Get In Touch

EWS1 certification

An EWS1 (External Wall System) certificate assesses the fire safety of a building’s external walls. It determines whether combustible materials are present that could accelerate fire spread. Introduced in response to the risks uncovered by Grenfell, the EWS1 form identifies potential hazards and recommends necessary actions.

Speak to an expert

Who Needs an EWS1 Certificate?

Not all buildings require an EWS1 certificate. According to government guidance, an EWS1 assessment is needed for: 

  • Buildings over 6 storeys with cladding, curtain wall glazing, or vertically stacked balconies. 
  • Buildings of 5-6 storeys with significant cladding (25%+ of one elevation), ACM/MCM/HPL panels, or vertically stacked balconies. 
  • Buildings under 4 storeys where ACM, MCM, or HPL panels are present. 

 

For high-risk or buildings over 18m, specialist testing by qualified fire safety engineers remains mandatory. 

EWS1 Certification

Why is an EWS1 Form Required?
Who is Responsible for Arranging an EWS1 Certificate?
The EWS1 form was introduced to assess external wall safety for mortgage lenders, enabling property valuations and transactions to proceed. Without a valid EWS1 certificate, lenders may refuse mortgage approvals or remortgage requests.

The building’s legal owner—such as landlords, residential building owners, or managing agents—is responsible for commissioning the EWS1 assessment.

How to Obtain an EWS1 Certificate
What Does the External Wall System Include?

A qualified professional, such as a fire engineer or surveyor, will inspect the building’s external walls, cladding, and insulation. The inspection identifies any combustible materials and assigns a risk rating: 

  • A (1, 2 or 3): No combustible materials or risks; no works needed. 
  • B (1 or 2) : Combustible materials identified; remedial works required. 

 

The certificate provides this rating and clarifies whether improvements are necessary to ensure safety. 

The external wall system encompasses all external features, such as cladding, insulation, and fire break systems. While the EWS1 form assesses fire risks within these systems, it is not a substitute or replacement for a full fire risk assessment, which remains mandatory for all occupied buildings. 

Do Individual Flats Require an EWS1 Form? 

No, a single EWS1 form covers the entire building or block for five years unless significant changes occur during that period. Multiple leaseholders can rely on the same assessment.

EWS1 in Wales 

The EWS1 process applies to buildings in Wales in the same way as in England.

EWS1 in Scotland 

In Scotland, EWS1 certificates may be required on a flat-by-flat basis due to different legal requirements. Firntec is actively collaborating with the Scottish Government to address this issue through the Single Building Assessment (SBA), with specifications published in June 2024.

Why choose Firntec for EWS1 Services?

At Firntec, our team of qualified building safety professionals ensures your building receives a comprehensive and compliant EWS1 assessment. We are dedicated to delivering clarity, safety, and peace of mind for property owners and residents. Firntec are positioned to be able to deliver all your building safety surveying needs.

Speak to an expert

Professional, accredited and highly skilled in delivering building compliance and surveying consultancy

Firntec is a leading provider in building compliance and surveying consultancy. We work with landlords, organisations and UK businesses to ensure their buildings are compliant for use by all. We carry out top-quality fire risk assessments and building surveys across a multitude of sectors.
Get In Touch
Our Expertise
  • Fire Safety
  • Building Safety Case Consultancy
  • Electrical Safety
  • Asbestos Management
  • Legionella Management
  • Measured Building Surveys
  • BIM 3D Modelling
Sectors we work with:

Get Updates And Stay Connected - Receive Building Compliance Insights

Receive Insights
  • 0345 646 1566
  • Unit 4a, Darklake View, PL6 7TL
  • info@firntec.com
  • LinkedIn

Firntec

Policy Statements

©2024 Firntec LTD.  England. Company Number 13460282.