You’ve probably come across terms like PAS 24 or Secured by Design (SBD) when shopping for doors, but what do they really mean? For many homeowners, these labels may sound like technical jargon. Without understanding what they stand for, it’s hard to know why they should influence your buying decision. Let’s break each of them down.
What Secured by Design Means – and Why It Matters
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed initiative aimed at reducing crime through smart building design and tougher product standards. A core part of the initiative is the Police Preferred Specification, a respected accreditation for doors, locks, windows, and other hardware that have been independently tested and proven to deter break-ins.
To earn SBD certification, doors undergo rigorous, real-world tests. These include manual attacks on locking components using tools like crowbars and mole grips, repeated strikes on the cylinder with knives and screwdrivers, and forced entry attempts using chisels and brick bolsters. A 50kg steel impactor is also used to strike key points like hinges and locks, confirming the door’s ability to withstand serious physical force.
At Endurance Doors, we’re proud to offer products that meet this high standard. If you’re looking for peace of mind, an SBD-accredited door is a smart place to start.
What PAS 24 Certification Means for Your Home
PAS 24 is a UK security standard that tests how well a door or window can withstand an attempted break-in. The tests simulate common methods used by intruders, such as kicking, prying, or forcing locks, to evaluate how durable and secure the product really is.
A door that passes PAS 24 testing has proven it can stand up to real-world attack methods. The standard is developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), and testing is carried out by independent experts approved by UKAS.
While PAS 24 isn’t legally required on its own, it’s often necessary to meet Building Regulations for new homes and is a key requirement for Secured by Design approval.
How PAS 24 and Secured by Design Work Together
Although closely linked, PAS 24 and Secured by Design are not the same. PAS 24 focuses on the physical performance of a product – how well it resists forced entry. Secured by Design builds on this by considering the wider role of design in crime prevention.
To gain SBD approval, a product must first pass PAS 24 testing. So, when a door is both PAS 24 and SBD certified, it’s not only built to resist attack, but also recognised by police as part of a broader strategy to reduce crime. Together, they offer powerful, real-world reassurance.
Why Some Doors Don’t Make the Cut
Not all doors meet these high standards. Some have weak points like thin cores, poor-quality locks, or vulnerable glazing. Others may be compromised by poor construction or installation – loose hinges, misaligned frames, or visible gaps all make a door easier to force open.
That’s exactly what PAS 24 and SBD testing are designed to expose. Only the most robust and well-built doors pass. That’s why these certifications matter when choosing how to protect your home.
Endurance: Composite Doors You Can Rely On
At Endurance, our doors are designed with security at their core, following the principles of Designing Out Crime. Our SBD-compliant Endurance door range is engineered and tested to meet the highest standards. The SBD upgrade includes an ABS master locking cylinder, laminated security glass, and a letterplate cowl – a powerful combination built to resist forced entry and deliver long-term peace of mind.
As for PAS 24, our doors are regularly tested to ensure compliance. Even down to the details, like our composite door hinges, we meet the standard as part of a fully compliant system.
Design Your Door Upgrade Today
Now that you know what makes a door truly secure, why not design yours today?
Try our free Virtual Door Designer – an easy, interactive tool that lets you take control of every detail and bring your perfect Endurance door to life.
