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.
Approved Document Q applies to all new dwellings in England, including:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
When evaluating door hardware and window hardware for Part Q applications - and for SBD projects - look for:
Components should either:
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.
Look for:
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.
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.
If your system hasn’t already been tested with a compliant hardware set, you’ll need to either:
This is where door hardware suppliers become vital.
Look for partners who can:
Approved Document Q sits alongside several other Approved Documents under the Building Regulations, which influence hardware performance:
The right hardware ensures compliance with both Part Q and broader building regulations, delivering long-term durability and peace of mind.
✅ 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?
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.