Why PAS 24 Windows and Doors are Vital
Whether for a private development, commercial building or refurbishment of a listed property, PAS 24 is an important security standard for external doors and windows in the UK. If you are specifying timber windows or a PAS 24 door for a project, understanding PAS 24 meaning and its practical implications can help you make informed decisions.
This blog explains the essentials of PAS 24, how products are tested, and what it means for your project.
What is PAS 24?
PAS 24 (Publicly Available Specification 24) is a British Standard that defines the minimum standard of enhanced security performance required for door and window products. It focuses on resistance to common methods of attack used in burglary attempts.
The current specification is PAS 24:2022. The standard is part of the government’s Secured by Design initiative and is referenced in Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations.
For many residential and commercial projects, particularly those subject to planning conditions, warranty requirements or developer specifications, achieving PAS 24 accreditation is expected or required.
Is PAS 24 a Legal Requirement?
Is PAS 24 a legal requirement? The answer depends on the type of project:
- For new dwellings in England, Building Regulations Part Q requires doors and windows that meet or exceed PAS 24.
- For refurbishments or commercial properties, PAS 24 may not be legally required but is often a contractual or specification expectation.
How Are PAS 24 Doors and Windows Tested?
To achieve PAS 24 accreditation, products must undergo a series of rigorous testing procedures carried out by an independent test body approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
The testing process is designed to replicate forced entry attempts by an opportunistic intruder. It includes:
- Manual attack testing using crowbars, screwdrivers and cutting tools
- Mechanical loading tests to assess structural resistance
- Hard body impact tests simulating body strikes or heavy object impacts
- Tests on locks, hinges and glazing components
Manufacturers must submit actual production samples for PAS 24 test procedures. This ensures that what is tested matches what will be supplied — an essential safeguard for buyers.
At the end of the process, compliant products receive a PAS 24 certificate, which can be provided to clients, developers, building control officers and warranty providers as evidence of performance.
What Does PAS 24 Cover?
The standard applies to the following products when used in external applications:
- Single and double doorsets
- French doors
- Sliding doors
- Timber windows, including casement and tilt-and-turn styles
- PAS 24 windows with opening lights
It is important to note that PAS 24 accreditation does not cover internal doors or non-opening window units. It is primarily focused on resisting forced entry from the outside.
PAS 24 for Timber Doors and Windows
Achieving PAS 24 performance in timber joinery presents unique technical challenges. Timber products must be carefully designed and manufactured to balance aesthetics, heritage requirements and modern security needs.
At Wealden Joinery, our manufacturing processes have been developed to ensure that many of our door or window designs can be tested to, and pass, PAS 24 standards. This is achieved through:
- Reinforced frame and sash designs
- Specialist multi-point locking systems
- Security-rated glazing and ironmongery
- Careful detailing of joints and component interfaces
We regularly test and certify representative product types to ensure compliance and maintain up-to-date PAS 24 certificates where required.
Why PAS 24 Matters for Your Project
Choosing PAS 24 doors and PAS 24 windows offers clear benefits for clients and project stakeholders:
- Demonstrates compliance with Building Regulations Part Q (where applicable)
- Supports Secured by Design accreditation for developments
- Provides assurance to insurers and warranty providers
- Delivers peace of mind to end users in terms of security performance
If you are specifying door and window packages for any project, it is worth verifying whether PAS 24 accreditation is required and ensuring that products can provide the necessary documentation.
Summary: What to Look For
When sourcing products, do not assume all doors and windows are equal. Look for:
- Products with an up-to-date PAS 24 certificate
- Evidence that the product submitted for testing matches production units
- Manufacturers with a clear understanding of PAS 24 meaning and testing for doors and windows
- A supplier that will support you with the correct documentation during specification and after installation
At Wealden Joinery, we help architects, developers and contractors navigate the complexities of specifying secure timber products. Our expertise ensures that PAS 24 performance can be achieved without compromising the appearance or suitability of designs for conservation or premium new build projects.
Looking for a joinery partner who understands PAS 24?
Wealden Joinery works with architects, developers and contractors to supply timber doors and windows that combine performance, compliance and high-quality design. We can advise on PAS 24 accreditation and provide products tested and certified to meet your project needs.
Talk to us about your requirements.
Call 01892 852544 to discuss your next specification. We are here to help.
PAS 24 FAQ
What does PAS 24 mean?
It is a British Standard defining enhanced security performance for external doors and windows.
Is PAS 24 a legal requirement?
For new dwellings in England, yes, under Building Regulations Part Q. For other projects, it may be required by specification or warranty.
What products can achieve PAS 24 accreditation?
Timber windows, PAS 24 doors, French doors, sliding doors and some types of casement windows.
How are PAS 24 windows tested?
Through a combination of mechanical loading tests, manual attack simulations and impact resistance assessments.
What is a PAS 24 certificate?
An official document from an accredited test body confirming that a product has passed the required tests.
Do all timber doors and windows meet PAS 24?
No. Achieving compliance requires careful design, materials and manufacturing, followed by independent PAS 24 testing.