When it comes to choosing new doors or windows, most homeowners focus on looks, insulation, or energy ratings, and rightly so. But there’s another feature that deserves equal attention: security. After all, your doors and windows are your home’s first line of defence.
The security standards are becoming increasingly important to ensure the maximum safety of homes, offices or any commercial buildings.
That’s where PAS 24 comes in. You might have seen the term on product descriptions or heard your installer mention it, but what does it actually mean, and why should you care?
In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about the PAS 24 certificate and why homeowners need to understand it. So let’s dive in.
What is PAS 24 Certification?
PAS 24 stands for Publicly Available Specification 24. This is produced under the British Standards Institution (BSI). PAS 24 is a minimum security requirement, such as safety tests, attack simulations, design features, etc., that doors and windows need to have to become resistant to burglary or any forced entry attempts.
In plain English, PAS 24 tells you that a door or window has been independently tested to prove it can withstand common break-in attempts; the sort of forced entry techniques burglars typically use, like prising open a frame, attacking a lock, or trying to kick the door in.
The interesting fact is that every PAS 24-certified product is tested as a whole unit. For example, for a door to be PAS 24-certified, the frame, glazing, hinges, handles, and locking system must all meet the benchmark.
Another significant factor is that PAS 24, unlike others, is not a one-off label or certificate. Manufacturers must continually maintain quality and meet production and security standards to achieve PAS 24. A small change in the production or product can lead to retesting of the product.
So when you see “PAS 24:2022 certified” (the latest version), it means that door or window has passed modern, rigorous security tests designed to protect against the most likely burglary methods used in UK homes today.
Why is PAS 24 Important for Homeowners?
To be honest, “PAS 24” is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you are buying doors or windows. You might be thinking about the colour, the style, or how much light it will let in. But once you realize what it means, you soon want PAS 24 on your side.
But here’s why it matters:
1. It makes your home safer
Not just benign lab tests, but real-life break-in attempts are what PAS 24 products are made to withstand. They are hit with tools, levers, and even kicks to make sure they won’t give in quickly. A certified door or window is the difference between a quick break-in and an unsuccessful attempt that sends criminals running.
2. It helps you follow the building regulations
Building Regulations (Part Q) say that whether you’re building a new home or changing an existing one, the doors and windows must fulfill a recognized security standard. If you choose products that are PAS 24-certified, you won’t have to deal with building control later on.
3. It gives you peace of mind
4. It adds value when you sell
Buyers today are more security-conscious than ever. If your doors and windows are PAS 24-certified, it can be a big selling point because it shows that the property was built or improved with care, quality, and safety in mind.
PAS 24 versus Non-Certified Products
At first appearance, it’s tempting to imagine all “secure” doors and windows are the same. Some even come with labels like “reinforced” or “anti-break-in.” But without PAS 24 certification, there’s no genuine verification behind those promises.
PAS 24-certified items are independently tested – they’ve been through severe, hands-on trials that resemble real break-in attempts. On the other hand, products that aren’t certified might seem good but haven’t been tested as rigorously.
You wouldn’t buy a car that says “probably safe” without a crash-test rating, would you? The same concept applies to your home. PAS 24 gives you peace of mind that everything you’re buying has been thoroughly tested and confirmed.
There’s also a difference in consistency. Certified products have to be created to the same standard every time — not simply one good sample for the test. With non-certified ones, the quality can vary from batch to batch.
In summary, gaining PAS 24 certification implies you’re getting true protection.
Conclusion
Your house is more than just bricks and glass; it’s a place where you and your family should feel safe, comfortable, and at ease.
One of those little things that makes a significant difference is PAS 24 certification. It doesn’t change how your doors or windows look, but it does make your home safer. At Bowalker, we care about your security. Therefore, all our doors and windows have been rigorously tested and are PAS 24 certified.
Whether you’re remodelling an existing home or developing a new building from the ground up, Bowalker can be your ultimate destination for PAS 24 certified doors and windows.
