High Street | Ashfield
Water Ingress Disrupting Retail Resolved
Trusted partner:
The challenge:
The roof above the Superdrug store on Ashfield High Street was suffering from persistent water ingress, particularly at the interface between the Superdrug unit and the adjacent Boyes store where a seperation detail was not present. Additional challenges were identified during the investigation, including blocked outlets. In some locations, a solar reflective paint had been applied historically, preventing direct adhesion of a new waterproofing system and requiring an alternative approach to ensure long-term performance.
The action:
Targeted strip-up works were carried out down to the structural deck at critical leak locations. A new vapour barrier was installed to improve the integrity of the waterproof seal and manage moisture movement between the adjoining roofs. In areas where full removal was not required, the presence of solar paint meant the new system could not be bonded directly. To overcome this, an additional layer was mechanically fixed to the existing substrate, creating a suitable base for the new roof buildup before installation of the waterproofing system. To address long-standing drainage issues, a tapered insulation scheme was introduced to the existing asphalt gutters, improving falls and directing water effectively away from the roofsurface.
The solution:
The roof was refurbished using the POWERply RBM roofing system, delivering a durable, highperformance waterproofing solution tailored to the site constraints. The integration of tapered insulation and newly waterproofed gutters significantly enhanced water management and helped mitigate historic ponding issues. The completed works resolved active leaks, strengthened the junction between the two retail units with a new seperation detail, and provided Superdrug with a reliable, long-lasting roof system suitable for a busy high street environment.
