a single night is no challenge for our fleet. For campuses, universities, and healthcare systems, what once took weeks of walk-over inspections can now be done in hours. By eliminating the need to physically climb roofs at night, risks to personnel are drastically reduced.
The real value is in the analysis. Our experts merge infrared data with daytime imagery to create blended photos that serve as roadmaps. These visuals allow managers to prioritize areas of concern and schedule targeted inspections, saving both time and money.
Proven Results Across Industries
Government Client – Millions Saved
A government client managing hundreds of buildings asked RAM to assess their roofs. Instead of defaulting to costly re-roofs based on age, we scanned 49 buildings. Only 15% required replacement or recovery – saving millions and extending the life of their existing assets.
Healthcare System – Smarter Fund Allocation
A healthcare system with 14 campuses faced a $600,000 replacement project based on manufacturer age estimates. Our scans revealed only 20% moisture in that roof, allowing funds to be redirected toward a section with far more damage. The result: smarter budgeting and stronger long-term protection.
Realty Group – 57% Cost Reduction
A Midwest realty group was told by a contractor that two buildings required $1.4M in replacements. RAM’s aerial infrared inspection proved otherwise – showing that restoration on just six sections was sufficient. The group reduced costs by 57% and prepared their properties for sale with confidence.
Consumer Products Company – Extending Life at Lower Cost
One client planned to replace a $500,000 roof. RAM scans showed most of the system was still in excellent condition. By restoring select areas, the client saved $450,000 and extended the roof’s life by 5–10 years.
School District – Building a Long-Term Program
For a central Ohio school district, RAM launched a condition-based roof asset management program. Our aerial scans, paired with visual surveys by Registered Roof Consultants, provided a five-year roadmap for maintenance, repairs, and budgeting – removing the guesswork and strengthening confidence in their capital planning.
The ROI of Proactive Roof Management
Targeted aerial infrared scans are the most efficient and cost-effective first step in understanding the true condition of your roofs. They provide a clear roadmap for prioritizing resources and reducing emergency repairs.
“Our experience has shown that you can fix six potential leaks at the same cost as one emergency leak.”
– Jeff Cacioppo, Founder, RAM Companies
After the scans, our Registered Roof Consultants perform visual surveys to validate findings. The data is compiled into actionable reports that outline maintenance, repair, and replacement options for the next five years. All findings are accessible through RAM Command, our secure, web-based management tool that allows users to sort, track, and plan with precision.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Roof Portfolio
Reactive approaches are costly. Aerial infrared provides a proactive, proven way to safeguard your assets, reduce capital expenditures, and extend roof life. RAM’s combination of advanced technology, expert analysis, and decades of experience ensures your roofs are managed with precision and transparency.
When it comes to managing a large portfolio of roofs, there’s a smarter way. And RAM Companies is here to guide you through it.