Last Updated on 23 October 2026 by IanR
Confused by PAS 24, locks, or security by design? Discover how windows and doors with police-backed accreditations keep your home safe and secure.
What You’ll Learn:
- The key accreditations that prove your doors & windows are secure
- Why security by design is the police-approved gold standard for homes
- How lock and glass ratings strengthen front doors, bifolds & patio doors
- What to look for when choosing secure doors & windows from GFD Homes
(Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 Minutes)
Introduction: The Confusing Alphabet Soup of Security Standards
If you’ve ever browsed for new doors or windows, you’ll have seen acronyms and logos sprinkled across the spec sheets: PAS 24, SBD, Sold Secure, Diamond 3-Star. They look impressive — but what do they actually mean?
For many homeowners, these badges feel like jargon. Yet they’re some of the most important indicators of whether a product can truly keep your family safe. With burglaries rising by up to 20–40% during the darker months, knowing what these standards mean could be the difference between a secure home and a vulnerable one.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key accreditations in plain English, show you how they apply to Composite Doors, Bi-Fold Doors, Sliding Patio Doors, and Aluminium Windows — and explain why choosing products that carry them is one of the smartest moves you can make this National Home Security Month.
PAS 24: The Baseline Standard for Windows and Doors
What it is: PAS 24 is a UK test that sets the minimum standard for enhanced security on external doors and windows.
How it works: Products are subjected to rigorous physical attack tests using crowbars, hammers, and other tools intruders are known to use. They’re also tested for manipulation (like trying to lever open locks or hinges).
What it means for you: If a door or window is PAS 24 compliant, it’s proven to withstand the kinds of forced entry methods burglars actually use.
All GFD Homes ranges – from composite front doors to aluminium windows – can be specified to PAS 24 standards.
Security by Design: The Police-Backed Standard for Windows and Doors
What it is: Secured by Design is the official police initiative for “designing out crime.” It goes beyond PAS 24 to include overall product design and installation.
How it works: Only products that meet strict testing and are manufactured under quality-assured conditions get the SBD badge. Police Crime Prevention Officers endorse them as actively reducing burglary risk.
What it means for you: A Secured by Design door or window isn’t just strong — it’s police-approved.
Many of our Composite Doors (including Solidor and Compdoor ranges) and aluminium systems are available with Secured by Design certification.
Lock Standards for Windows and Doors: What They Mean
Even the strongest door is only as good as its lock. That’s why understanding lock ratings matters.
- Star Ratings (TS007 Standard)
- Cylinders are rated from 1 to 3 stars.
- 3-Star is the highest, resisting snapping, drilling, and picking.
- Sold Secure Diamond
- An additional, tougher standard overseen by the Master Locksmiths Association.
- Diamond-rated locks have survived extended attack tests, including lock snapping.
- Ultion Example
- At GFD Homes, every composite door comes with an Ultion 3-Star Plus lock.
- It’s both TS007 3-Star and Sold Secure Diamond approved – effectively the Fort Knox of locks.
- If tampered with, Ultion goes into “lockdown mode,” deploying hidden pins that make it near impossible to open.
Glass Standards That Keep Windows and Doors Secure
Burglars don’t just target locks – they’ll try glass too. That’s why accreditations around glazing matter.
- Toughened Glass (BS EN 12150) – up to 5 times stronger than regular.
- Laminated Glass (BS EN 14449) – stays intact when broken, like a car windscreen.
- Internal Beading – a design standard ensuring panes can’t be removed from the outside.
All Bi-Fold and Sliding Doors from GFD Homes can be specified with toughened or laminated glass as standard.
Why Windows and Doors Accreditations Matter in Real Life
Here’s a scenario:
- A burglar approaches a home with an old timber door and single-glazed window. No accreditations, no modern locks. They’re inside in under a minute.
- Next door, a GFD Homes customer has a PAS 24, Secured by Design composite door with an Ultion lock and laminated glass sidelight. The burglar doesn’t even try. Why? Because these accreditations tell intruders it’s going to be noisy, time-consuming, and probably unsuccessful.
Accreditations aren’t just technicalities — they’re deterrents in themselves.
How to Spot Secure Windows and Doors When Shopping
When you browse for doors and windows this autumn, look for:
- ✅ PAS 24 on spec sheets.
- ✅ Secured by Design logo (police crest).
- ✅ 3-Star or Diamond-rated locks.
- ✅ Mention of toughened/laminated glass.
If these aren’t present, think twice.
Conclusion: Don’t Buy Blind
With so many options out there, it’s tempting to choose purely on style or cost. But this National Home Security Month, remember: not all doors and windows are created equal.
By choosing products with PAS 24, Secured by Design, and Diamond-rated locks, you’re not just buying a product – you’re buying independent proof that it will stand up when tested.
🛒 Browse the full collection at www.gfdhomes.co.uk
📞 Or call 01642 309576 for expert guidance and a no-pressure quote.
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Browse our Articles
- Home Security: How to Secure Your Home This Winter
- Why GFD Homes Doors & Windows Put Security First
- Sliding Patio Doors Explained: How to Choose the Right One
- Trade Products: looking for trade prices? Visit our trade site, The Trade Village
FAQs
What is PAS 24 for doors and windows?
PAS 24 is a UK security test proving a door or window can withstand common burglary methods like crowbars, drills, or forced entry.
What does “security by design” mean?
Security by Design (SBD) is the official police initiative. Doors and windows with this badge have been tested and approved by crime prevention experts.
Are locks as important as the door itself?
Yes. A strong door is only as good as its lock. That’s why GFD Homes composite doors include Ultion 3-Star Plus locks with Sold Secure Diamond approval.
Do windows also need accreditations?
Absolutely. Modern aluminium windows with PAS 24 and laminated glass make break-ins far harder, transforming weak points into secure defences.
