THE EWS1
The External Wall System form (EWS1) was first introduced in December 2019 by the RICS. The primary objective of EWS1 was to provide a simplified rating system for mortgage lenders for residential buildings over 18 meters. This provided a reliable platform for mortgage lenders to lend on. The EWS1 form is often required when selling […]
Spring Clean your deck!
Spring Clean your deck! Cleaning and Maintenance of Non-Combustible Decking: A Comprehensive Guide Decking is a critical feature in residential and commercial properties, offering aesthetic appeal and functional outdoor spaces. With the importance of fire safety and durability, non-combustible decking materials such as aluminium decking and non-combustible composite decking have emerged as popular choices. These […]
Environmental Product Declarations
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration in the construction industry, stakeholders are seeking transparent and reliable ways to assess the environmental impact of building materials and products. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have emerged as a key tool in this regard, providing standardized and scientifically-based information about the environmental performance of construction products. EPDs enable […]
Sustainability of Decking Materials: An In-Depth Analysis
Introduction As environmental awareness increases, the sustainability of decking materials has come under scrutiny. Selecting a decking material involves considering factors such as durability, maintenance, cost, and importantly, environmental impact. In 2024 the sustainability information about construction materials continues to develop so that it can be considered in material selection. This report delves into the […]
Analyzing the Lifespan of Timber Decking and the Benefits of Non
The Lifespan of Timber Decking and the Benefits of Non-Combustible Decking in the UK Decking is a popular feature in UK balconies, terraces gardens and outdoor spaces, enhancing aesthetic appeal, functionality, and property value. Traditionally, timber has been the material of choice for decking due to its natural appearance and versatility. However, the lifespan […]
What is a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)?
Is EWS1 the same as an FRAEW? Following difficulties with being able to obtain and interpret assessments under the series of Advice Notes from MHCLG (now called the Department of Levelling-Up Housing and Communities, DLUHC), in an effort to simplify the process for building managers and mortgage lenders, RICS first issued the EWS1 process in […]
Summary of the new Gateway 2 requirements that came into force in October 2023
This article has been updated 23 September 2024 What is Gateway 2? Following the Hackitt report, the government announced a number of changes to the Building Control process including: Gateway 1: Planning Application Gateway 2: New Building Control Application process Gateway 3: Completion Gateway 1 This affects Planning. The main change is the requirement for [...]
What are the new fire regulations?
This article has been updated 23 September 2024 The FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS (England) 2022 came into force on 23rd January 2023. These are legal requirements which apply to all high-rise residential buildings . Following publication of the Fire Safety Act, paving the way, the regulations have been laid under article 24 of the Fire Safety […]
Aluminium Decking Explained
Recent changes to the building regulations Part B (Fire Safety) There are three approaches permissible to meet Part B of the Building Regulations: Approved Document B suitable for single dwellings and simple construction Advanced Approach whereby BS 9999: 2017 is used and provides a more technical structure, allowing risk-based principles to be applied to the […]
What is the Golden Thread?
Following the tragic events of Grenfell, Dame Judith Hackitt chaired the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. During the review it was found that, it was common for an Architect to write a specification that would describe the performance and aesthetics desired, and so may call for example: “non-combustible decking, to approved sample, […]
The Building Safety Bill Achieves Royal Assent
The Building Safety Bill has now become the Building Safety Act from today. This Building Safety Act, compliments the Fire Safety Act, paving the way for update fire safety regulations. This is the culmination of months of debate in parliament. Balconies on high-rise buildings were a topical subject of the debate in the house of […]
