When it comes to protecting your property, the type of glazing you choose for your windows and doors plays a crucial role. As a building owner or developer, you may be wondering whether laminated glass is a necessary component for achieving PAS 24 certification – a standard that evaluates the performance of security doors and windows.
We explore this topic in more detail and provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate glazing for your security needs.
PAS 24, which stands for Product Assessment Specification, is a testing standard that evaluates the ability of doors and windows to resist forced entry. To achieve PAS 24 certification, a product must undergo rigorous testing, including impact tests, to demonstrate its resilience against common burglary attempts.
While PAS 24 does not explicitly specify the use of laminated glass, the type of glass used in a window or door can significantly influence its ability to meet the standard’s requirements.
There are several types of glass commonly used in windows and doors, each with different properties that affect their security performance:
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a thin layer of plastic (usually polyvinyl butyral, or PVB). When subjected to impact, laminated glass may crack or break, but the plastic interlayer holds the glass fragments together, maintaining the overall structure of the glazing and making it more difficult for an intruder to penetrate.
Due to its shatterproof properties, laminated glass is often considered a preferred option for PAS 24 certified products, as it offers enhanced resistance against forced entry compared to non-laminated glass.
Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is a type of safety glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength and durability. Tempered glass requires a higher level of pressure to break compared to annealed (standard) glass. However, when tempered glass does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, rather than large, jagged shards.
While tempered glass can be used in PAS 24 certified products, it may not provide the same level of resistance against prolonged attacks as laminated glass, as it can be broken more easily with a sharp implement.
Wired glass, which has a wire mesh embedded within the glass, is sometimes mentioned as an option for PAS 24 certified products. However, it’s important to note that once broken, the internal wiring of this type of glass can cause significant injury. As a result, wired glass is not typically recommended for use in PAS 24 windows and doors.
For windows seeking PAS 24 certification, the most common approach is to use sealed units with two sheets of toughened glass. However, if your property is located in an area with an average or higher-than-average level of burglary, it’s advisable to specify the use of 6.4mm laminated glass on the inner pane of the sealed unit.
Laminated glass provides an additional layer of security, as it is more difficult to break through than toughened glass alone. In the event of an attempted break-in, the laminated glass can buy valuable time, increasing the likelihood that a neighbour or passerby will notice the disturbance and alert the authorities.
While PAS 24 does not explicitly require the use of laminated glass, this type of glazing can significantly enhance the security performance of windows and doors. By understanding the properties of different glass types and considering the specific security needs of your property, you can make informed decisions about the most appropriate glazing for you.
At Bradbury Group, we understand the importance of providing high-quality, secure door solutions that meet and exceed industry standards. Our M2M+24 is a bespoke steel door that meets the industry standard PAS24 certification and is approved by Secured by Design.
We take pride in our state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and rigorous quality control measures, ensuring that every door we produce is engineered to provide optimal security and durability.
Contact Bradbury Group today to discuss your security needs and learn more about our comprehensive range of high-performance door solutions.
