FRAEW · PAS 9980 · Belfast
FRAEW & EWS1 assessments in Belfast.
Director-led Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls and EWS1 forms for new-build and existing residential blocks across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
We carry out FRAEWs to PAS 9980:2026 and EWS1 assessments across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Whether a building is newly completed or decades old, we combine the available records with targeted opening-up by our in-house team to reach a clear, evidence-based conclusion.
Belfast's external wall risks
Belfast's waterfront and city centre have seen significant residential regeneration, alongside older blocks that have been refurbished over the years.
- New residential blocks in waterfront regeneration areas, some above 18 metres.
- City-centre apartments and student accommodation.
- Older residential blocks that have been refurbished or over-clad.
- Mixed-use buildings with commercial space below and homes above.
Our FRAEW work in and around Belfast
New buildings in Northern Ireland are subject to restrictions on combustible materials in external walls. At Loft Lines Block 9 the FRAEW had to prove that what was built matched the non-combustible specification, combining construction-phase records with targeted opening-up.
Planning a FRAEW in Belfast
Northern Ireland has its own building and fire safety legislation, so a FRAEW in Belfast sits in a slightly different context from one in England.
- Different legislation. Fire safety in the common parts of blocks of flats is covered by the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, and is enforced by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
- No Cladding Safety Scheme. The Cladding Safety Scheme covers buildings in England only, so in Belfast a FRAEW is usually commissioned by the owner, a lender or an insurer, or after the fire risk assessment recommends one.
- EWS1 still applies. The EWS1 form is a UK-wide RICS process, so lenders in Northern Ireland can ask for one when flats are sold or remortgaged.
- New-build handover. On new blocks, a FRAEW at completion can confirm that what was built matches the specification, as at Loft Lines Block 9.
How a FRAEW works with us
We review the records, inspect every elevation and, where the records are missing or unreliable, our in-house contracting team makes intrusive openings and makes them good. Each wall type is appraised to PAS 9980:2026, and the report, with its risk rating and any EWS1, is reviewed before issue, typically about four weeks after instruction (see how long does a FRAEW take?).
For a quote, send the address, height, number of blocks and flats, the fire risk assessment and any drawings or previous reports (our EWS1 readiness checklist lists what helps) to enquiries@mtconsult.co.uk, through our contact form or on 0800 048 5229. We typically respond within one working day.
We don't publish prices: the fee depends on the building's height and size, the wall types, the type of powered access, the days on site and the opening-up needed (see what does a FRAEW cost?). Our directors have been involved in fire and façades for 20 years, we are CHAS Elite accredited, and with our own contracting team you have one point of contact. We also have the capacity to take on portfolios of 50+ properties.
Where we work around Belfast
We carry out FRAEWs across Belfast and Northern Ireland, and in the Republic of Ireland. See our pages for Belfast, Dublin and Glasgow.
FRAEWs in other cities
We work for housing associations and local authorities, managing agents and freeholders, and investors and developers, from single blocks to portfolios of 50+ properties.
Frequently asked questions
Do you carry out FRAEWs in Belfast?
Yes. We carry out FRAEWs to PAS 9980:2026 and EWS1 assessments across Belfast and Northern Ireland, each led by a Director.
Can you provide an EWS1 for a new-build block at handover?
Yes. At Loft Lines Block 9 we combined the contractor's construction-phase records with targeted opening-up to reach a Low risk conclusion and an EWS1 A1 at handover.
Do you need to open up a new building?
Often only a little. Where good construction records exist, a small number of targeted openings can confirm that what was built matches the records, as at Loft Lines, where opening-up took one day.
How much does a FRAEW cost in Belfast?
We don't publish fixed prices. The fee depends on the building's height and size, the wall types, the powered access needed, the days on site and the opening-up required, and we confirm it in writing before you instruct. See what does a FRAEW cost?
Can you carry out FRAEWs across several buildings in Belfast?
Yes. We have the capacity to undertake portfolios of 50+ properties, with a desktop triage, risk-ranked inspections and consistent reports. See portfolio FRAEW programmes.
Related reading
Talk to us
Need a FRAEW in Belfast?
We carry out PAS 9980 FRAEWs and EWS1 assessments across Belfast, Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.