Security Standards for Windows and Doors: A Homeowner’s Guide

When choosing windows and doors for your home, most people naturally care about frame colours and handle styles, not boring building regulations. But at Allgood Constructions NW Ltd, we’ve seen enough house extensions across Bolton to know that what’s inside your frames matters just as much as how they look on the outside. 

After all, your home should be a place where you spend quality time with your family – not an easy target for people on the outside. True peace of mind comes from knowing that behind those beautiful frames are reinforced strike plates, multi-point locking systems, and toughened glass designed to keep your loved ones safe.

The “Two-Tier” Market Explained

Since 2015, minimum security standards for windows and doors have been mandated under Approved Document Q (ADQ) of the UK building regulations. However, there is a catch: this legally only applies to new dwellings or change-of-use projects; it does not strictly apply to replacement windows.

This has created a two-tier market. Some replacement products meet the legal minimum for replacements but fall short of the full window security standards required for new builds. In our view, it is crucial to understand these regulations to ensure you get the best value and potentially reduce your home insurance premiums.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Allgood Constructions NW Ltd, our background is in building high-end extensions. We didn’t start selling windows and doors as separate products until we had been trading for three years. From the beginning, every unit we install is designed to be fully building regulations compliant, meeting the rigorous security standards for windows specified in Approved Document Q (ADQ).

There are three core elements you should be familiar with: PAS24, UKCA marking, and Secured by Design.

1. What is PAS24?

PAS24 (Publicly Available Specification 24) is a certification developed by the British Standards Institute (BSI). It sets out the minimum security standards for windows and doors to ensure they can withstand common tactics used by burglars.

Unlike other certifications, PAS24 isn’t component specific. Instead, it tests the resilience of the whole system through intensive methods:

• Mechanical Loading: Applied directly to locking points.
• Impact Testing: Using heavy weights to simulate forced entry.
• Manual Attack: Using common burglary tools to attempt to force the unit open.
• Hardware Tests: Rigorous assessments of cylinders and hinges.

Installing products that meet these PAS24 security standards for windows can lead to lower insurance premiums and significantly better peace of mind.

2. Understanding UKCA Marking

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark is a mandatory product marking that demonstrates a product meets required performance standards. For windows and doors, the relevant standard is BS EN14351-1.

Manufacturers must declare performance regarding:

• Weather resistance and thermal performance.
• Load-bearing capacity of safety devices.
• Safety in use.

While essential for quality control, the UKCA mark is not an indicator of enhanced security standards for windows. It confirms the window is well-made and weather-proof, but it doesn’t grade its resistance to intruders.

3. What is Secured by Design (SBD)?

Secured by Design is a flagship UK police initiative. It establishes a Police Preferred Specification for products that have met recognized security standards for windows and doors.

SBD doesn’t carry out its own testing; instead, it ensures that products have been independently tested to standards like PAS24 by a certified third party. Interestingly, SBD takes a broader approach than just the hardware; they look at the overall design of developments – including lighting, surveillance, and landscaping – to reduce crime.

Every SBD-approved product will meet PAS24 security standards for windows, but not all PAS24 products are SBD certified.

Which Certifications Do I Need for a Secure Home?

When browsing products, you will see a real variance in quality. As experienced installers across Bolton and the North West, our recommendation is always to choose products that are at least PAS24 certified.

While these high security standards for windows are not always a legal requirement for simple replacements, selecting them brings your home up to the same safety levels expected in modern new-build constructions.

Upgrade Your Security with Allgood Constructions NW Ltd

Choosing the right products is about more than just looks – it’s about protecting your family. At Allgood Constructions NW Ltd, we only provide products that meet the highest security standards for windows and doors.

Are you looking to upgrade your home’s security? Contact Allgood Constructions NW Ltd today for a free, no-obligation quote from your local Bolton experts.