What is Secured by Design?
To answer this question simply, Secured by Design is a police initiative that strives to improve the security of both new and existing homes in the UK. Established in 1989 the initiative was developed to improve overall security in both the design of the properties and through the use of enhance security products in their construction.
I know we need to comply on our development so how do I ensure windows & doors comply with Secured by Design?
Firstly, windows and doors need to be independently tested by a UKAS accredited test house to meet the requirements of the security test PAS24:2012 or PAS24:2016. Secondly your window and door supplier must be a Secured by Design product licence holder; whereby both the products and their production are third party certified being regularly audited to ensure specifications manufactured continue to be as tested. Always check your supplier can provide a Secured by Design licence number and certificate.
How does the PAS24 test ensure my windows and doors are secure?
A series of tests are carried out under the PAS24 test regime, these include; a manipulation test using small tools such as paint scrapers and screwdrivers to attack the product, glazing removal test using chisels to attack the glazing infill in an attempt to remove the glass and mechanical loading and impact resistance tests whereby impact is imposed on the doors hinges, locking system and to the body of the door leaf or opener of the window in an attempt to gain entry.
For windows and doors to pass this rigorous testing regime enhanced security features are necessary; features such as; robust frame sections, TS007 compliant door cylinders, laminated security glass to BS EN 356:2000 P1A on easily accessible windows with non-key locking hardware and external doors and TS003 compliant door chains.
I have heard I have to have laminated glass in all my windows and doors to comply with SBD, is that correct?
The specification of glazing for your development will ultimately come down to your ALO, you should always check with them on if you do in fact need it. Being clear on requirements such as these will ensure that you don’t overpay for a specification that you don’t need. There is no specific requirement to install laminated glazing on the inner or outer face of a double glazed unit. The only set in stone glazing requirement for windows and doors under Secured by Design is that any window that is easily accessible and has non-key locking hardware or is within 400mm of a door; and any external door with glazing; must have BS EN356:2000 compliant glass to a minimum of P1A.
How do I know if my supplier is using P1A Glass?
Check your paperwork it will specify a security rating on the glass and don’t hesitate to check up if you are unsure. Simply ask your supplier to provide the Declaration of Performance on the glazing if they are using the glass they will have the supporting documentation.
So, I’ve heard about the new Part Q too, does my development also now comply with Secured By Design if I comply with Part Q?
No, Part Q is only concerned with the security of easily accessible doors and windows where by your building inspector will demand testing to prove they are compliant with the requirements of PAS24:2012 or PAS24:2016. Secured by Design certification on your development covers not only having enhanced security windows and doors but many other elements that add to the overall security such as the design and layout of the property, car parking and lighting and then the physical security aspects of the home such as locking systems and alarms. Further guidance on complying with the requirements of SBD can be found in Secured by Design New Homes 2016.
Summary
Our advice is keep it simple if you are developing or redeveloping under SBD in the first instance consult your SBD liaison officer. When sourcing windows and doors ask for certificates of both the third party certification scheme your supplier is part of and don’t hesitate to ask to see their SBD license for peace of mind.
Bereco the first choice for Part Q & SBD
At Bereco we firmly believe that to have beautiful timber windows and doors you should not have to compromise on security and to that end we are very proud to announce that the entire Bereco product range is now available both Part Q compliant and Secured By Design certified.
We have been testing and certifying our timber windows and doors for enhanced security with since 2004. Our products continue to be at the forefront of the industry’s technical standards with all our windows and doors now tested to the latest PAS24:2016 under the Enhanced Security Window and Door Schemes.
Abbeymill Homes have been client of Bereco’s since 2014. They have specified Bereco windows and doors on numerous projects ranging from individual custom builds to sites with multiple plots and continue to do so safe in the knowledge that each window or door received has been tested and is certified under the banner of SBD. Here’s what project manager Declan McBrearty had to say:
“When developing new homes there is no better accolade than the coveted SBD seal of approval and with Bereco timber windows and doors we know we are getting a secure product for our clients but one that is of extremely high quality and when building high end bespoke homes, quality products are a must”
Check out the Bereco Secure range of timber windows and doors at http://www.securedbydesign.com/members/bereco-limited/