SFI Inspections | External Wall System Surveys, FRAEWs (PAS 9980) & EWS1

SFI Inspections

Comprehensive external wall inspections and consultancy — from clear scoping and safe access to proportionate findings and lender-friendly reporting.

SFI Inspection Process

Disciplined, transparent and proportionate — from scoping to sign-off.

01

Scope & Desktop Review

We define scope, review drawings/O&M/previous reports, and agree objectives, standards and access needs.

02

Site Inspection & Opening-Up

Intrusive and non-intrusive surveys using MEWP, rope access or drone. Opening-up is reinstated (“made good”).

03

Analysis & Compliance

Findings assessed against PAS 9980 and EWS1 requirements — with clear risk ratings and proportionate next steps.

04

Reporting & Next Steps

Concise, lender-friendly reports (photos, drawings, appendices) with actions for remediation, monitoring or certification.

MEWP access Rope access Drone survey Make-good reinstatement

Core Inspection Services

External wall safety — assessed and evidenced.

Engineer assessing building cladding for FRAEW to PAS 9980

FRAEWs to PAS 9980 Methodology

Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls aligned to PAS 9980 — comprehensive assessment of cladding and interfaces, supporting dutyholders with proportionate risk outcomes.

  • Evidence-based appraisal of external walls
  • Clear, proportionate risk ratings
  • Actionable recommendations
FRAEW / PAS 9980
Residential façade with cladding panels suitable for EWS1 inspection

Inspection for EWS1 Certification

Thorough EWS1 inspections to support lending decisions — concise, lender-friendly reports that set out findings and next steps for owners and residents.

  • Lender-friendly documentation
  • Clear pass/fail narrative
  • Rapid follow-up actions
EWS1
Routine façade maintenance and inspection of commercial building

Annual Cladding & Façade Inspections

Scheduled inspections to identify deterioration, defects or safety concerns — keeping you compliant and avoiding costly surprises.

  • Planned inspection cadence
  • Defect tracking & reporting
  • Insurer-ready evidence
Annual Programme

Design & Compliance Advisory

Collaborative support from concept to completion.

Architect reviewing façade blueprints and materials

New Build Design Assistance & Advice

Façade design input from concept to completion — working with architects, developers and contractors to secure safe, efficient outcomes.

  • Early-stage design reviews
  • Material & detail guidance
  • Compliance alignment
Design Advisory
Close-up of façade detail drawing and compliance checklist

Façade Design Compliance Coordination

Coordination of façade design with relevant standards and regulations — ensuring documentation and details meet safety and compliance benchmarks.

  • Standards & regs mapping
  • Design team interface
  • Assurance documentation
Compliance
Technician exposing cladding layers during opening-up inspection

Opening-Up & Making Good Works

Targeted opening-up to expose hidden construction for investigation, followed by reinstatement to original standard with minimal disruption.

  • Access & exposure of key details
  • Photo & note recording
  • Quality reinstatement
Intrusive Survey

Procurement & Reporting

Clear documentation to procure efficiently and deliver successfully.

Team reviewing construction documents during tender stage

Pre & Post Tender Advice

Independent façade advisory at pre- and post-tender stages — reviewing specs, assessing contractor proposals and providing risk/value guidance.

  • Specification & proposal review
  • Risk & value analysis
  • Recommendations memo
Tender Support
Technical blueprint and performance specification checklist

Performance Specification

Accurate, detailed façade performance specs that set project requirements — materials, performance and compliance — forming a robust basis for delivery.

  • Performance criteria
  • Materials & fixings
  • QA & verification points
Specification
Surveyor with clipboard inspecting external façade for insurance report

Insurance Reports

Professional reports to support insurance claims and assessments — clear evidence on condition, safety and compliance of external walls.

  • Condition & compliance evidence
  • Insurer-ready format
  • Remedial priorities
Insurance

Inspections In Focus

Professionalism from boardroom to site

Project planning and governance workshop
Governance workshop Risk & issues log Stakeholder comms
Inspection Planning
On-site controls and safety briefing
Permits to Work Daily briefings
Forward Planning
Programme discipline and scheduling board
Programme control PC coordination
Programme Discipline

Inspection FAQs

A few quick answers — tailored guidance on request.

What is a FRAEW and when is it needed?

A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) reviews external wall construction and interfaces to assess fire spread risk. It’s typically needed where external wall materials and details could materially affect life safety.

Do you provide EWS1 inspections?

Yes. We carry out inspections to support EWS1 forms, producing clear evidence and a lender-friendly narrative to assist stakeholders.

Can you make good after opening-up works?

Yes. Our opening-up is followed by reinstatement to the original standard (“made good”) with minimal disruption, recorded with photos and notes.

Ready to scope your inspection?

Let’s align objectives, access and reporting — then deliver a proportionate, lender-friendly outcome.

Speak to our team