The tragic Grenfell Tower fire highlighted the importance of fire safety in high-rise buildings, particularly the need for comprehensive external wall system (EWS) surveys. These inspections play a vital role in assessing the fire safety of both residential and commercial properties, especially those taller than 18 metres or with concerns regarding cladding and external wall materials.
Determining whether your property requires an EWS1 survey can be complex. At R2R, we bring our extensive expertise in fire safety to help you navigate these requirements and ensure your building’s compliance.
What Is An EWS1 Survey?
An EWS1 survey is a detailed evaluation of a building’s external wall system to assess potential fire hazards. This includes inspecting materials such as cladding, insulation, fire breaks, and more. The EWS1 certificate was introduced by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in collaboration with mortgage lenders, providing a consistent and objective assessment of the fire risk in a property.
What Does An EWS1 Survey Involve?
An EWS1 survey involves a detailed examination of the external walls of a building, focusing on the fire safety aspects of the materials and design.
The survey typically includes the following:
Cladding Materials Assessment – We evaluate the type and condition of cladding to determine whether it poses a fire risk.
Insulation Evaluation – The insulation within the external walls is assessed to ensure it meets current safety standards.
Fire Break Systems – We inspect fire breaks and other safety features designed to prevent the spread of fire.
Structural Integrity – In some cases, we may open sections of external walls or cladding to collect samples and conduct further analysis to identify hidden risks.
Our Services
Powered Access
Providing large, truck-mounted cherry pickers.
Designed to access small or tight areas.
Extended reach for safe access to all areas.
Spacious working platform to accommodate team operations.
Banksman
Banksman included as part of our safe work system.
Establishes an ‘exclusion zone’ around the working area.
Ensures safety for pedestrians and passers-by.
Protects against potential falling materials or debris.
Permits & Licenses
Contact local authorities to secure required permits for mechanical plant placement on public highways.
Coverage provided by £10 million Public Liability Insurance.
Proof of competence included, verified by IPAF certification.
Removal Works
Follow professional guidance to access specified areas of external wall or cladding.
Remove brickwork, render, or cladding panels in agreed locations for examination.
Extract samples as directed for closer inspection.
Full Remedials
On completion, samples are removed from selected areas.
Brickwork fully reinstated with new mortar.
Timber sections reinstated as needed.
Render and cladding restored to maintain watertight integrity of the building.
Our Recent Projects
Why Choose R2R For Your EWS Survey?
Cladding and external wall system inspections require specialist knowledge and equipment. At R2R, we bring years of expertise, working alongside qualified Fire Engineers to provide tailored solutions for your property. Here’s why property owners and facilities managers trust us:
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Specialist Access Solutions – Our team uses large truck-mounted cherry pickers with both long-reach and compact designs to access even the most challenging areas.
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Seamless Compliance – We handle all necessary permits and liaise with local authorities to ensure a smooth, legally compliant inspection process.
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Prioritised Safety – With strict safety protocols, including dedicated banksmen and exclusion zones, we maintain the highest safety standards during inspections.
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Comprehensive Investigations – When needed, we open sections of external walls or cladding to gather samples for analysis, identifying any hidden risks.
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Expert Collaboration – Working closely with experienced fire safety engineers, we ensure every inspection is both thorough and actionable.
R2R is trusted for delivering expert fire safety services with a focus on communication, quality, and customer satisfaction. We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements. Whether you manage a small residential block or a large high-rise, our proven track record speaks for itself.
Here's what our client's have to say...
"R2R has completed several projects and continues to support smaller tasks for my properties. They're reliable, reasonably priced, and consistently deliver high-quality work."
"R2R (Kay and the team!!) are always available for emergencies (which is common in property management!) and for scheduled maintenance. Their reporting is efficient, and they provide helpful recommendations based on their vast knowledge."
Get In Touch
Ensure the safety of your building and comply with fire safety regulations by scheduling an EWS1 survey or cladding inspection with R2R. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Our Accreditations
