External Wall Fire Review (EWS1)

Our team are available now to help you complete and submit your External Wall Fire Review (EWS1) documentation.

• Specialist Team
• Free Consultation

What is an EWS1?

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. It was designed as a means of enabling competent fire experts to assess whether remedial works are required, in simple and clear pro-forma, from which lenders and valuers can assess whether remedial works affecting value exist. HSRoofClad has facilitated a large volume of external Building Envelope Fire Surveys, to enable our Fire Engineers to issue an EWS1 form which satisfies mortgage lenders.

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.

Who Needs An EWS1?

Usually, the most common receivers of an EWS1 certificate are:

• Leaseholders
• Property Managing Agents
• Building Owners
• Developers

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.

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.

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

Current EWS1 Guidance

RICS has newly issued proposed guidance for public consultation. This guidance will aim to help homebuyers and leaseholders, profoundly impacted by delays in the homebuying market, caused by safety concerns over Cladding, and the cost of remediation. The proposed guidance includes criteria, based on existing Government advice and developed in consultation with the fire safety sector, lenders and other stakeholders, to help valuers decide where an assumption can be made that remediation work, which can affect the value of the property, is unlikely to be needed and an EWS1 should therefore not be required.

Building over six storeys

• There is no Cladding or curtain wall glazing on the building.
• If there are balconies where the balustrades and decking are constructed of combustible materials (e.g., timber), they are not stacked vertically above each other.

Buildings of five or six storeys

• There is not a significant amount of Cladding on the building (for the purpose of this guidance, approximately one quarter of the surface façade is a significant amount)
• There are no ACM panels on the building.
• If there are balconies where the balustrades and decking are constructed with combustible materials (e.g., timber), they are not stacked vertically above each other.

Buildings of four storeys or fewer

• There are no ACM panels on the building.

Although, the guidance will not act as a substitute for a life safety fire risk assessment, nor will it advise on how to complete an EWS1 form.

The above guidance released from RICS is subject to the mortgage lenders getting on board, which in our experience this is not yet the case.

Why HS RoofClad?

Highly experienced cladding specialists are on hand to offer free advice that will meet your individual EWS1 requirements. Industry-leading specialists paired with a keen eye for issues with Cladding, functionality and Health and Safety, HS RoofClad are the best and safest choice.

To find out more, please feel free to call us any time 020 3002 6865.
Alternatively, get in touch via our enquiry form.