6 - External Wall Systems

Question 1

What is an external wall system (EWS)?

Answer 1

Made up of the outside wall of abuilding, to include cladding, insulation and fire breaks

Question 2

Which event found many external wall systems to be found unsure?

Answer 2

Grenfell

Question 3

What is an EWS1 form?

Answer 3

The UK government and mortgagors sought to enable the valuation of tall residential buildings (any height) through the introduction of an EWS1 form.

Question 4

What critera of EWS1 enables a qualified professional to confirm than an EWS has been assessed for safety?

Answer 4

1. The height of a building
2. The type of cladding and how much of it there is on a building
3. the presence of balconies and combustible material

Question 5

Are EWS1 Forms required for all buildings?

Answer 5

No - RICS have provided guidance for valuers which includes criteria to help decide whether particular buildings need an EWS1 form (Decision Tree).

However, valuers must alwaus follow instructions given by their lender clients and have a rationale to justify the requiret for the EWS1 form.

Only valid for 5 years.

Question 6

What is the EWS1 Decision tree?

Answer 6

Found inside the “Valuation of properties in multi-storey, multi-occupancy residential buildings with
cladding”