Part Q explained: What architects and specifiers need to know about security compliance for glazing

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were approximately 398,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025. That equates to around 1,090 burglaries per day, or around 1.6% of households. *1

Security experts agree that most burglaries are opportunistic – they occur when an intruder spots an easy opportunity rather than as the result of detailed planning. While exact figures are not available for the UK, research in the United States suggests that only around 12% of burglaries are premeditated. *2

This means that enhancing a home’s security does not need to be complex. Carefully specifying glazed elements such as windows, bifold doors, sliding doors and fixed glass panels can significantly reduce the risk of opportunistic burglary, helping to make a property both safe and secure without compromising design.

*1 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2025
*2 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130516160916.htm

While Approved Document Q only applies to England, there are similar requirements for the devolved nations:

• Wales: Approved Document Q (Wales)
• Scotland: Building Standards Technical Handbook Section 4.13 – Security
• Northern Ireland: There is no mandatory framework for residential security in Northern Ireland. Designers are encouraged to follow industry standards such as Secured by Design. Approved Document Q can also be a useful reference.

Approved Document Q requires that doors and windows that could be used to gain entry to a dwelling are designed and constructed in a way that resists unauthorised access.

It states that windows and doors should be manufactured and installed to a design that has been tested to PAS 24:2022 – Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows – or a suitable equivalent.

Justin Spires, technical lead at Solarlux, explains that PAS 24 is a publicly available specification that defines test methods and performance criteria for doors and windows. “It includes a series of tests that determine a window or door’s resistance to manual attack, mechanical loading, cutting and impact resistance, all of which have been designed to simulate real-world break-in attempts,” he says.

Some of the tests include:

• Manual attack – Common tools, such as screwdrivers and hammers, are used to simulate an attack on the door or window, according to BS EN 1627–1630, a series of standards that describe test methods for resistance to manual attack. At the end of testing, the door or window is given a resistance class rating of 1-6, depending on the tools used and the time required to gain access.
• Impact – BS EN 356:2000 Sets out testing methods for security glazing. Lower resistance levels are tested with steel balls dropped from differing heights, while the higher resistance level is tested with multiple strikes of a mechanical hammer and axe.
• Cylinders and locks – BS EN 1303:2015 sets out the requirements and test methods for cylinders and locks. Tests assess how long it takes to drill through a cylinder or lock, as well as vulnerability to lock picking, bumping techniques and the use of force to extract the plug or cylinder.

“If a product passes these tests in a third-party testing situation, it can be certified as PAS 24 compliant and will meet the requirements of Approved Document Q,” Justin adds.

He also highlights that PAS 24 doors and windows certification only applies to the specific construction being tested, including frame materials, hardware, glazing type and sealants. “Any deviation from the tested configuration will invalidate certification and the alternative configuration will need to be tested separately,” he explains.

The requirements for what makes a “secure” product – and whether it’s compliant with Approved Document Q – can sometimes be misunderstood.

One common pitfall is assuming that products that are “Secured by Design” automatically meet the requirements of Approved Document Q.

Secured by Design is a police-backed initiative that works to improve the security of the built environment. It offers extensive guidance on designing buildings and selecting products.

While SBD references PAS 24, it's not guaranteed that all products associated with it have been individually tested to that specification. SBD also covers wider design and environmental factors, such as lighting, access control and site layout. Following its principles is good practice, but it should be considered complementary to – rather than a substitute for –  compliance with Approved Document Q.

Other common pitfalls have already been discussed above. These include:

• Using non-tested systems
• Altering products after testing
• Substituting products or elements, such as hardware or fixings
• Installing a product in a way that is different to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• For all of these issues, the solution is ensuring that windows and doors are installed exactly as designed and specified.

As residential design trends continue to focus on natural light, open views and expansive glazing, the challenge is to balance visual design with regulatory compliance.

Solarlux glazing systems are designed to achieve both. Our products combine precision engineering and refined aesthetics with robust security features that help protect homes from opportunistic intrusion, without compromising on design intent.

Looking ahead, evolving standards and advances in materials, locking technology and glazing design will continue to redefine what’s possible. Security and design are no longer opposing priorities but integrated parts of high-performance architecture.

To learn more about Solarlux’s precision-engineered glazing systems – including bifold and sliding doors, glass extensions, canopies and facades – contact our technical team or explore our product range online.