What is PAS 24 and why is it important for your home improvements?

What does PAS 24 mean?

If a home improvement product has been PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 24 accredited, it has met rigorous testing standards to assess its security performance and has the right level of security for the requirements of PAS 24.

What does PAS 24 accredited mean for windows and doors?

Produced by the BSI (British Standards Institution), who manage the setting and distribution of PAS standards, windows and doors are assessed and tested against a set of stringent security and performance standards defined by the PAS 24 framework. If a product passes these assessments, it becomes PAS 24 accredited or PAS 24 compliant. It ensures that window and door manufacturers are making and selling products that reach the industry benchmark for quality.

Is PAS 24 the same as SBD (Secured by Design)?

PAS 24 and Secured by Design (SBD) are different, but they both test and certify that products meet comprehensive security standards. Whereas PAS24 focuses on product testing for resistance against common opportunistic burglars, weather resistance, durability and operational performance, Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed initiative that goes beyond PAS 24, promoting the use of crime prevention products and building practices that deter and reduce crime, testing windows and doors, but also alarms, locks, and security lighting. Products must be certified by the PAS 24 accreditation before they are to be considered by Secured by Design. Products meeting SBD’s criteria receive SBD Police Preferred Specification status.

What does Document Q mean?

Part of the UK Building Regulations, Approved Document Q sets the minimum standard for the security of doors and windows and is designed to ensure the prevention of unauthorised access to dwellings. Meeting the PAS 24 standards can be used to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document Part Q.

Why is PAS 24 important?

Choosing PAS 24-accredited products offers several benefits for your home:

Enhanced Security:

PAS 24 products are rigorously tested to resist physical attack, deterring opportunistic burglary and offering peace of mind.

Durability and Performance:

PAS 24 products are built to last, ensuring optimal performance and weather resistance.

Compliance with Building Regulations:

In some cases, PAS 24-accredited products may be required to comply with building regulations, especially for new builds or extensions.

What products can achieve PAS 24 accreditation?

A wide range of products can achieve PAS 24 accreditation with the British Standards Institute, including:

• Windows
• Front and back doors
• French doors
• Patio doors
• Composite doors
• Garage doors

Is PAS 24 a legal requirement?

To meet current building regulations, all newly built properties require their doors and windows to be PAS24 accredited to meet security performance requirements.

The PAS 24 testing and certification process

PAS 24 goes beyond testing individual components like locks and frames and rigorously evaluates the entire door or window assembly as a single unit to look at the security performance of windows and doors. To achieve PAS 24, a manufacturer must submit their products to an independent testing company certified by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Assessors put windows and doors through a series of demanding tests in a test house under strict laboratory conditions, designed to identify potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities in their design. The thorough testing and certification process helps manufacturers continuously improve their products and ensure they meet the highest security standards. It also ensures regular testing to check and re-test products under the same test conditions to make sure the manufacturer is consistently meeting the PAS 24 standard, the manufacturing processes are still meeting the test standard, and the products are still performing as they should be.

During the test, windows and doors are tested to see how long they keep intruders out of a property and if they reduce draughts and keep the rain out. The comprehensive testing identifies and addresses potential vulnerabilities in window and door design and includes the following:

Impact Testing:

Windows and doors face impacts from various objects, mimicking the methods a burglar might use to gain entry.

Manipulation Testing:

Assessors attempt to disengage locks and hinges, simulating attempts to bypass the security mechanisms.

Mechanical Loading Testing:

This test replicates the pressure exerted by potential tools like crowbars, ensuring the product withstands forceful attacks.

Manual Cutting Testing:

This stage evaluates resistance to forced entry by simulating attempts to breach the product itself.

FineLine and PAS 24

At FineLine, we understand the importance of choosing high-quality, secure products for your home. That’s why we’re dedicated to offering our customers the best possible options, including those that meet the PAS 24 security standard, for complete peace of mind. We offer a wide range of PAS 24-accredited products, including uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, ensuring our customers have access to the most secure and reliable home improvement solutions.

If you have any questions about PAS 24 or want to explore our range of PAS 24-accredited products, our experienced team can help you choose the right PAS 24 products for your specific needs and budget. For expert advice, contact FineLine today.