Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (PAS 9980:2026)

FRAEW & EWS1

What is a FRAEW?

A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) is a structured, building-specific appraisal of the life-safety risk associated with external wall construction and specified attachments, including cladding, insulation, cavity barriers, balconies and façades.

Undertaken in accordance with PAS 9980:2026, a FRAEW considers the wall system in the context of the whole building: its fire strategy, height, means of escape, occupants and fire-service intervention. It provides a proportionate conclusion on risk and, where necessary, practical recommendations for further investigation, mitigation or remediation.

FRAEWs and EWS1 forms

Lenders and valuers often ask for an EWS1 form when a flat in a building with cladding is sold or remortgaged. The EWS1 is normally signed on the strength of a FRAEW, so we can provide both together.

Read our guides: what is an EWS1 form?, EWS1 ratings explained and FRAEW vs EWS1.

Why appoint MTC?

A FRAEW requires more than identifying materials. It requires a clear understanding of how the external wall system, building geometry and fire strategy interact.

MTC combines façade and building-envelope expertise with demonstrable and practical investigation and remediation experience. This helps clients move from incomplete information to an evidence-led, proportionate decision—without treating remediation as a default outcome.

Being a Homes England Approved Assessor, our inclusion on the panel reflects the competence and quality requirements of the scheme.

MTC supports clients with FRAEW evidence and the technical elements of Cladding Safety Scheme applications.

We typically issue reports within 15 working days of site visit, making us one of the fastest FRAEW providers available.

Full PI insurance coverage.

  • FRAEW FAQs

    Do I need a FRAEW or an EWS1?
    They serve different purposes. A FRAEW is a PAS 9980:2026 fire-risk appraisal of an existing building’s external walls; an EWS1 is a lender valuation form. We can review the building information and explain the most appropriate route.

    How long does it take?
    MTC typically get to site within 10 working days of instruction, issuing reports within a further 5 working days, making MTC one of the fastest FRAEW providers available. This is due to our extensive experience & full in-house project & site support teams.

    When is intrusive investigation required?
    Where available information cannot establish the external wall build-up or critical fire-safety details, targeted opening-up may be necessary. We scope this proportionately and manage the process to obtain the evidence required.

    Can MTC support a Cladding Safety Scheme application?
    MTC can provide FRAEW-related support and the required reporting information where the building and instruction are eligible. We confirm scope and current panel requirements at appointment.

    Where do we Work?

    McKay Turner Consulting delivers FRAEW, PAS 9980:2026, façade investigation and remediation support throughout the UK, including:

    England: North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West.
    Scotland: all regions.
    Wales: all regions.
    Northern Ireland: all regions.

    Our Cheshire base provides particularly convenient access to Chester, Manchester, Liverpool, and the wider North West.

    Our London base provides direct access across both Central & Greater London.

Homes England Approved CSS Assessors

We are proud to serve on the Homes England panel of Approved CSS Assessors.

This underwrites our commitment to quality, integrity and judgment.

MTC supports clients in applying directly for remediation funding, managing the entire process for our clients.

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