What is an External Wall System? 

An external wall system is the materials which form the outside wall of a residential building. A building’s external wall system includes, but is not limited to, cladding, insulation, brickwork, and balconies. 

Does my building require an FRAEW? 

An FRAEW is required when a Fire Risk Assessor needs further information about the external wall system of a building. It is a legal requirement that external walls and their attachments are carefully considered within the Fire Risk Assessment of any multi-occupied building. A single assessment is needed per building. 

What is an EWS1 Form? 

The EWS1 form was created by RICS, the BSA, and UK Finance. It is designed to allow residential building owners to confirm that an external wall system has been assessed for fire resistance by a suitably qualified expert, providing assurance for lenders, valuers, residents, buyers and sellers. It is an ‘industry-wide process agreed for valuation of high-rise buildings’ that improves the transactional process of selling and buying your buildings. An EWS1 form applies to the whole building, not the individual flats within it, and is valid for up to five years from date of signature.