How important is security when it comes to composite windows and doors?
When specifying windows and doors for a new build or renovation project, security should be top of the list, not only for peace of mind for occupants, but also to help ensure the property meets relevant security requirements and standards, including Building Regulations Approved Document Q where applicable, and Secured by Design (SBD) guidelines.
Why security matters
Windows and doors serve as the main barrier against unauthorised entry into a home or property. Choosing products with robust construction, appropriate locking systems and independently tested security performance can provide valuable reassurance to homeowners.
Security can also be an important consideration for home insurance. Requirements vary between insurers and policies, so homeowners should check whether specific locks or security measures are required as part of their cover.
Why choose Secured by Design accredited windows and doors?
When specifying new windows and doors, choosing Secured by Design accredited products provides additional reassurance that they have been independently tested and certified to recognised security standards.
Secured by Design operates an accreditation scheme on behalf of the UK Police Service for products or services that have met recognised security standards. Its focus is on the critical factors that combine to deliver a product’s security performance, including design, use, quality control and the ability to deter or prevent crime. Products meeting these requirements can achieve ‘Police Preferred Specification’.
Police Preferred Specification ensures that products have been independently tested to a relevant security standard and fully certified by an independent third-party, United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certification body, or tested and certified by an approved body such as Sold Secure or Thatcham.
In addition, Police Preferred Specification requires regular re-testing and annual inspection of the manufacturing facility to ensure quality and performance are maintained (by a UKAS body).
This provides assurance that products have been produced under a controlled manufacturing environment in accordance with the specifier’s aims and minimises misrepresentation of the products by unscrupulous manufacturers/suppliers.
View Westcoast quality and security certifications on our downloads page:
Westcoast is a Secured by Design (SBD) licence holder, with approved products achieving the UK police initiative’s Police Preferred Specification.
What is Building Regulations Approved Document Q?
Approved Document Q is part of the Building Regulations in England and sets security standards for doors and windows in new homes. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of burglary by ensuring easily accessible doors and windows are designed and manufactured to resist unauthorised entry.
For windows, compliance generally requires products to meet recognised security standards, including appropriate locking systems, hardware, glazing and overall construction. In practice, windows are commonly demonstrated as compliant by meeting PAS 24 or an equivalent standard.
In simple terms, Approved Document Q helps ensure new-build homes have secure doors and windows that provide a recognised level of protection against forced entry.
What is PAS 24:2022 and why does it matter to window and door security?
PAS 24:2022 is a British security standard for doors and windows, designed to assess their ability to resist common methods of forced entry. It is the latest version of PAS 24 and includes testing of the complete product, including the frame, glazing, locks and hardware.
PAS 24:2022 provides independent evidence that a window or door has achieved a recognised level of security performance. Products are subjected to mechanical loading and manual attack tests intended to replicate methods a burglar might use to gain entry.
For homeowners, architects and developers, PAS 24:2022 provides reassurance that specified windows and doors have been tested against an established security benchmark. It is also commonly used as a route to demonstrating compliance with the security requirements of Approved Document Q for new dwellings in England.
What security standards are met by Westcoast composite windows and doors?
Westcoast Windows products are manufactured in Sweden with a strong focus on quality control, consistency and security.
For quality control, Westcoast holds ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification, alongside BM TRADA Q-Mark certification
For security, all Westcoast principal window and door products have been successfully tested to PAS 24:2022, the enhanced security standard for windows and doors. Westcoast is also a Secured by Design (SBD) licence holder, with approved products achieving the UK police initiative’s Police Preferred Specification.
Security is also built into the product itself, with features including strengthened espagnolette locks and receivers, glazing beads bonded around the glass perimeter, and sealed glass units bonded into the frame. Enhanced ironmongery and locking systems are tested as part of the security certification.
Together, these standards provide independent assurance that Westcoast’s Swedish-made aluminium-timber composite windows and doors are manufactured with consistent quality and designed to deliver robust, long-lasting security.
Find out more about Westcoast Windows
Discover more about the quality, performance and security built into Westcoast composite windows and doors on our Made in Sweden product guide, or contact our team to discuss the requirements of your next project: https://www.westcoastwindows.com/made-in-sweden/
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