Site – Superdrug, Kelso
Client – Superdrug
Description of works – Asset Life Extension & Seamless Waterproofing over an Occupied Retail Premises
Our commercial roofing division was appointed to deliver an emergency-mitigation and long-term waterproofing solution for the Superdrug premises in Kelso. The project required a high-performance system that could overlay the compromised existing substrate without the disruption, safety hazards, or immense costs associated with a structural strip-lit roof replacement.
By deploying an industry-leading cold liquid applied roofing system, we successfully sealed the building envelope, providing a seamless, fully waterproof barrier. Crucially, because the system requires no hot works and minimal mechanical disruption, Superdrug was able to remain fully operational and occupied by staff and shoppers throughout the entire project lifespan.
The Challenge
Commercial roofing projects in active town centres like Kelso present distinct operational hurdles. For a high-footfall retail brand like Superdrug, unexpected closures or safety disruptions directly impact revenue and public safety.
Project Constraints
Zero Operational Downtime: The store below needed to remain entirely open and safe for the public. Traditional roofing methods involving heavy tear-offs create dust, noise, and significant risk of water ingress during the works.
Fire Risk Mitigation: Traditional felt roofing relies on gas torches and open flames (hot works). In an occupied high-street retail property, hot works introduce major insurance liabilities and fire safety risks.
Complex Roof Penetrations: The roof featured standard retail plant constraints, including HVAC units, structural terminations, and pipe penetrations that are notoriously difficult to seal using traditional sheet materials.
The project demanded a solution that aligned with our “Inspect, Repair, Clean” philosophy—retaining the viable existing structural deck while completely upgrading its waterproofing performance.
The Solution
Liquid applied roofing systems represent the pinnacle of modern roof refurbishment technology. When the underlying structural roof deck remains sound, a liquid overlay is the most sustainable and cost-effective strategy available to commercial property managers.
Technical Advantages of the Liquid System
Seamless & Monolithic Bond: Unlike felt or single-ply membranes which rely on taped or welded seams (the primary failure point of most roofs), liquid membranes cure to form a single, continuous, elastomeric skin. It flows effortlessly around complex HVAC detailing, upstands, and roof penetrations to eliminate vulnerability points.
Cold Application Process: The entire system is cold-applied. This completely eliminated the need for open flames on the high street, satisfying strict health and safety protocols and offering complete peace of mind to the building occupants.
Rapid Cure Technology: The specialised liquid system cures rapidly, ensuring that even in the unpredictable micro-climates of the Scottish Borders, the roof becomes weather-tight shortly after application.
Sustainability and Asset Life Extension
A core focus of Balmore Group’s asset management model is promoting sustainable, circular construction methods wherever possible.
Why the Overlay System Outperformed a Full Replacement
Waste Reduction: By leaving the existing roof substrate in place, we prevented tons of non-recyclable roofing materials from being sent to Scottish landfills.
Cost Efficiency: Avoiding a full roof tear-off saved the client thousands of pounds in labor, material disposal fees, and structural scaffolding setups.
Thermal Preservation: The liquid membrane bonds directly to the existing substrate, preserving the built-up insulation layers while adding an extra layer of structural protection against UV degradation and thermal shifting.
Delivered Safely & On Time
Our specialist technicians are rigorously trained and certified in the handling of advanced liquid chemicals. Operating within a strict health and safety framework, the team executed the works meticulously.
The existing roof was thoroughly cleared of debris, washed, and primed to guarantee maximum adhesion of the liquid product. The reinforced liquid membrane was applied evenly across the entire surface area, ensuring the correct millimetre thickness was met to satisfy long-term product warranties.
Materials were staged efficiently, and low-noise application practices were maintained, resulting in zero complaints or operational interferences from the busy store below.
The project concluded safely, on schedule, and to the strict architectural standards our retail and commercial clients expect.
The successful completion of the Superdrug project in Kelso demonstrates why liquid applied roofing systems are the preferred choice for modern commercial asset management. It proves that property owners can secure a completely waterproof, warranted roof system without breaking the budget or closing their doors to the public.
If you are looking to extend the operational life of a commercial or industrial roof, The Balmore Group is ready to provide a technical assessment. Contact our head office today to discuss your building’s requirements.
Quotes & Enquiries
At Balmore, we offer the expertise of four decades in difficult access works including roofing, rope access, industrial cleaning and drone inspection services. Our one stop shop approach to inspection, repair and cleaning has grown through our desire to constantly exceed our clients expectations and offer a service that is far superior to our competitors.
Please fill in the form outlining your requirements and our contract team will be able to provide you with a bespoke quotation for your inspection, repair or cleaning needs.
