Cladding Surveys & Facade Surveys

There is a vast amount of technical knowledge needed to understand all the aspects of a clad façade not only in terms of the legislation but also of the requirements for surveys and ultimately the works required to remediate these buildings.

So trying not to get over-involved in the technicalities and legislation below we have highlighted the basics.

Why are EWS1 forms required?

Following the tragic events of Grenfell, the Government introduced a series of reports and legislation that are still evolving.

The legislation is to ensure that the external wall materials prevent the surface spread of fire to other buildings (PARTB of the building regs) and the wall build-up sufficiently inhibits the spread of fire within the buildings external envelope (approved document B).

The EWS1 is required to standardize reporting of the building facades for the purposes of lending.

What is the criteria for a building needing an EWS1?

If a building is over 18m it will require an External Wall Survey to be carried out. Buildings as low as 11m are also now coming under scrutiny but they at present do not require an EWS1.

Who wants to see the EWS1?

Ministry of Housing and Local government hold lists of buildings over 18m. In turn, local councils liaise with the local fire department to serve notices on buildings that have certain types of cladding. Lenders will insist that building owners or leaseholders within those buildings have a completed EWS1 before they lend funds. Securing a mortgage or lending on the non-compliant buildings will prove problematic.

What will the actual process be?

The process of completing an external wall fire review is a complex one.

An assessment of the original design intent of the building. We will look at the original plans for the building (asbuilts) to determine what was originally intended and the materials used.
Strategic sample areas of the building will be highlighted for investigation and a checklist of survey requirements will be formulated in conjunction with a chartered fire engineer.
Liaising with councils and building owners for the requisite permissions and compliance with Health & Safety requirements.
The appropriate access equipment will be arranged and an intrusive survey will be performed. The survey will involve the removal of the façade elements in the sample area with an investigation determined by the survey checklist.
A live report will be generated.
All due diligence procedures will then be fulfilled. This will include planning permission checks for the intended use or any change of use.

How can PLANfacade help?

PLANfacade can manage the external wall survey providing just one point of contact throughout the process.

Please fill in the short information request form below and we will contact you.

What if the survey says the building needs remediation?

PLANfacade can assist with a recommended scope of works. All aspects of any works required can be facilitated by PLANfacade through our working relationships for industry specialists.

Cladding & Facade Surveys