Building regulation Document Q and PAS 24 door and window security explained

Building regulations apply to windows and doors for the consumer’s safety and comfort. There are specific building regulations regarding security in new homes or dwellings for England and Wales called ‘Approved Document Q’ and Scotland ‘4.13 Security’, both recognise the PAS 24 security standard; however, Northern Ireland currently has no such standard*.

In this article, we will look at the Approved Document Q for England and Wales and PAS 24 and the implications of windows and doors in new dwellings.

In England and Wales, windows and doors for new dwellings must comply with the Building Regulation Approved Document Q: Security – Dwellings. In Scotland, it is identified as Building Standard 4.13 Security.  New dwellings also refer to new extensions to existing homes and buildings that have changed from commercial to residential use, such as developing factories into flats.

Approved Document Q Security came into effect for building work, which started on site in England on 1 October 2016 and Wales on 1 November 2018. You need to know that the building owner may also be responsible for ensuring the work complies with Building Regulations just as much as the builders or installers; all may be served with an enforcement notice. 

What are the Approved Document Q Security building regulations for windows and doors?

Doors are referred to as ‘doorsets’, which are the complete door assembly consisting of the door frame, door leaf (or leaves), hardware and any integral side panel or fanlight.

All easily accessible doorsets, which include garages interconnected with the building and communal entrances, must be designed and tested to meet PAS 24. There are other recognised standards; the up-to-date list can be found on the Secured by Design website for doorsets and windows, and includes other characteristics such as weather tightness and fire protection. Tests are performed by accredited certification bodies of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Letter plates can provide easy access for a burglar, so maximum sizes are stipulated, and location restrictions are imposed. Doorsets should be mechanically fixed, and lightweight frame walls must have a resilient layer to reduce the risk of someone breaking through the wall to get to the locking system.

Windows include any easily accessible windows, including rooflights/windows. If a bespoke timber doorset, a separate list of security requirements is listed under Appendix B of the Document. 

*In Northern Ireland, Building Regulations are supported by a series of technical booklets, of which no section is dedicated solely to the security of windows and doors. However, Building Regulations may specify standards to resist forced entry, such as robust locking mechanisms, laminated or toughened glass (Technical Booklet V – Glazing), and secure frames. Other aspects of door and window security may be covered within several booklets, such as Technical Booklet B – Materials and Workmanship regarding the quality and manufacturing of doors and windows and Technical Booklet E – Fire Safety regarding secure fire exits and doors.

Doorsets and windows in all materials, which include the frame, locks, hinges and glazing , are put through rigorous testing to simulate a forced entry using different tools and techniques by an independent testing centre. For doorsets and windows that meet that standard, a certificate is often issued in conjunction with other standards, such as fire safety and thermal performance.

An important note is that the PAS 24 certification is only about the doorset or window-tested configuration, for example, a three-panel bifolding door with a particular lock. If the number of panels is greater and/or a different lock is used, the bifolding door you have installed will not be PAS 24 certified.

Is PAS 24 a legal requirement?

PAS 24 is not itself mandated by law. In England, Wales and Scotland, PAS 24 is one standard that demonstrates compliance with Building Regulations, which states that new dwellings must meet the standards in order not to be served with an enforcement notice.

Is PAS 24 only relevant to windows and doors in new dwellings?

Yes, however, the definition of a new dwelling building work in Document Q includes the erection or extension of a building, so it does apply to home extensions to your current home. In addition, an existing building that has had a change of use from commercial to residential or garage conversion to an annexe also needs to be PAS 24 compliant.

As with any building work to your home, you must check with your local Planning and Building Control.

PAS 24 can used by manufacturers to demonstrate that their doorsets and windows provide enhanced security. So, as well as being a Building Regulation requirement for new dwellings, including home extensions, it is a good selling point for replacement doors and windows to provide the consumer extra peace of mind that they are purchasing a quality fit-for-purpose product.

If not for a new dwelling, building conversion or home extension, which are mandatory for Building Regulations, then there are other standards that would be comparable, if not better, such as EN 1627:2021 RC3 | RC4 | RC5 | RC6 .

Is PAS 24 the same as Secured by Design?

No, Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative whose purpose is to improve the security of buildings. SBD runs an accreditation scheme called the ‘Police Preferred Specification’. 

Secured by Design oversees and quality checks the certification process, such as PAS 24; they do not test the window or door.

How can I find a PAS 24 certificated windows or doors?

Self-builders, homeowners and developers can find PAS 24 certified products via the Secured by Design website. Alternatively, ask your installer for proof that the product and specification you are purchasing are PAS 24 certified by producing the test certificate.

What is the difference between PAS 24 certification and accreditation?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference.

Certification is a third-party audit and/or testing of the doorset and window to ensure it meets the standard or scheme criteria, such as PAS 24. These are certification bodies that UKAS accredits to supply certification to the organisation that successfully passes the audit. Therefore, the organisation of the product will ‘hold’ the ‘accredited certification’ or ‘certification’.

Certification bodies must demonstrate their conformity through a set of criteria through UKAS, a government-appointed National Accreditation Body, to be accredited through UKAS. UKAS check the certification bodies that can then operate accredited product certification schemes.

Accreditation is a third-party overseeing role that is impartial and checks the quality and competence of the certification process, such as Secured by Design. They do not audit or test the product but check that the product and organisation have achieved the accredited certification.

A complete list of building regulations concerning new and replacement windows and doors can be found in this article.

Find out more about PAS 24 and RC3 standards.

If you would like some help finding a Secured by Design door and window product or have some specific security requirements for commercial premises, please get in touch; we will be happy to advise you.