FRAEW — External Wall Assessments

A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) is a structured appraisal of the external wall construction of a building, conducted in accordance with PAS 9980:2022. The purpose is to identify fire risks associated with external wall materials, systems, and construction details — and to inform proportionate risk management decisions.

The FRAEW process was developed in response to concerns arising from the Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent government advice regarding external wall systems. PAS 9980 provides a risk-based framework that avoids blanket remediation, instead focusing resources where the risk profile warrants intervention.

• Buildings over 11 metres with external wall systems that may contain combustible materials
• Where an EWS1 form is required for mortgage lending or insurance purposes
• Where the responsible person needs to understand external wall fire risk as part of their broader fire risk management
• To support applications to the Building Safety Fund or Cladding Safety Scheme

Apex Fire Engineering conducts FRAEWs that are thorough, evidence-based, and proportionate. We carry out desktop studies of available construction documentation, non-intrusive visual surveys, and where necessary commission or coordinate intrusive investigations to confirm external wall build-up. Our appraisals consider the full external wall system — not simply cladding materials in isolation — including insulation, cavity barriers, fixings, windows, balconies, and junctions with other building elements.

• PAS 9980:2022 — Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats
• BS 8414 — Fire performance of external cladding systems
• BR 135 — Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings

A comprehensive FRAEW report setting out the appraisal methodology, findings, risk rating, and recommended actions. Where applicable, completion of the EWS1 form. Clear, technically grounded recommendations for remediation, interim measures, or confirmation that no further action is warranted.