Document Q - The legislation you need to know.

In October of 2015 new legislation came in to protect home owners buying new build homes . The legislation was titled Document Q and relates specifically to the security of windows and doors being fitted within the property. Almost five years on and we’re surprised by how many builders are still unaware of the legislation so we thought it was worth going over the key points.

Doors into the property must be PAS24 accredited or higher - it’s worth noting that PAS24 has been revised to include a ‘cut test’ - the door must be able to resist attack for a minimum of three minutes against two chisels and a Stanley knife with the goal of making a 50mm square hole big enough to get your hand through. Many substandard foam core composite doors physically can’t achieve this (and indeed fail in less than 90 seconds). Our timber core Solidor breezed through the violent test with nothing more than superficial damage. In addition, a door must be fitted with upgraded Laminated Glass, front doors must have a spy hole unless another means of viewing visitors is available (clear glass, security camera or window next to the door in question). Letter boxes must have an aperture no bigger than 260 x 40mm and be positioned or designed in a way which will hinder anyone trying to remove keys with a pole or inserting their hand Finally the door should in most cases be fitted with a door chain or limiter.

Windows also need to comply with PAS24 through the use of hinge protectors and appropriate locks and some councils will require you to fit laminated glass in all windows as doors - please speak to your local planning officer if in doubt.

The full document can be viewed, downloaded and printed here