By Now Aluminium
Technical acronyms like PAS 24 can be confusing for someone looking to buy a new set of aluminium bifold doors, especially when it’s used as a selling point. But the reality is PAS 24 is very important and worth paying attention to.
This guide will explain exactly what PAS 24 is and why it’s important.
What does PAS 24 mean?
PAS 24 stands for Publicly Available Specification and is a minimum standard to which doors and windows are tested. Products are either failed or passed – there are no varying grades of security.
PAS 24 covers all aluminium sliding and bi – folding doors which requires all doors to go through a hardware ‘attack’ test and an enhanced security performance test for door assembly requirements and based on a burglar trying to attack or manipulate a locking cylinder.
PAS 24 standards are constantly updated to ensure they keep up with industry advancements.
Is PAS 24 important?
Security is always going to be one of the most important features for a set of doors to have which makes having a standard like PAS 24 so valuable.
That’s why it was developed by a number of organisations including: Association of Chief Police Officers, Association of Composite Door Manufacturers, BRE, British Woodworking Federation, Council for Aluminium in Building, Door and Hardware Federation, Glass and Glazing Federation, Master Locksmiths Association, RIAC Authority, Steel Window Association and others.
As a property owner, you are aiming to make your home as secure as possible and so it is vital you look for doors and windows that carry this PAS 24 certificate. This provides the peace-of-mind that you have the highest security requirement for your aluminium bifold doors.
Is PAS 24 a legal requirement?
While it isn’t a legal requirement to upgrade doors and windows in older buildings to match PAS 24 standards, PAS 24: 2016 is now required (or an equivalent standard) to meet Building Regulations for new build properties.
PAS 24 vs Secured By Design
Secured By Design is a separate initiative introduced on behalf of the police. Similar to PAS 24, it’s concerned with setting security standards for a number of products like doors and windows. The idea behind Secured By Design is to prevent crime by having a licence for the manufacturers of these products.
Ultimately, while very similar, PAS 24 and Secured By Design are distinct programs that have very similar goals.
PAS 24 is generally seen as the baseline which Secured By Design builds upon.
How to check if your bifold doors are PAS 24 Certified?
To achieve PAS 24 certification, a product must be independently tested by certified accreditation organisations such as the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.
Throughout every step of the testing stages, the BSI (British Standard Institute) regularly inspect the testing process and monitor companies who hold the PAS 24 accreditation.
The PAS 24 test covers two main areas: security and weather resistance. They will ensure that your doors and windows cannot be easily broken into by intruders while also checking that they can keep out the rain and cold.
Manufacturers such as NOW Aluminium will then be able to provide copies of PAS 24 certificates for any of the products you are interested in.
Summary
Security should always be top of mind when you buy a new set of aluminium bifold doors. And while we always endeavour to produce fantastically secure doors, you can have the extra peace of mind that NOW Aluminium doors are also PAS 24 certified.
If you’re interested in getting your own set of fantastic, secure aluminium bifold doors, then get in touch with NOW Aluminium today.
