The security of your property is a fundamental concern that requires careful consideration and informed decision-making. When specifying security doors and windows, one of the key factors to evaluate is their capacity to withstand attempted intrusions.
In the UK, the PAS 24 standard has emerged as a widely acknowledged benchmark for assessing the security performance of these essential building components. But is PAS 24 a legal requirement?
PAS 24, which stands for Product Assessment Specification, is a testing standard that evaluates the security performance of windows and doors. The primary goal of PAS 24 is to determine whether these products are capable of resisting attacks from intruders.
PAS 24 is now a requirement for meeting building regulations in new build properties in the UK. However, it’s important to note that there are also some equivalent standards that are accepted by the Building Regulations.
According to the Building Regulations, doors (as well as windows and roof lights) that are accessible must be able to resist physical attacks by casual or opportunistic burglars. As a result, these products need to have proven security performance to comply with the regulations.
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police initiative that aims to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit. For a product to obtain SBD approval, certain standards (such as PAS 24 or an equivalent) have to be met.
It’s worth noting that if a product has achieved PAS 24:2016 standard, it will also be deemed to have met the requirements of Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations. However, there is no legal requirement for windows and doors to come with SBD approval.
Although SBD approval can be useful, it is perhaps more important to check that your windows and doors are certified to PAS 24 standards.
PAS 24 is considered a minimum standard, meaning that products tested against this specification either pass or fail. There are no higher or lower grades for security within the PAS 24 framework. While some doorsets that pass the testing may be slightly more secure than the minimum requirements, the standard encourages manufacturers to design doors that meet the minimum criteria.
This approach makes sense from both an economic and environmental perspective, and the effectiveness of PAS 24 certified doors has demonstrated that the minimum levels set by the British Standards are well-balanced.
To achieve PAS 24 certification, manufacturers must submit a range of doors to a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited body. The doors are tested against PAS 24 and the relevant ‘fit for purpose’ standards. If the doors pass the testing, the manufacturing processes are then examined by a UKAS accredited certification body.
If the independent certification body is satisfied with the manufacturing facility and its management, they will award a certificate to the manufacturer. This certificate allows the manufacturer to market their doors as ‘certificated’ to PAS 24 and the ‘fit for purpose’ standards.
Although PAS 24 is not explicitly a legal requirement, it is a crucial consideration when specifying security doors and windows for your building. By choosing products that are certified to PAS 24, you can ensure that they have been rigorously tested and proven to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risks.
Furthermore, specifying PAS 24 compliant products demonstrates your commitment to meeting the relevant Building Regulations and providing a safe and secure environment for the occupants of your building.
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 meeting the industry standard PAS24 certification.
We take pride in our state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and rigorous quality control measures, ensuring that every door we produce meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.
As a steel door manufacturer, we welcome you to contact us about your security requirements and learn more about our extensive range of high-performance door solutions. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in selecting the ideal products to ensure the safety and security of your building.
