Jul 17, 2025
Securing windows and doors against forced entry isn’t just good practice - it’s now a legal requirement under the building regulations for England. Here’s what you need to know about Approved Document Q.
For fabricators, designers, and systems providers, selecting the right door hardware and window hardware is essential to ensure products meet standards, pass testing, and deliver long-term peace of mind to clients and homeowners.
This guide provides practical insight into specifying Q-compliant hardware, including what PAS 24 demands, how testing works, how Secured by Design fits in, and what to look for in a supply partner.
What counts as a Part Q application?
Approved Document Q applies to all new dwellings in England, including:
- New-build houses and apartments
- Conversions (e.g. office-to-residential)
- Buildings undergoing change of use
It covers any easily accessible doors and windows — typically those at ground level or accessible from balconies, flat roofs, or adjacent structures. These must be proven to resist unauthorised access through mechanical attack, in line with the security requirements laid out in Document Q.
Understanding the role of PAS 24
To demonstrate compliance, products must meet the test standard PAS 24:2022.
PAS 24 is not a component test. It's a full-system performance standard. This means that all parts, including the frame, glass, seals, sash, mullions, transoms, joints, welds, panels, and handles, must function together to resist entry.
Key PAS 24 tests include:
- Manipulation of locks and cylinders
- Levering and impact testing
- Manual cutting tools on key weak points
- Testing under load testing in differing planes at locking, hinge and corner points
If your doorset or window system uses hardware that hasn’t been tested or doesn’t perform under load, the entire unit can fail the test — undermining document Q compliance.
Do you need to meet the Secured by Design standard?
Secured by Design (SBD) is a crime prevention initiative run by the UK police. It sets out enhanced security standards for the design and construction of buildings — including residential properties — with the aim of reducing crime through smarter design choices.
Here’s how it relates to Part Q:
- Part Q is the legal minimum: All new homes in England must comply.
- Secured by Design goes further: SBD approval demonstrates that a product or development meets higher levels of security. It’s often required in social housing, high-risk locations, or local authority builds.
- PAS 24 is a shared foundation: SBD requires doors and windows to meet PAS 24 — but may also specify additional installation practices, locking configurations, or documentation for sign-off.
Many developers and housing associations now treat SBD approval as a specification requirement, so window fittings, door hardware, and window furniture that enable both Part Q and SBD compliance offer greater flexibility across project types.
Why hardware selection is critical
While profile and glass contribute to structural strength, it’s the hardware — hinges, locks, door locks, window fasteners, handles, and cylinders — that could form the first point of failure.
Poorly specified hardware can lead to failures from:
- Snapping or drill attacks on locks and casement fasteners
- Levering under or around door hinges
- Weak locking points that can be forced
- Inadequate fixings or unsuitably soft baseplates
Every exposed or interactive element is a potential risk. That’s why your hardware selection needs to match both the regulatory requirements and the evolving security threats.
Choosing hardware that supports Part Q and SBD compliance
When evaluating door hardware and window hardware for Part Q applications - and for SBD projects - look for:
Tested Performance
Components should either:
- Be part of a PAS 24 tested window or door system, or
- Be supported with test evidence showing they meet PAS 24 security requirements when integrated.
Multipoint Locking Systems
Particularly important on doors, multipoint locks distribute load and resist jemmy attacks. Check they are compatible with your profile’s reinforcement and allow consistent fabrication.
Use TS 007 3-star rated cylinders, or combine 1-star cylinders with 2-star escutcheons or handles. These resist snapping, bumping, and drilling — all methods tested under PAS 24 and required for SBD.
High-Security Hinges
Look for:
- Hinges with dog bolts or integrated security pins
- Anti-lift features
- Fixings that prevent screws being removed from outside
Secure Keeps and Fixings
Keep plates, strike boxes, and fasteners must all match the tested configuration. Even strong door locks can fail if the keep gives way under load.
Materials Matter
Consider satin stainless steel finishes for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, especially in exposed areas or on a fire door installation or accessible door setup.
Navigating the Testing Process
If your system hasn’t already been tested with a compliant hardware set, you’ll need to either:
- Submit the system for PAS 24 testing, including the exact configuration, or
- Use components already proven in certified assemblies
This is where door hardware suppliers become vital.
Look for partners who can:
- Provide test evidence and certification (check out Titon’s dedicated testing regimes)
- Advise on design and fabrication to maintain test validity
- Support your documentation for both Building Control and Secured by Design assessments
Understanding the Supporting Regulations
Approved Document Q sits alongside several other Approved Documents under the Building Regulations, which influence hardware performance:
- Approved Document B – escape routes and fire-rated door handle and fire door components
- Approved Document F – ventilation performance, especially when window restrictors or trickle vents are included
- Approved Document M – accessibility requirements, particularly for the accessible door design
- BS EN 1670 – corrosion resistance classification, especially for exposed handles
The right hardware ensures compliance with both Part Q and broader building regulations, delivering long-term durability and peace of mind.
Five Questions to Ask When Specifying Part Q Hardware
✅ Has this component been tested to PAS 24 — or used in a certified system?
✅ Is it suitable for Secured by Design projects or client requirements?
✅ Is the documentation traceable, current, and complete?
✅ Can the supplier advise on integration and installation methods?
✅ Can I repeat this spec at scale without delays, rework, or inconsistent outcomes?
Conclusion: Secure by design, confident in compliance
When it comes to Part Q, hardware isn’t just a finishing touch - it’s a critical contributor to compliance and security. The right decisions ensure systems pass testing, deliver long-term reliability, and support client expectations, including the SBD standard where required.
By choosing tested, documented, and well-supported window and door hardware, you’re not just meeting the standard — you’re aligning with both Approved Document Q and wider building regulations, protecting the integrity of your products and your brand.
At Titon, we help you get it right the first time — with solutions that are designed to work together, supported by people who understand what’s at stake. For expert advice or product recommendations, get in touch with our sales team now.
