When choosing new windows and doors, most homeowners focus on appearance, energy performance, and price. Security often receives less attention, partly because it is harder to assess from the outside. That is where PAS 24 comes in. It is the recognised industry standard for measuring how well a window or door resists a physical break-in attempt, and the latest version, PAS 24:2022, represents a significant update to the way security performance is tested and certified.
What PAS 24 actually tests
PAS 24, or Product Assessment Specification 24, is a British Standards Institution (BSI) benchmark for the enhanced security performance of windows and doors. It is a pass or fail standard. There are no grades or levels. A product either meets the requirements or it does not.
The testing is designed to replicate the methods used by an opportunist burglar, using tools that are easy to conceal. It includes mechanical loading, where a significant force is applied to the frame and hardware to test resistance to being prised open. It includes hard and soft body impact, simulating blunt force strikes. And it includes manual attack, where a tester uses a prescribed set of tools to attempt to manipulate hardware, cut through materials, and remove glazing. For doors, additional tests cover cylinder vulnerability and letterplate security.
The standard has evolved through several iterations since it was first introduced in the 1990s. PAS 24:2022 is the current version, updated to reflect changing methods of real-world attack and advances in product technology.
Glazing requirements under PAS 24
One area that is often misunderstood is the glazing requirement. Under PAS 24:2022, all easily accessible doors must include at least one pane of laminated glass with a minimum thickness of 6.8mm. Standard 6.4mm laminated glass is classified as safety glass only and does not satisfy the security requirement. Easily accessible windows fitted with non-key locking hardware also require laminated glass.
Why it matters in Ireland
PAS 24 originates from UK building regulations, specifically Approved Document Q, which requires enhanced security on easily accessible windows and doors in new dwellings. While Ireland does not have an identical regulatory requirement, PAS 24 is widely recognised as the benchmark for window and door security across both the UK and Ireland.
For homeowners, PAS 24 certification provides a straightforward way to verify that a product has been independently tested against a rigorous and repeatable standard. It removes the guesswork from security specification.
How Fairco products measure up
Every Fairco window and door is independently certified to PAS 24:2022, covering both double and triple-glazed configurations across the full product range. This includes Performance uPVC, OMNIA Flush, and aluminium systems, as well as all door types including entrance, French, sliding, and bi-fold.
Because Fairco controls design, manufacturing, and installation, the security performance tested in the laboratory is carried through to the finished product installed in your home. That chain of accountability, from certified design to professional fitting, is what separates a tested product from a truly secure one.
If security is a priority in your next window or door project, contact Fairco for expert advice on specification, certification, and how PAS 24:2022 applies to your home.
