Ultimate Guide to Security Features in Modern Glazing

For UK homeowners, modern glazing is no longer just about aesthetics and energy efficiency; security is paramount. Windows and doors often represent the most vulnerable points of entry in a property. Fortunately, advancements in materials, locking technology, and industry standards mean that modern glazing systems offer formidable protection against forced entry. Understanding these features is crucial when investing in new or replacement installations.

Understanding UK Security Standards: PAS 24 and Secured by Design

When assessing the security performance of a window or door system, UK manufacturers and installers typically adhere to specific testing standards. The most important standard to look for is PAS 24: 2022 (Publicly Available Specification).

What is PAS 24?

PAS 24 is a minimum requirement for enhanced security performance for doorsets and window assemblies intended to resist opportunistic burglars. Products certified to PAS 24 have undergone rigorous physical testing, including:

• Manual Attack Tests: Attempts to force the window or door open using tools like screwdrivers, crowbars, and chisels.
• Mechanical Loading Tests: Applying pressure to vulnerable points (like hinges and locking points) to simulate attempts to lever the system out of its frame.
• Soft Body Impact Tests: Simulating the impact of a person trying to force entry.

If a product meets PAS 24, it signifies that it has successfully resisted forced entry attempts for a specific duration under controlled conditions.

Secured by Design (SBD)

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative. While PAS 24 is the testing standard, SBD is the accreditation scheme. Products bearing the SBD logo have been tested to meet PAS 24 requirements (or equivalent) and have been approved by the police. Specifying SBD-accredited glazing is highly recommended, particularly for ground floor windows and external doors.

The Role of Glass in Preventing Entry

The glass unit itself is a critical component of security. Standard double or triple glazing, while thermally efficient, can be relatively easily broken. Modern security glazing uses specialised laminates or toughening processes to significantly increase resistance.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is the gold standard for security. It consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together with an interlayer, typically Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). If the glass is broken, the PVB interlayer holds the shards together, preventing a hole from being created. This greatly slows down intruders, who rely on speed.

• P1A/P2A: Used for general security applications, offering resistance to manual attack.
• P5A: Offers enhanced resistance, often specified for high-security applications, resisting multiple blows from heavy objects.

Toughened (Tempered) Glass

Toughened glass is heat-treated to increase its strength. While it is four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass, its primary security benefit is safety. If it breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, rather than sharp shards. While strong, it does not offer the same forced-entry resistance as laminated glass, as once broken, a hole can be created.

Advanced Locking Mechanisms and Hardware

The hardware—locks, hinges, and handles—are often the weakest link if not specified correctly. Modern systems employ sophisticated multi-point locking and robust materials.

Multi-Point Locking Systems

For external doors and modern casement windows, multi-point locking is standard. Instead of relying on a single central lock, these systems engage several locking points simultaneously when the handle is lifted or key is turned. Typical locking points include:

• Hook Locks: Designed to prevent the door or window from being pulled apart from the frame.
• Roller Cams/Shoot Bolts: Provide compression and additional security along the frame edge.
• Deadbolts: A solid locking mechanism that secures the central point of the door.

Cylinder Security (Doors)

The cylinder lock (or barrel) in a UPVC or composite door is a common target for intruders using specific attack methods:

1. Lock Snapping: Applying force to snap the cylinder in half, bypassing the locking mechanism.
2. Lock Bumping: Using a specially cut key to manipulate the internal pins.
3. Drilling: Attempting to drill out the cylinder mechanism.

To counter these threats, homeowners should specify cylinders certified to TS 007 3-star rating or Sold Secure Diamond Standard. These cylinders are designed with sacrificial snap lines and anti-drill/anti-pick pins, ensuring that even if attacked, the internal locking mechanism remains intact.

Hinge Protection

Hinges on outward-opening windows and doors are vulnerable to attack if exposed. Modern security features include:

• Egress Hinges: While primarily for fire escape, these are robust and often feature built-in restrictors.
• Dog Bolts (Hinge Bolts): These are fixed pins built into the door or window sash that engage with the frame when the unit is closed. Even if the hinges are forcibly removed or cut, the dog bolts prevent the sash from being lifted out.

Security Glazing Specification Comparison

Choosing the right security level requires balancing cost and risk. Here is a comparison of common security glazing specifications:

Specification	Description	Primary Security Benefit	Compliance Standard
Standard Toughened Glass	Heat-treated single pane (4-6mm)	Impact resistance (Safety)	BS EN 12150
Laminated Glass (P1A/P2A)	Glass bonded with single PVB layer	Resists manual attack, holds shards together	BS EN 356
Enhanced Laminated Glass (P5A)	Multiple PVB layers (thicker)	High resistance to sustained attack	BS EN 356 (High Security)
Multi-Point Locking System	3-7 locking points across the frame	Prevents prying and levering	PAS 24: 2022
TS 007 3-Star Cylinder	Anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-pick lock barrel	Protects against common cylinder attacks	TS 007

Installation, Maintenance, and Building Regulations

Even the most secure window or door will fail if installed incorrectly or poorly maintained. Security is a system, not just a component.

Importance of Professional Installation

For a window or door to achieve its PAS 24 rating, it must be installed exactly as tested. This includes using appropriate fixings and ensuring the frame is correctly seated within the aperture. Poor installation can compromise the integrity of the multi-point locking system or allow the frame to be prised away from the wall.

Frame Material and Integrity

The frame material itself must be robust. High-security UPVC frames often incorporate steel reinforcement. Aluminium frames naturally offer high strength, and composite doors are designed with a solid core (often timber or foam) wrapped in a durable skin (GRP or similar) that resists impact and warping.

Building Regulations Compliance (Security)

While Part L of the Building Regulations (England 2022) sets the thermal standards (U-values), security requirements are often dictated by Part Q (Security). Part Q applies primarily to new dwellings and requires that easily accessible windows and doors (ground floor, basement, or easily accessed upper floors) are manufactured to a standard that resists physical attack, typically meaning compliance with PAS 24. While Part Q does not strictly apply to replacement windows in existing homes, adhering to PAS 24 is always highly recommended for insurance and peace of mind.

Benefits of Enhanced Security Glazing

Investing in high-security glazing offers benefits far beyond simple protection.

A Note on Shard AG: At Shard AG, we understand that security is non-negotiable. We specialise in supplying and installing glazing systems that meet or exceed UK security standards, including PAS 24 and Secured by Design accreditation, ensuring robust protection alongside exceptional thermal performance.