Author Archives: Ollie Mason

Why water pooling on decking is a serious balcony safety issue

If you manage, design or specify balconies in the UK, you already know that ‘water...

Non-Combustible Decking for High-Rise Balconies: Fire Safety, Sustainability and Whole-Life Carbon Reality

Search terms such as “non-combustible decking” and “fire rated decking” are now routinely used by...

The Luxura Deck Environmental Product Declaration

In April 2025, Luxura® A1 Fire-Rated deck boards achieved an independently verified Environmental Product Declaration...

Sustainability of Decking Materials: An In-Depth Analysis

Introduction As environmental awareness increases, the sustainability of decking materials has come under greater scrutiny....

The EWS1 Form

The EWS1 form (External Wall System Fire Review) was introduced in December 2019 by RICS,...

Analysing the Lifespan of Timber Decking and the Benefits of Non-Combustible Decking

Decking is a popular feature in UK balconies, terraces, gardens and outdoor spaces, enhancing aesthetic...

What is a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)?

Is EWS1 the same as an FRAEW? Following difficulties in obtaining and interpreting assessments under...