PAS 24 Explained
What Is PAS 24?
PAS 24 is an enhanced security performance standard used for windows and doorsets in the UK.
For builders, developers and window installers, the most important thing to understand is this:
PAS 24 applies to the performance of a complete window or doorset – not simply the lock, glass or profile system.
A window does not become PAS 24 compliant simply because it has:
- Multipoint locking
- Laminated glass
- Security handles
- Locking hinges
- A 3-star cylinder
The complete product needs appropriate evidence demonstrating the required security performance.
The Quick Answer
If your specification says PAS 24, tell your window and door supplier before they quote.
Provide them with:
- Window/door sizes
- Opening configurations
- Hardware requirements
- Glass requirements
- Threshold details
- Opening directions
- Any Secured by Design requirements
Then ask:
“Is this exact product and configuration covered by your PAS 24 evidence?”
That question is considerably better than asking:
“Is this profile PAS 24?”
PAS 24 and Part Q
These terms are often confused.
Part Q
Part Q is part of the Building Regulations in England and deals with security in new dwellings.
PAS 24
PAS 24 is a security performance standard commonly used to demonstrate that windows and doors provide the necessary enhanced resistance to attack.
They are therefore connected, but they are not the same thing.
Part Q tells you what regulatory outcome is required.
PAS 24 provides an established route for demonstrating enhanced security performance.
Does Every Window Need PAS 24?
No.
Normal replacement windows in an existing house do not automatically require PAS 24 simply because they are being replaced.
PAS 24 may nevertheless be required because of:
- New-build requirements
- Project specifications
- Secured by Design
- Planning conditions
- Client requirements
- Housing association standards
- Main contractor requirements
- Warranty-provider requirements
Always read the project specification.
What Does PAS 24 Testing Involve?
The product is subjected to security testing intended to assess its resistance to specified forms of attack.
The important point for the contractor is that testing concerns the assembled product.
Performance can therefore depend on:
- Frame construction
- Sash or door leaf
- Locking system
- Hinges
- Handles
- Cylinders
- Glazing
- Beading
- Reinforcement
- Fixings
- Hardware locations
- Product dimensions
This is why changing components can matter.
The Biggest PAS 24 Misconception
A supplier tells you:
“The system is PAS 24.”
That statement needs qualification.
Suppose the tested door was:
- 950mm wide
- Multipoint locking
- Specific hinges
- Specific cylinder
- Specific glass
- Standard threshold
You subsequently order:
- 1,200mm wide leaf
- Different lock
- Different threshold
- Alternative hinges
You cannot simply assume that the altered configuration remains covered.
Ask for evidence.
PAS 24 Windows
PAS 24 can apply to various window types where suitable tested products are available, including:
- Casement windows
- Tilt-and-turn windows
- Flush sash windows
- Aluminium windows
- uPVC windows
- Other tested configurations
Size limits matter.
A very large opening sash may fall outside the scope of the relevant evidence even though a smaller version of the same system is compliant.
PAS 24 Entrance Doors
Entrance doorsets can achieve PAS 24 using suitable tested configurations.
Security performance can involve:
- Multipoint locking
- Security cylinders
- Handles
- Hinges
- Glazing
- Reinforcement
- Door construction
Do not specify individual components independently and assume the resulting combination is PAS 24.
French Doors
French doors require particular attention because two opening leaves create different security considerations from a single door.
Check that the required:
- Overall size
- Active leaf
- Slave leaf
- Locking arrangement
- Threshold
- Glass
are within the evidence.
Bifold Doors
Never assume that because an aluminium bifold range advertises PAS 24, every possible bifold configuration is covered.
Check:
- Number of leaves
- Opening arrangement
- Maximum sash dimensions
- Overall dimensions
- Hardware
- Threshold
- Glass specification
Large bespoke arrangements deserve particular scrutiny.
Sliding Doors
The same rule applies to sliding patio doors.
Check the exact:
- Number of panels
- Interlock arrangement
- Locking
- Glass
- Panel dimensions
- Threshold
against the evidence available from the supplier.
Does PAS 24 Require Laminated Glass?
This is one of the most frequently misunderstood questions.
The correct answer is:
Use the glazing specification required by the applicable PAS 24 evidence and project requirements.
Do not reduce PAS 24 to a blanket statement that every pane in every PAS 24 product must always be laminated.
Equally, don’t substitute ordinary glass where the tested configuration or project specification requires security glazing.
PAS 24 and Cylinders
A high-security cylinder can improve the security of a door, but fitting one does not make an otherwise untested doorset PAS 24.
Cylinder security is only one component of the overall doorset.
PAS 24 vs Secured by Design
PAS 24 and Secured by Design are related but different.
PAS 24 concerns enhanced security performance of windows and doorsets.
Secured by Design is a police-backed security initiative with wider requirements and product accreditation considerations.
If a project specification states Secured by Design, don’t assume that supplying something described merely as PAS 24 automatically satisfies every project requirement.
What Evidence Should Builders Request?
For projects requiring PAS 24, obtain appropriate product evidence from the supplier.
Depending on the project and certification route, documentation may include:
- Test evidence
- Certification
- Product scope
- Hardware specification
- Permitted dimensions/configurations
- Declaration or supporting documentation
Keep the documents in the project file.
Don’t wait until Building Control or the main contractor asks for them six months later.
Common PAS 24 Mistakes
“It has a 3-star cylinder, so it passes.”
Wrong.
“It’s externally beaded, so it fails.”
Not automatically. Security depends on the tested construction.
“The profile has passed PAS 24, so every fabricator’s window passes.”
Dangerous assumption.
“The glass is laminated, therefore it’s PAS 24.”
Wrong.
“The standard door passed, so our oversized version passes.”
Not necessarily.
“We’ll change the hardware on site.”
Never assume this is acceptable without checking the evidence.
Real-World Example
A contractor needs 40 aluminium windows for a new residential development.
The specification requires PAS 24.
Instead of simply ordering an aluminium system advertised as “PAS 24 capable”, the contractor sends the complete schedule to the fabricator.
The fabricator identifies two unusually large opening sashes that fall outside its normal compliant configuration.
Those windows are redesigned before manufacture.
That is exactly when compliance issues should be found – before the products arrive on site.
PAS 24 Procurement Checklist
Before ordering, confirm:
- Is PAS 24 actually required?
- Which windows and doors require it?
- Is the exact system covered?
- Are the sizes covered?
- Are the configurations covered?
- Is the specified hardware covered?
- Is the glass correct?
- Is the threshold covered?
- Are any site modifications proposed?
- What evidence will be supplied?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAS 24 compulsory?
It is required where applicable regulations or the project specification demand the relevant enhanced security performance. It is not automatically mandatory for every replacement window.
Is PAS 24 the same as Part Q?
No.
Can aluminium windows achieve PAS 24?
Yes, with appropriately tested/certified products and configurations.
Can uPVC windows achieve PAS 24?
Yes.
Can bifolds achieve PAS 24?
Yes, where the required configuration falls within suitable evidence.
Can sliders achieve PAS 24?
Yes, subject to the particular product and configuration.
Does laminated glass automatically mean PAS 24?
No.
Does a 3-star cylinder make a door PAS 24?
No.
Can I change hardware after manufacture?
Do not assume so. Check that the modification remains supported by the applicable evidence.
Related Guides
- Part Q Explained
- Laminated Glass Guide
- Secured by Design Explained
- New-Build Window Regulations
- Building Control Checklist
- Common Building Regulation Failures
Need PAS 24 Windows or Doors?
Send Trade Tech your window/door schedule and specification before ordering.
We can help identify suitable products and flag configurations that need checking before manufacture.
Important: PAS 24 requirements and product evidence are configuration-specific. Always obtain current evidence from the manufacturer/fabricator for the product being supplied.