EWS1 Certification
In 2017, the devastating Grenfell Tower fire forced the UK Government to confront the fire risks associated with aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding. Unfortunately, the subsequent introduction of the EWS1 Certification has since caused significant issues for many flat owners.
What is the EWS1 Certification?
Introduced in December 2019, the EWS1 form (External Wall System certificate of compliance) was designed to assess the fire safety risks associated with external cladding. It applies primarily to older buildings constructed before the 2018 regulation updates and to high-rise towers exceeding 18 metres in height.
Initially, the EWS1 appeared to be a logical solution — providing a clear, structured way to assess fire risk in cladded buildings. However, as mortgage lenders began requiring these certificates as part of their property valuation process, widespread complications quickly arose.
What’s the Problem?
Flat owners across the UK are facing two major issues as a result of the EWS1 rollout:
1. Limited Availability: Only fully insured, chartered fire engineers are qualified to complete EWS1 assessments. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, a far greater number of buildings than initially estimated require these surveys — leading to severe delays, in some cases stretching to several years.
2. Expanding Requirements: Although EWS1 forms were intended only for pre-2018 buildings over 18 metres tall, many mortgage lenders have begun demanding them for mid- and low-rise properties as well. Some lenders now require EWS1 certification for all residential blocks, regardless of height.
As a result, many flat owners seeking to sell, remortgage, or purchase additional shares in shared ownership schemes have found themselves unable to proceed.
What’s the Solution?
Public frustration has led to growing pressure for change. A petition launched on 19 August 2020 urged the Government to review the EWS1 process. In response, the Housing, Communities & Local Government Committee stated on 16 September 2020:
“We do not support a blanket approach to EWS1 forms on buildings, and where owners are able to demonstrate their buildings are safe using other equivalent evidence, we would encourage lenders to accept that.”
What is “Equivalent Evidence”?
While there is no formal definition yet, “equivalent evidence” is generally understood to include proof of effective fire protection systems such as:
- Certified dry and wet riser systems
- Installed sprinkler systems
- Fire-resistant escape stairways
- Regular fire risk assessments and safety audits
The Next Steps
For building owners and facilities managers, the path forward is clear: prioritise comprehensive fire safety to reassure lenders and residents alike. Demonstrating proactive investment in fire protection systems is the best way to reduce EWS1 complications and enhance building safety.
As a Level 1 Loss Prevention Council (LPC) certified installer of residential sprinkler systems, Eversafe Fire Protection helps make both high-rise and low-rise buildings safer. To discuss improving your property’s fire protection, get in touch with Eversafe on 01622 910080.