Security glazing in Harpenden

Security rules for new homes

Approved Document Q has applied to new homes in England since 1 October 2015. Easily accessible doors and windows, meaning any part within 2 m vertically of the ground or another accessible surface, should meet PAS 24 or an equivalent, and glazing in doors and in windows within 400 mm of a door should be laminated to at least BS EN 356 P1A. It does not apply when you change the glass in an existing home, although it is a sensible benchmark.

Safety glass in critical locations

In England, section 5 of Approved Document K treats glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door edge, from floor level up to 1,500 mm, and any other glazing below 800 mm, as a critical location. Glass there should break safely, be robust, or be guarded. Laminated or toughened glass meeting BS EN 12600 class 3 is the usual answer, rising to class 2 for door and side-panel panes wider than 900 mm.

Replacing glass in an existing frame

Replacing only the glass or sealed unit in an existing frame is generally treated as a repair in England rather than notifiable building work. Replacing a whole window or door is notifiable and is normally certified through a competent person scheme or approved by building control. Either way, new glass in a critical location should still be safety glass.