FRAEW · PAS 9980 · Cambridge
FRAEW & EWS1 assessments in Cambridge.
Director-led Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls for city-centre mixed-use buildings, apartment blocks and student housing across Cambridge and the East of England.
We carry out FRAEWs to PAS 9980:2026 and EWS1 assessments across Cambridge and the East of England. Our in-house contracting team carries out any opening-up, so even buildings with limited records can be appraised on evidence.
Cambridge's external wall risks
Cambridge combines a historic centre with fast-growing residential quarters, and many of its newer buildings mix several wall systems on one façade.
- City-centre mixed-use buildings with shops below and flats above, often in a historic setting.
- Apartment blocks from the 2000s onwards with render, rainscreen panels and curtain walling.
- Student and key-worker housing serving the university and research campuses.
- New residential quarters on the edge of the city.
- Buildings with limited records, where each wall system has to be confirmed on site.
Our FRAEW work in and around Cambridge
At Christ's Lane, four different wall systems on one city-centre block were opened up and appraised, giving a clear Low risk rating and no remediation.
Planning a FRAEW in Cambridge
Cambridge's rapid growth means many of its residential buildings are recent, but recent does not always mean well documented.
- New neighbourhoods. Large developments on the edge of the city and around the station often use timber frame, modular or other modern methods of construction, where the wall build-up behind the finish cannot be seen and has to be confirmed.
- University and key-worker housing. College, university and key-worker accommodation is often managed as a group of buildings, so a consistent approach across the group helps owners compare risk.
- Historic centre. In the centre, mixed-use buildings sit in conservation areas, so openings are kept small and discreet and made good to match.
- Enforcement and access. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service enforces fire safety in blocks of flats, and Cambridgeshire County Council, as highway authority, licenses access equipment on the road.
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 Cambridge
We carry out FRAEWs across Cambridge, Cambridgeshire and the wider East of England. See our pages for Cambridge, FRAEWs in Oxford and FRAEWs in London.
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 Cambridge?
Yes. We carry out FRAEWs to PAS 9980:2026 and EWS1 assessments across Cambridge and the East of England, each led by a Director.
Can you appraise a building with several wall systems?
Yes. At Christ's Lane we opened up and appraised four wall systems, from masonry and render to aluminium rainscreen and curtain walling, giving a Low overall risk rating.
Can you help with a Cladding Safety Scheme application?
Yes. We are Homes England approved Cladding Safety Scheme assessors, so our FRAEWs can support an application for eligible buildings.
How much does a FRAEW cost in Cambridge?
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 Cambridge?
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 Cambridge?
We are Homes England approved Cladding Safety Scheme assessors, carrying out PAS 9980 FRAEWs and EWS1 assessments across Cambridge and the East of England.