If you’ve been looking into new windows for your home, you may have come across the term Secured by Design, often shortened to SBD, and wondered whether it’s something worth paying attention to. Here’s what Secured by Design actually means and why it’s worth considering for your replacement windows.
What Are Secured by Design Windows?
- Secured by Design is a police backed accreditation scheme for security related products
- SBD certified windows must pass enhanced security testing, including PAS 24
- Features typically include multi point locking, reinforced frames, and laminated or toughened glass
- SBD accreditation can support home insurance applications and sometimes reduce premiums
- Not a legal requirement, but increasingly expected for new build and social housing
- Particularly relevant for ground floor windows, rear elevations, and easily accessible openings
- uPVC windows can be specified to meet SBD standards without compromising on appearance
What Is Secured by Design
Secured by Design is the official police initiative supporting the principles of secured environments through good design, and it operates as an accreditation scheme covering a wide range of products used in construction, including doors, windows, locks, and glazing. The scheme is owned by the police and works alongside manufacturers to set standards that products need to meet in order to carry the SBD logo.
For windows specifically, achieving SBD accreditation means the product has been tested and certified to demonstrate genuine resistance against forced entry, rather than simply looking secure. This distinction matters, because not all windows marketed as secure have actually been independently tested to a recognised standard.
The Role of PAS 24 Testing
At the heart of SBD accreditation for windows sits PAS 24, which is a published standard that sets out test methods and performance requirements for the enhanced security performance of doorsets and windows. To achieve PAS 24 certification, a window has to withstand a series of physical attack tests using common tools that an opportunist burglar might use, such as screwdrivers, chisels, and crowbars, applied to vulnerable points like locks, hinges, and the frame itself.
These tests assess how long the window resists entry under sustained attack, and a window only passes if it meets the required resistance across all test points, not just some of them. SBD accreditation requires PAS 24 as a baseline, so when a window carries the SBD logo, you know it’s been through this testing process and met the standard, rather than simply being described as secure by a manufacturer or installer.
What Makes a uPVC Window Meet SBD Standards
Several features typically combine to help a uPVC window achieve SBD accreditation, and understanding these can help you assess what you’re actually getting when comparing products.
Multi point locking systems are standard on SBD certified windows, with locking points engaging at multiple positions around the sash rather than relying on a single lock. This distributes the force needed to force the window open across several points rather than concentrating it on one weak spot.
The frame and sash construction itself needs adequate reinforcement, usually steel inserts within the uPVC profile, to resist the frame being levered or distorted enough to disengage the locking mechanism. This is one reason why cheaper, lighter weight uPVC profiles sometimes struggle to achieve SBD accreditation even with good locks fitted.
Glazing also plays a role, with laminated glass often specified in the inner pane of a sealed unit. Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer that holds the glass together even when broken, making it significantly harder and more time consuming to break through compared to standard toughened glass alone.
Hinges and fixings need to be robust enough to prevent the sash being removed from the frame even if visible fixings are tampered with, and beading around the glass is typically internally glazed or uses security beading that can’t be easily removed from outside.
Does Secured by Design Matter for Your Home
Whether SBD accreditation matters for your specific property depends on a few factors, though in our experience as installers in the Portsmouth area, it’s something worth taking seriously for most homes.
Ground floor windows, particularly those at the rear of a property or in less visible locations such as side returns and alleyways, are statistically more vulnerable to attempted entry. Specifying SBD accredited windows for these openings provides genuine, tested resistance rather than just a visual deterrent.
For new build properties, SBD accreditation is increasingly expected as part of meeting Secured by Design’s wider Homes 2023 standards, which many local authorities and housing associations now require as part of planning conditions. If you’re undertaking a significant renovation or extension that involves planning permission, it’s worth checking whether SBD compliance forms part of the conditions attached to your approval.
For insurance purposes, while SBD accreditation isn’t always a strict requirement, many insurers look favourably on enhanced security features when assessing premiums, and some policies specifically reference PAS 24 compliant windows and doors as contributing to a reduced risk profile. It’s worth checking with your insurer directly, as the impact on premiums varies between providers.
Is It a Legal Requirement
Secured by Design accreditation itself is not a legal requirement for replacement windows in existing residential properties. However, it’s worth noting that Building Regulations Approved Document Q, which deals with security in new dwellings, does set out requirements for windows and doors in new build properties and conversions, and PAS 24 testing is commonly used as the route to demonstrating compliance with Document Q.
For straightforward window replacements in an existing home, you’re not legally required to choose SBD accredited products, but given that quality uPVC windows from reputable manufacturers can often achieve this accreditation without a significant cost difference or compromise on appearance, it’s frequently a sensible choice rather than an unnecessary upgrade.
Choosing SBD Accredited Windows Without Compromising on Style
One common misconception is that secure windows look noticeably different from standard windows, with visible bars, bulky locks, or an industrial appearance. In reality, SBD accredited uPVC windows are available across the same range of styles, colours, and finishes as standard windows, including woodgrain effects and contemporary colour options.
The security features, multi point locking, reinforced frames, laminated glass, and security beading, are largely incorporated into the construction of the window rather than being visible add ons. This means you can specify windows that meet SBD standards while maintaining the appearance and kerb appeal you want for your property.
What to Ask an Installer
It’s worth discussing which openings in your property would benefit most from enhanced security specification, as it may not be necessary or cost effective to specify SBD accredited windows throughout an entire property if certain elevations are inherently less vulnerable.
Speak to BJH Windows & Conservatories About Secure uPVC Windows
At BJH Windows & Conservatories, we supply and install uPVC windows across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, with Secured by Design and PAS 24 accredited options available across our range of styles and colours. We can advise on which openings in your property would benefit most from enhanced security specification and provide full documentation for any accredited products supplied. Contact us today to discuss security options for your replacement windows.
About the Author
Oscar Hamilton
Trainee ManagerI am the third-generation member of the BJH Windows family! I have a deep-rooted passion for the business. I achieved a First-Class degree in Business Management and Leadership from the University of the West of England. Having worked summers at BJH since my childhood, I have hands-on experience in the industry, even starting as a fitter’s mate. I am a fully qualified FENSA surveyor, combining my academic knowledge and practical expertise to deliver exceptional service, ensuring the family legacy of quality and customer care continues.
