EWS1

 

 

 

An EWS1 Certificate (External Wall System 1 Certificate) is a document used in the UK to confirm the fire safety of a building's external wall system. It is particularly relevant for high-rise buildings and was introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy to address concerns about cladding and fire risks in residential buildings.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

What is the EWS1 Certificate?

• Purpose: Assesses the fire risk posed by a building's external wall materials, including cladding, insulation, and attachments like balconies.
• Applicability: Typically applies to buildings over 18 meters (approximately six stories) in height, but in some cases, it is required for buildings under this threshold if there are specific fire risk concerns.
• Audience: Used by mortgage lenders, surveyors, and prospective property buyers to determine whether the building is safe and suitable for financing.

How Does the EWS1 Process Work?

1. Inspection: A qualified fire safety professional inspects the building's external wall system.
2. Report: The professional evaluates the materials and construction to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
3. Certification: If the building meets safety requirements, an EWS1 Certificate is issued.

Key Points About the Certificate:

• Two Categories:
  • Option A: The materials are unlikely to be combustible (e.g., brick, concrete, metal).
  • Option B: Combustible materials are present but are deemed safe following a detailed fire risk assessment.
• Validity: The certificate is typically valid for the whole building, not individual flats, for up to 5 years unless significant changes occur.
• Who Can Issue It: Only qualified professionals, such as chartered fire engineers or surveyors with relevant fire safety expertise, can issue EWS1 Certificates.

Common Issues:

• Availability: Obtaining an EWS1 Certificate can be challenging due to a limited number of qualified assessors.
• Impact on Sales: Buildings without an EWS1 Certificate may face difficulty with sales or remortgaging.
• Cost: The inspection and certification process can be expensive and is often borne by the building owner or management company.

Would you like to know more about how to obtain one, who to contact, or specific concerns related to the certificate?

 

An EWS1 Certificate (External Wall System Certificate) is a document used in the UK to confirm the fire safety of a building's external wall system. It is part of the response to fire safety concerns raised after the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The certificate is required mainly for residential buildings over 18 meters (or about six stories) in height, although it may also be used for some lower buildings depending on their cladding or materials.

Key Features of an EWS1 Certificate:

1. Purpose: Assesses whether the external wall materials, including cladding and insulation, pose a fire risk.
2. Issued by: Qualified fire safety professionals with expertise in external wall systems.
3. Use: Primarily for mortgage lenders to determine whether a property is a safe and insurable investment.
4. Outcomes:
   • Option A: For walls where materials are unlikely to need remediation.
   • Option B: For walls that may need remediation or further investigation.

When is it Needed?

• For buildings with cladding or other potentially combustible materials.
• When selling, remortgaging, or valuing a property within an affected building.

Challenges:

• Delays: There have been significant backlogs in obtaining EWS1 assessments, as only a limited number of qualified professionals can perform them.
• Not Legally Mandatory: However, many mortgage lenders require it for transactions.

If you need an EWS1 certificate, it’s advisable to contact your building's management company, freeholder, or managing agent, as they are typically responsible for arranging the assessment.