Part Q is the latest industry buzz word, but what does it mean and will it affect your project plans?

Building regulation Part Q applies to new builds only (or where a new build is formed by a material change of use such as a renovation or refurbishment) and took effect on 1st October 2015 in England. Part Q does not apply to any building regulation applications submitted before 1st October 2015.

Doors (including front and back doors, bi-folds, French doors and sliding doors) and windows (that is windows on the ground floor, basement and any accessible roof lights) must be able to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar by being sufficiently robust and fitted with the appropriate hardware.

Part Q applies to easily accessible doors and windows that provide access;

• In to a property from the outside
• In to part of a building containing flats from the outside
• In to a flat from the common parts of the building

It does not apply to replacement windows.

Doors and windows must be manufactured to a design that has been tested and shown to meet the security requirements of British Standards publication PAS 24.

PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 24 is published by the BSI (British Standard Institute). PAS 24 provides a method for testing and assessing doors and windows in relation to security.

All ground floor and accessible doors must have suitable laminated glass with a security value of P2A or better. Windows do not require laminate glass for PAS24 but must have a locking handle.

Not only must you have a certified system, but you must also ensure that the system meets the certified specification. Don’t be afraid to ask your window or door installer for proof of certification. There are many fabricators in the UK who supply products manufactured – and tested – by someone else. The fabricator must have physically tested the product themselves in order to issue the relevant certification. The certificate cannot be ‘passed on’ from the original manufacturer.

For further information on Part Q, please visit the www.gov.uk website or feel free to contact us.

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