UPVC Windows London: Security Certifications to Look For

Homeowners in London ask me two things more than anything else about uPVC windows: will they keep the heat in, and will they keep burglars out. Great frames and low‑E double glazing aid with the first, but security lives and dies on style information and validated screening. The best-looking sash in Chelsea is only as protected as the locking system, the support inside the sash, the hinge geometry, and the installer who fastens it to the brickwork. Accreditations matter due to the fact that they tell you the window has been battered, prised, and chose in a controlled way and has actually still held strong. If you are comparing quotes from double glazing business in London, ask to see the security documents alongside the U‑values.

I have actually set up and surveyed uPVC windows and doors throughout boroughs with really different housing stock, from Victorian balconies in Waltham Forest to post‑war semis in Lewisham and glassy lofts in Southwark. The same guidelines apply throughout designs: you desire third‑party testing, qualified setup, and elements that match London's demands. Below is how I encourage customers who want robust security without compromising daylight, ventilation, or aesthetics.

The vital certifications that prove a uPVC window resists attack

Three logo designs come up in almost every safe specification: PAS 24, Protected by Design, and the BSI Kitemark for improved security. They are not marketing fluff. They represent physical tests on the ended up window set, including the frame, sash, hardware, and glazing.

PAS 24. This is the standard for boosted security in the UK for windows and doors. The current requirement is PAS 24:2022 for brand-new screening, though numerous items still reveal PAS 24:2016 certification from their last cycle. It is a pass‑fail test: the window either stands up to forced‑entry efforts with manual tools for defined periods or it doesn't. The attack approaches consist of levering around the sash, assaulting handles and cylinders, requiring hinges, and attempting to eliminate glazing beads. When I specify uPVC windows for ground‑floor or easily available windows in London, PAS 24 is non‑negotiable.

Secured by Design (SBD). SBD is a police effort that accredits items fulfilling particular crime‑prevention requirements. If a uPVC window brings SBD accreditation, it suggests the whole system, hardware included, has passed PAS 24 and the supplier keeps audited quality control. SBD matters on developments where preparation officers or housing associations anticipate tangible crime‑reduction procedures. I have actually worked on schemes in Barking and Dagenham and Hounslow where SBD was written into the company's requirements. Even on private domestic jobs, SBD is an effective shorthand that the window is not simply in theory secure.

BSI Kitemark for Enhanced Security (often shown as KM ... code). The Kitemark is a quality mark administered by the British Standards Organization, generally tied to PAS 24 compliance. Unlike a one‑off test, the Kitemark plan includes continuous surveillance of production. That matters with uPVC due to the fact that small variances in reinforcement, screw specification, or bead profile can weaken a window. A Kitemarked item is most likely to be constant batch to batch.

There are other relevant schemes, particularly for the glass itself. For instance, if a design calls for laminated security glass, try to find compliance with BS EN 356 (resistance to manual attack) and BS EN 12600 (effect performance). Keep in mind that security is a chain. A PAS 24 sash with basic float glass can still be susceptible to a quick smash and grab. Laminated glass, which remains bonded after fracture, considerably extends the time a trespasser needs.

Don't forget the legal baseline: Building Regulations and proficient person schemes

In London, any window replacement must adhere to Structure Regulations, particularly Part L for energy efficiency, Part F for ventilation, and Part Q for security on brand-new builds and specific change‑of‑use homes. Part Q recommendations standards equivalent to PAS 24 for brand-new dwellings and residences created by modification of usage, such as a warehouse conversion in Hackney. If you are replacing like for like in an existing home, Part Q may not use, but its concepts still inform best practice.

For domestic replacements, you ought to use FENSA licensed window installers or CERTASS authorized double glazing firms, or you must go through Structure Control straight. FENSA and CERTASS are proficient individual schemes. They do not license security on their own. What they do is accredit that the installation satisfies Structure Regulations and that you get the correct paperwork for solicitors and insurance companies. A FENSA certificate alone does not guarantee PAS 24. Ask your installer to show the item's test evidence.

On the energy side, check if your provider belongs to the BFRC rated glazing suppliers plan. A BFRC label provides you the window energy ranking and typically lists U‑values. While this is not a security badge, energy efficient windows London property owners pick frequently originated from the exact same reputable factories that preserve tight quality for security as well.

What the tests appear like on a bench, and why they matter on site

I have existed throughout factory audits where we viewed technicians attempt to peel off glazing beads with tools, lever frames at the corners, and breeze handles with strength. Properly crafted uPVC windows behaved predictably: espagnolette bolts locked deep into stainless-steel keeps, hinge side brought load without the sash twisting, and internal glazing beads and bridging packers made deglazing from outside miserably hard. On cheaper systems, you could see flex and hear screws creak under prying force.

Here is what a good PAS 24 uPVC window normally includes, beyond the paper certificate:

• Multi point mushroom webcams or bolts engaging with metal keeps, not plastic. The keeps are anchored into the steel support inside the profile.
• Internal glazing beads with security tape or glazing clips that avoid bead elimination from outdoors. External beading is a red flag on ground‑floor windows unless laminated glass is present and the beads are mechanically secured.
• Hinge side defense. Search for canine bolts or security hinges that stop the sash from being raised when the hinges are attacked.
• A robust profile with sufficient galvanised steel support, usually 1.2 to 1.5 mm thick, continuous along the lock side. I have actually opened therapeutic tasks where reinforcement was irregular or missing, a typical corner cut in budget imports.
• Laminated glass on vulnerable elevations, ideally a P1A or better interlayer according to EN 356 for domestic usage, combined with argon gas double glazing and low E glass windows to preserve thermal performance.

That last point bears duplicating. London balconies often have side returns or alleyways that hide an intruder from street view. A laminated inner pane may be the difference in between an unsuccessful effort and a break‑in. While laminated units weigh a bit more and cost more than standard toughened double‑glazed systems, they combine well with contemporary warm‑edge spacers and low‑iron external panes if clarity matters.

How to read a security label on a quote from double glazing suppliers London house owners consider

Suppliers explain security in irregular methods. You might see phrases like "cops authorized", "SBD requirement", "meets PAS 24", or "locking with 9 points". Drill into the source:

• Ask for the PAS 24 certificate specific to the window system and hardware combination you are buying. If your design changes deals with, sash size, or bead type from the checked specification, the certificate might not strictly apply.
• Verify SBD status on the Secured by Design site, which notes certified companies and item ranges. I have seen catalogues reveal old SBD logo designs that no longer match active listings.
• Look for a Kitemark on the product data sheet with the KM number, and examine it on the BSI certificate directory site. This takes minutes and filters out marketing gloss.

Legitimate double glazed units producer London brand names like Liniar, Rehau, Deceuninck, and Kommerling can all be built into secure windows, however the fabrication and hardware choice make or break the efficiency. A smaller sized customized window makers London workshop that is CERTASS approved can still provide PAS 24 if they follow the system house guidelines and utilize the tested hardware set.

UPVC windows versus aluminium, and how security differs in practice

Many architects in Kensington and Camden still prefer aluminium windows and doors for sightlines, particularly thermally broken aluminium windows with slim profiles. Aluminium frames are naturally stiffer, which aids with large panes and sliding doors London homes embrace for garden gain access to. Security depends more on the hardware and glazing retention than on the material alone.

For casements and tilt‑turns, uPVC can match aluminium on PAS 24 with appropriate reinforcement and beading. For bigger periods, such as aluminium bifold doors London designers specify or wide patio area doors London households use, aluminium typically wins on structural integrity. Bifold and moving systems must be explicitly tested to PAS 24 in the specific configuration. I have actually changed untested bifold sets in Enfield that could be levered off the track with a crowbar. The SBD‑accredited bifolds that changed them used interlocking stiles, anti‑lift blocks, and reinforced rollers, and they transformed the risk profile.

If your job blends materials, for example uPVC doors and windows on upper floors and aluminium doors London property owners pick for the ground flooring, keep the security story coherent. All available windows and doors ought to satisfy PAS 24 or better, and all glass within reach must be laminated where practical.

Why installation quality is as important as the certificate

A PAS 24 sash fitted into a weak substrate with the wrong dealings with will not perform as evaluated. In London, we meet Victorian brick, cavity walls, lumber reveals, and even steel frames in old warehouse conversions. Each requires a method statement.

On masonry, I define frame fixings into solid product, not simply foam. Screws should anchor through the support on the lock side. Packers must be hard plastic, positioned at hinges and lock indicate prevent frame distortion. Sealant is not structural. On lumber exposes, coach screws and correct straps spread out loads. On tower blocks in Lambeth with concrete surrounds, we have used chemical anchors where the edge distance was tight.

I have likewise seen thieves make use of loose keeps. If a keep is repaired into just the external uPVC, a lever can pop it. Keeps ought to bite into support or backing material. Installers who hurry can miss this detail.

This is why I guide property owners to trusted glazing experts London broad who are transparent about dealings with, packer design, and survey information. Reliable doors and windows suppliers London teams will reveal you area drawings and hardware positions, not just glossy brochures.

Matching security and ventilation without jeopardizing energy performance

Security and comfort can combat each other if not planned. Trickling ventilation through Part F can be at odds with acoustic control on a busy road in Hammersmith, and open windows welcome threat. Excellent hardware and glass assistance square the circle.

Night vent positions work but not security gadgets. On a lot of PAS 24 windows, the test is made with the window completely closed and locked. If you want protected purge ventilation, think about lockable restrictors or devoted secure night vents that are tested within the system. For bed rooms on upper floors, restrictors that need dual action to override are practical, however they must not hamper escape requirements.

Glazing build‑ups make a huge distinction. Laminated inner panes coupled with argon gas double glazing and soft‑coat low E glass keep energy efficiency. A typical London specification may utilize a 4.4 mm laminated inner, warm‑edge spacer, 16 mm argon cavity, and 4 mm outer low‑E pane, yielding around 1.2 W/m TWO K U‑value or better in a great uPVC frame. Thermally broken aluminium windows can achieve comparable figures in contemporary systems. The choice between uPVC doors and windows and aluminium doors and windows should be led by period, looks, and budget plan, with security and energy as gatekeepers instead of differentiators.

When to upgrade glass and hardware beyond the baseline

Not every opening requires the very same security level. On a Hampstead garden flat with remote rear access, I specify laminated glass in all ground‑floor windows and back entrances, updated manages with strong spindle and metal backplates, and hinge bolts as standard. On upper floorings with no climbable access, basic toughened glass might be enough, supplied the sash and beading are internal and PAS 24 evaluated. Front doors and back doors London homes utilize need cylinders that meet TS 007 3‑star or SS 312 Diamond to prevent snapping. That is a different door hardware requirement however belongs in the same conversation.

For sliding doors London homes love, inspect anti‑lift devices and interlocks. For bifold doors, verify shootbolt engagement at both head and sill and continuous leading tracks with concealed repairings. French doors London balconies typically have weak conference stiles; ensure they have robust deadbolts leading and bottom and anti‑jimmy plates.

How to compare quotes from double glazing companies London homeowners shortlist

Price spreads can be wide. I just recently compared 3 quotes for a two‑bed flat in Islington: a budget plan uPVC set at ₤ 4,800 including VAT, a mid‑range at ₤ 6,200, and a premium at ₤ 8,100. The least expensive used an unbranded profile, face‑fixed keeps into plastic, and external beads on 2 sashes. No PAS 24 certificate. The mid‑range utilized a Deceuninck system with PAS 24 and SBD, laminated ground‑floor glazing, and appropriate reinforcement. The premium provided aluminium for the fronts, uPVC at the rear, and fully laminated glazing throughout. The client picked the mid‑range because it fulfilled the security quick and energy targets without extending the budget.

Ask these five concerns before you sign:

• Can you reveal current PAS 24 and, if relevant, Secured by Style certificates for the precise configuration, including beading and hardware?
• Is laminated glass consisted of on available doors and windows, and what EN 356 rating applies?
• How will you fix the frames into my substrate, and do the keeps engage with reinforcement?
• What is the cylinder rating on doors, and do manages include cylinder guards?
• Are you FENSA licensed window installers or CERTASS authorized double glazing, and will I get BFRC energy ratings for the units?

Where London location moves the brief

Burglary patterns vary. In Barnet and Redbridge, we frequently deal with entry through side streets to kitchen areas and utility spaces. That prioritises secure sashes at the rear, laminated units, and robust back doors. In the denser streets of Westminster and Islington, street‑facing windows above eye level are less prone to break-in but face greater acoustic pressure, so laminated acoustic glass makes its keep twice, for sound and security. In riverside advancements in Tower Hamlets, salt exposure nudges us towards stainless 304 or 316 hardware. On coastal or high‑pollution sites, inexpensive zinc‑plated screws wear away, and rusted screws are weak screws.

Conservation locations complicate beading and putty lines. We have actually delivered PAS 24 on sash‑style uPVC windows with plant‑on horns in Richmond by utilizing internal glazing and laminated panes while keeping slim conference rails. It takes coordination with the doors and windows providers at order stage to make sure the traditional look does not revert to external beading, which would weaken security.

Choosing a supplier: what separates the relied on double glazing suppliers from the rest

The best double glazing suppliers match a trustworthy system with disciplined fabrication and installation. A London window and door business with in‑house property surveyors who take responsibility for security details deserves a little premium. I search for:

Factory control. Do they hold BSI Kitemark for improved security and ISO 9001 for quality? Are they transparent about their double glazed systems maker London partner or whether they bond units in‑house? Providers who control their sealed unit sourcing tend to manage laminated stock better.

Hardware brand continuity. Hoppe, Maco, Yale, Mila, Siegenia are recognized amounts. Blending unknown manages with tested gearboxes is where failures sneak in. Ask for part numbers on key components.

Clear aftercare. Burglar damage repairs need fast action. I prefer suppliers with regional engineers who carry stock keeps, hinges, and beads that match your system. Windows and doors providers London with a storage facility in, say, Park Royal or Barking can support you faster than remote distributors.

If you want bespoke aluminium doors London jobs sometimes need, or made to determine windows London house owners need for odd openings, confirm that the customisation does not revoke the security accreditations. Large sashes often fall outside the test envelope. A credible fabricator will flag this and either adjust the design or retest.

Balancing security with sustainability and cost

There is a fair question about embodied carbon and sustainable glazing London buyers rightly raise. Laminated glass has a small carbon uplift compared with standard strengthened, and more steel support raises material use. The security advantage, combined with longer life span and less replacements after break‑ins, often justifies the trade. Energy performance in windows and doors remains central. Use BFRC A or higher rated units where possible, low‑E finishings, warm‑edge spacers, and argon fill. uPVC frames with recycled core materials are ending up being typical, which assists the sustainability journal without compromising security.

On price, a common uplift for PAS 24 with laminated ground‑floor panes over basic uPVC might be ₤ 60 to ₤ 120 per window depending upon size, plus ₤ 90 to ₤ 150 per door leaf for updated cylinders and deals with. This is rough, based upon recent projects in Bromley and Ealing. Request for line‑item pricing so you can see where your money goes. Affordable double glazing London alternatives exist that still tick the right boxes if you are disciplined about the spec.

A short case research study from site

A property owner in Haringey had three ground‑floor uPVC casements with visible external beads. After a robbery attempt where the beads were partially prised but the burglar fled, they called us. The frames were otherwise sound. Rather than rip whatever out, we upgraded glazing to 6.8 mm laminated inner panes, swapped to internal bead sash profiles from the exact same system house, included keep plates repaired into reinforcement, and replaced standard handles with Protected by Style authorized handles. Expense was under half a full replacement, and the windows now meet the practical spirit of PAS 24 even though we did not lab‑test that specific retrofit. Not every scenario enables a partial service, but where existing frames work, it is a reasonable path.

Final checks before you order

Security requirements require clearness. Your contract needs to list the standards clearly and connect them to the items. If your project consists of upvc doors London broad or aluminium doors London residential or commercial properties often embrace, make certain the door leafs, cylinders, and glazing are named. If it includes bifold doors London customers like, verify the precise panel count and test reference.

For designers, consist of notes in your NBS spec: PAS 24:2022 for all accessible doors and windows, SBD where required, laminated glass to EN 356 P1A minimum at accessible areas, cylinders TS 007 3‑star or SS 312 Diamond, installation by FENSA or CERTASS, and BFRC A score minimum. Add a stipulation that any discrepancy requires approval.

For property owners, take some time to see a showroom sample. Press on a corner of a locked sash, handle it, and ask the salesperson to remove a glazing bead. They shouldn't have the ability to from exterior. Demand seeing the support through a cutaway. A confident sales representative from trusted double glazing providers will welcome the questions.

With the best certifications, sensible glass options, and cautious installation, uPVC windows London homes depend on can provide genuine security without compromising light or comfort. That is the criteria I utilize when I sign off any window plan, whether for a domestic double glazing London upgrade in a terrace or a business glazing providers London contract on a mixed‑use block. The information are what keep a bad day at bay.

Doorwins stand as one of the leading aluminium glazing companies in London. Our company manufacture, supply and fit high-performance aluminium doors for modern homes and luxury developments.

Each project delivered by Doorwins reflects years of expertise and precision engineering. Need help choosing slimline aluminium windows, we’ll recommend and install the perfect system.

With decades of industry expertise, we are recognised for our commitment to customer satisfaction and long-lasting results.

Doorwins aluminium windows and doors
Address: Office 3, 186 Greenford Ave, London W7 3QT
Phone: 020 8629 1171

Frequently Asked Questions about Doorwins & Double Glazing

1. What does Doorwins specialise in?
   Doorwins specialises in the manufacture, supply and installation of premium aluminium windows, doors, bifold systems and roof lanterns throughout London and the UK.
2. Are Doorwins windows energy efficient?
   Yes – Doorwins products use high-performance double or triple glazing with thermal break technology to reduce heat loss and improve U-values for energy-efficient homes.
3. Does Doorwins offer installation as well as supply?
   Absolutely. Clients can choose from manufacture only, supply only or a complete supply-and-fit package handled by our expert installers.
4. Where is Doorwins based?
   Doorwins operates across London with offices in Greenford Avenue (W7) and Observatory Gardens (W8), serving both residential and commercial projects.
5. Why do homeowners and architects choose Doorwins?
   Because Doorwins combines design innovation, manufacturing precision and personal service – ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

For more information or to request a free quote, contact Doorwins Windows and Doors London on 020 8629 1171 or visit our website for product specifications and gallery examples.