External Wall Fire Review (EWS1)

HSRoofClad has been delivered a large volume of external Building Envelope Fire Surveys, to enable our Fire Engineers to issue an EWS1 form which satisfies mortgage lenders. The EWS1 form is a biproduct of the intrusive investigation works which provide clarity on any potential risks to the spread of fire or non-compliant materials within an external façade.

HS RoofClad have been working closely with our clients over the last few years undertaking thorough Cladding Testing to identify potential combustible systems and furthermore, proposing and undertaking remediation works to resolve the issues and ensure their buildings external fabric is compliant with regulations.

It is our aim to ensure complete visibility throughout these works, to ensure Building Owners, Managing Agents and Leaseholders have access to the correct information. The focal point being to highlight any defects present which would aid the spread of fire within a block and ensure the correct action can be taken to resolve.

Following the delivery of any Façade Report, whether that has been completed by ourselves or others; as a Design & Build contractor, HSRoofClad can assist you in progressing any façade remediation requirements.

Most recently, HS RoofClad have been working in partnership with Fire Consultants and Building Inspectors to undertake External Wall Fire Reviews (EWS1) to identify and confirm whether external structures of the buildings meet fire and building regulations in line with Government’s guidelines.

The Process

EWS1 was introduced by RICS to aid valuations for high-risk, high-rise buildings. The process should be carried out in line with the most recent government guidelines (residential buildings above 18m). The process and stages of HSRoofClad facilitating an EWS1 survey are outlined below:

• Client to complete and return an initial EWS1 enquiry form
• Alongside the completed EWS1 enquiry form, the client would provide supporting documentation where possible:
  • Existing external cladding specification
  • Documentation for insulation that may be present
  • Documentation for fire stopping system in place
  • Documentation for cavity barriers details
  • As fitted drawings from construction stages for all the above if available
  • Any Fire risk assessments
• HSRoofClad will then review all the information provided with our Fire Consultant
• A survey proposal will be provided to conduct intrusive surveying works to areas highlighted by the Fire Consultant (this will involve removing cladding panels, exposing cavity barriers behind brickwork, identifying fire stopping and the insulation material in place)
• The initial site visit will involve the attendance of a Fire Consultant and HSRoofClad’s building fabric experts to expose and investigate pertinent locations to confirm the EWS1 criteria. All intrusive works will be made good by HSRoofClad during our attendance
• The Fire Consultant will compile an initial report which will be passed to a Building Control Officer for review
• The Building Control Officer will then pass their findings on to a Fire Engineer who will investigate all prior parties’ findings and identify any remediation requirements
• HSRoofClad will deliver the completed Façade Report to the client alongside a signed EWS1 form

We will help you to prepare for remediation – click here to request a call back.