Fire safety is one of the most critical considerations in modern façade design and refurbishment—especially in the UK, where new regulations and risk-assessment requirements have reshaped the way buildings are evaluated. The EWS1 form (External Wall System Certificate) has become central to assessing fire safety in façades, cladding systems, and glazed building envelopes.
At Glazing Southern Solutions, we help building owners, property managers, and homeowners understand façade fire performance and support compliant refurbishment of glazing and cladding elements.
�� What Is an EWS1 Form?
The EWS1 (External Wall System) form is a fire-safety assessment method created by RICS, UK Finance, and the Building Societies Association.
It is used to confirm whether the external wall system of a residential building contains fire-risk materials or design features that may contribute to fire spread.
An EWS1 assessment includes:
The EWS1 certificate gives lenders confidence that a building’s façade is safe, compliant, and does not pose elevated fire risk.
⭐ Why Fire Safety in Modern Façade Systems Matters
Modern façades combine multiple layers—insulation, sub-framing, glass, aluminium, membranes—and each component influences fire behaviour.
Good fire-safe façade design improves:
Poorly designed façades, by contrast, can dramatically increase fire spread due to combustible materials or missing cavity barriers.
�� How Glazing & Curtain Wall Systems Fit Into EWS1 Assessment
Glazing systems are often assumed to be non-combustible—but they can still have fire-risk factors:
�� Common façade fire-safety issues include:
Glazing Southern Solutions provide refurbishment expertise to repair, upgrade, or replace components to meet compliance.
�� Who Needs an EWS1 Form?
An EWS1 is typically required for:
Even buildings below 11m may need assessment if risk factors are present.
��️ How Glazing Southern Solutions Supports EWS1 Compliance
We assist building owners and managers by ensuring glazing and façade systems meet fire-safety expectations.
Our services include:
✔ Façade fire-risk surveys (in partnership with fire engineers)
✔ Inspection of curtain wall systems and window interfaces
✔ Spandrel panel and insulation upgrades
✔ Resealing and installing fire-rated cavity barriers
✔ Remediation of non-compliant external wall components
✔ Advice on façade material replacements
✔ Glazing refurbishment to support the EWS1 process
We focus on practical refurbishment solutions that reduce fire risk while maintaining façade performance and aesthetics.
�� Common Remediation Works We Perform
Our goal is to help buildings achieve compliant, safe, and mortgage-friendly façades.
�� Understanding EWS1 Ratings
The EWS1 form has two primary rating categories:
Option A – No Combustible Materials
A1 / A2: Safe, no remediation required
A3: Pass with minor observations
Option B – Combustible Materials Present
B1: Low risk, no remediation required
B2: High risk, remediation required
Glazing Southern Solutions supports remediation required for B2 outcomes to help buildings progress toward safe certification.
�� Why Choose Glazing Southern Solutions?
We deliver:
Our team works across the UK to help buildings achieve safe, durable, and regulation-ready façade systems.
�� Need Support with EWS1 or Façade Fire Safety?
Whether you manage a residential block or own a property requiring fire-safety assessment, Glazing Southern Solutions can help.
�� Contact us today for an inspection, consultation, or refurbishment plan.
Our specialist team delivers design, engineering and installation for commercial, residential and retail building envelopes across the UK.