Skip to main content

 External Wall Inspections 

Case Study
Download Brochure
Contact Us

EWI – External Wall Inspections

FRAEW Expertise

An External Wall Inspection (EWI) typically involves assessing the condition and safety of the outer walls of a building or the structure. This is usually done by a qualified building inspector or engineer who will look at façade configuration, material combustibility, workmanship, and compliance with building regulations.

If any issues are identified, the inspector will provide a detailed report outlining the problem, its severity, and recommendations for any remedial action. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may involve repair work, or replacement of the affected areas of the wall.
Contact Us
On-Site Fire Scrutineer

Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)

The PAS 9980:2022 document is a code of practice which provides a methodology for competent Building Professionals, such as Building Surveyors, and Fire Engineers, to follow in order to complete a Fire Risk Appraisal of the External Walls of a building. These individuals will be tasked with “assessing the scope for, and risk from, fire spread via external wall construction and cladding, such that the outcome can be used to inform a building’s Fire Risk Assessment”.

The PAS 9980:2022 document provides recommendations and guidance on undertaking a FRAEW, and provides a consistent framework to report results. It’s useful to those who make decisions based on the FRAEW outcome.

Detailed Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls reports are produced by Façade Technical Consultants and reviewed by Senior Fire Engineers.

Recent Projects

FRAEW Review

Gateshead Council

Global were asked to review the Fire Risk Appraisals for a total of 25 sites within Gateshead. The FRAEWS needed to be reviewed in accordance with PAS9980, the appraisal for the fire performance of walls, in order to mitigate risks. 

Read more
Housing Association

BPHA

GTS were instructed to undertake Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEWs) on 12 different buildings that are managed by BPHA. The FRAEWs were required in order to assess the suitability of external wall systems in accordance with PAS9980:2022 for them to be compliant with the most up to date regulations.  

Read more

Complete Approach to Fire Engineering

At GTS we inspect Cladding and Façades to make sure that it is installed and maintained correctly, and that it falls in line with Approved Document B, and Manufacturers Guidelines, producing detailed reports and issuing a FRAEW in-line with PAS 9980, highlighting any shortcomings and outlining any remedial works that must be carried out to ensure compliance.
Bruce Patterson
Andreas Marais

FAçADE TEam Manager

Contact


Andreas, with over 22 years in civil engineering, has a rich background including a six-year consultancy role in UK’s built environment industries. Currently finalising his chartered engineer status at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), he is known for his approachable style in façade engineering.

Contact Us


Assessing the fire performance of external wall systems is crucial for high-rise buildings and structures with cladding systems.

We identify any fire risks associated with external wall construction and provide clear recommendations on how to mitigate these risks and keep the building’s occupants safe.

FAQs

Do I need a FRAEW?

Any existing multi-occupied, multi-residential buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises now require the fire risk assessment to include an assessment of the external wall under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

If the fire risk assessor recognises that the external wall system is outside of their level of competence, an FRAEW will be required.

What is the purpose of a FRAEW?

These typically involves a thorough examination of a building, with the construction materials, design details, and wider fire safety systems in place within the building being the focal points. The purpose is to assess the potential risk of a fire spreading both on and within the external wall of the building, causing harm to the building, and its occupants.

What is the difference between EWS1 and FRAEW?

EWS1 Certificates are used for valuation purposes, an FRAEW is not.

According to PAS9980 whilst an FRAEW can be used as a suitable report to support or inform an EWS1 form, it does not replace it.

What is PAS 9980?

The standard to which that FRAEW must meet is enshrined within the PAS 9980 guidance. Published by the BSI, PAS 9980 sets out guidance on how to carry out an assessment of the external wall of a relevant building, all as part of the periodic fire risk assessments under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

Other Services

Inspection and Remediation for Façades Service
Our Services

Façades

Read More

Fire safety is our whole business

The team is assembled of individuals from diverse backgrounds including fire safety, building engineering, façade engineering firefighting, military, and infrastructure design and build.

Our expert team can provide a breadth of fire engineering knowledge to any project, spanning the built environment and housing sectors.

Offering bespoke fire engineered solutions that cover all aspects of fire safety, ranging from non-standard construction details to buildings that step away from traditional guidance.