1. The Quick Answer: What Secured by Design Really Means
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police-backed security standard that ensures your windows and doors have been independently tested to resist real-world burglary attempts. If a product carries the SBD badge, it means it meets some of the highest security requirements available in the UK for domestic homes—not just in the locks, but in the entire window or door system.
In simple terms, SBD guarantees that your windows or doors:
- use reinforced frames and high-security hardware
- include laminated security glass as standard (not optional)
- pass stringent break-in tests beyond normal PAS 24 requirements
- are audited regularly to maintain consistent security performance
Put plainly: SBD isn’t a marketing term—it’s a police-approved certification of genuine, proven security. It tells you the product has been designed from the ground up to resist forced entry, manipulation, prying, impact, and lock attacks.
Most homeowners will benefit from SBD windows and doors. They offer higher levels of protection against forced entry, act as a strong visual deterrent to intruders, and provide long-lasting, reliable security. For many properties—especially ground-floor windows, patio doors, and accessible areas—choosing SBD-certified products is one of the most effective ways to increase home security.
In short: Secured by Design means safer, stronger, burglary-resistant windows and doors—and for most UK homes, it’s absolutely worth having.
2. How Secured by Design Works: The Police-Approved Standard
Secured by Design (SBD) isn’t a manufacturer’s claim or a marketing phrase—it’s an official security initiative created by the UK Police Crime Prevention Initiative (UKPCPI). The scheme was established to reduce burglary rates by improving the physical security of homes and buildings through better product design and stricter performance standards.
SBD works by setting guidelines and testing requirements for products that play a role in home security. Manufacturers who want their windows or doors to be SBD-certified must submit them for rigorous, independent testing. These tests simulate real break-in attempts using tools and techniques commonly used by intruders.
The goal of SBD is simple:
to ensure that the products people install in their homes genuinely make break-ins harder, slower, noisier, or ideally impossible.
Key points about how the scheme works:
- Police-backed: The initiative is run independently, but supported by UK police forces.
- Real-world testing: Products are assessed under conditions that mimic genuine intruder behaviour.
- Holistic security: SBD covers the entire product—frame, glazing, locks, hinges, and hardware.
- Ongoing auditing: Manufacturers must maintain consistent quality, not just pass a one-off test.
- Industry-wide influence: SBD has helped shape UK Building Regulations and modern security expectations, especially in new-build housing.
Unlike general security labels, Secured by Design is strict, measurable, and heavily audited. That’s why many new-build homes are now automatically required to use SBD-certified windows and doors—because the scheme consistently delivers proven burglary-resistant performance.
In essence, SBD ensures homeowners get security they can trust—not just promised, but tested, verified, and police-approved.
3. SBD vs PAS 24: What’s the Difference?
Secured by Design (SBD) and PAS 24 are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing. Both relate to security performance, but SBD goes significantly further. Understanding the difference helps you choose windows and doors that offer the right level of protection for your home.
PAS 24 – The Minimum Security Standard
PAS 24 is the baseline security level for windows and doors in the UK. Any product that meets PAS 24 must pass tests that simulate common methods of forced entry, such as prying, levering, and lock manipulation.
PAS 24 ensures a basic, reliable level of protection but does not guarantee enhanced features like laminated glass.
Key characteristics of PAS 24:
- Mandatory for most new-build homes
- Ensures the product can withstand standardised attack tests
- Covers the performance of the complete window/door
- Good baseline protection, but not “enhanced” security
Secured by Design – The Police-Backed Enhanced Standard
SBD requires windows and doors to meet PAS 24 as a minimum—but adds extra requirements to deliver superior security. This makes it a higher-tier certification.
What SBD adds beyond PAS 24:
- Laminated security glass is mandatory (not optional)
- Higher-grade locking systems
- Stronger reinforcement in frames and hardware
- Higher-rated cylinders (e.g., TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond)
- Regular auditing to maintain consistent quality
SBD focuses on real-world effectiveness, not just laboratory test performance.
Product Certification vs Installer Certification
Another difference:
- PAS 24 certifies the product only.
- SBD certifies the product AND ensures the manufacturer maintains the enhanced standard long-term.
Some installers also hold SBD accreditation, meaning they follow approved installation methods—another layer of reassurance.
In Summary
- PAS 24 = strong baseline security.
- Secured by Design = police-approved, enhanced-security, laminated-glass, reinforced, audited performance.
If you want the highest level of security for your windows and doors, SBD is the superior option.
4. What Security Tests SBD-Certified Windows and Doors Must Pass
Secured by Design (SBD) certification is not handed out lightly. To earn the SBD badge, windows and doors must undergo some of the most rigorous, independently verified security tests in the industry. These assessments simulate genuine break-in attempts—using real tools, real techniques, and real force.
Below are the types of tests an SBD-certified product must pass. Together, they ensure that every part of the window or door can withstand determined intruder attacks.
PAS 24 Attack Tests (Baseline Requirement)
All SBD products must first pass PAS 24 testing, which includes:
- Manual attack simulations with screwdrivers, crowbars, chisels, and knives
- Mechanical loading tests that simulate kicking or shoulder charging
- Attempts to pry open sashes, hinges, or locking points
- Manipulation and tampering tests on handles and locks
This proves the system can resist opportunistic break-ins.
Laminated Glass Impact Testing
Unlike standard toughened glass, laminated glass must:
- resist repeated blunt-force impacts
- stay intact even when cracked
- prevent intruders from creating an opening
This is why laminated glass is mandatory for SBD-certified windows and doors.
Cylinder Attack Testing
Door cylinders must pass:
- anti-snap
- anti-drill
- anti-pick
- anti-bump
Only high-security cylinders (TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond) meet SBD requirements.
Hinge-Side Security Testing
Testers attempt to:
- lift the sash off the hinges
- manipulate or shear hinge pins
- force the frame apart around the hinges
SBD products include hinge bolts, anti-lift pins, and reinforced hinge plates to resist this.
Frame & Hardware Integrity Tests
The frame and hardware must withstand:
- heavy impact loads
- twisting and flexing forces
- attempts to deform or distort the frame to defeat the locks
This ensures the whole product is secure—not just one component.
Ongoing Audits & Quality Control
SBD doesn’t stop at the initial test. Manufacturers must:
- maintain consistent build quality
- submit regular audits
- prove components haven’t been downgraded
This continuous oversight prevents “security downgrading” over time.
In summary:
Secured by Design products must survive real-world burglary techniques, enhanced impact testing, reinforced frame challenges, and ongoing audits. That’s why SBD-certified windows and doors offer some of the strongest protection you can install in a UK home.
5. Key Features of a Secured by Design Window or Door
Secured by Design (SBD) products are built from the ground up to resist forced entry. They don’t just upgrade a lock or add stronger glass—they combine multiple enhanced components into one fully engineered security system. Below are the core features you can expect from any genuine SBD-certified window or door.
1. Laminated Security Glass (Mandatory)
Unlike PAS 24 products, which may use toughened glass, SBD requires laminated glass as standard. Laminated glass:
- stays intact even when cracked
- prevents intruders from creating an opening
- resists repeated blows
- adds acoustic and UV protection
It is the most effective glazing type for burglary prevention.
2. Multi-Point or Shoot-Bolt Locking Systems
SBD products use:
- multi-point locks on doors
- shoot bolts or mushroom cams on windows
These secure the sash at multiple locations, preventing prying, levering, and forced twisting.
3. Reinforced Frames
Frames must include:
- internal steel or aluminium reinforcements (uPVC)
- strong thermal-break chambers (aluminium)
- engineered, multi-layer timber (timber windows)
This prevents flexing, bending, or deformation during an attack.
4. Enhanced Hinge-Side Security
Burglars often target the hinge side, so SBD requires:
- hinge bolts / dog bolts
- anti-lift pins
- extra-strong hinge fixings
These ensure the sash cannot be levered off or removed.
5. High-Security Cylinders (Doors Only)
Door cylinders must meet:
- TS007 3-star, or
- Sold Secure Diamond standard
These resist snapping, drilling, picking, bumping, and manipulation.
6. Secure Keeps & Strike Plates
Frames must include upgraded keeps and strike plates that are:
- reinforced
- deeply anchored into steel or hardwood
- resistant to crowbars and prying
These hold the locking points firmly under attack.
7. Internal Beading Where Applicable
For many window systems, SBD requires:
- internal glazing beads, to prevent glass removal from the outside
This stops intruders from popping out the glass quietly.
8. Tested as a Complete System
The entire assembly—frame, glass, locks, hinges, hardware—must pass testing as one unit. No swapping out cheaper parts.
In short:
SBD-certified windows and doors combine the strongest glass, hardware, locks and reinforcement into a single, high-security package. They are engineered for real protection—not just tick-box compliance.
6. Benefits: Why Secured by Design Is Worth Having for Most Homes
Choosing Secured by Design (SBD) windows and doors isn’t just about meeting a security badge—it’s about investing in practical, proven protection that significantly reduces the risk of burglary. The benefits go far beyond simply “making your home more secure.”
1. Dramatically Reduced Burglary Risk
SBD-certified products withstand real-world forcing, levering, lock attacks, and glass impacts. Because they are harder and noisier to break into, most intruders abandon attempts quickly.
Studies consistently show that homes with SBD products are far less likely to be targeted by opportunistic burglars.
2. Strong Visual Deterrence
The SBD badge signals that a property has:
- laminated security glass
- reinforced frames
- high-security locks
- police-approved hardware
Burglars recognise these features—and typically move on to an easier target.
3. Higher-Quality Components & Long-Term Durability
SBD windows and doors use:
- stronger frames
- laminated rather than toughened glass
- better cylinders and hardware
- more durable hinges and locking systems
These components don’t just improve security—they improve product lifespan, reliability, and performance.
4. Better Protection for Families & Vulnerable Occupants
SBD products are especially valuable for:
- ground-floor rooms
- patio doors
- homes with children or elderly residents
- properties in high-footfall or exposed areas
The reinforced glass and hardware provide peace of mind for everyone inside.
5. Insurance Confidence
While not always required, SBD products:
- demonstrate a higher level of security
- may support insurance requirements
- can reduce the risk profile of a home
Some insurers offer more favourable terms when enhanced security is installed.
6. Ideal for Modern Extensions & Large Glazing
Sliding doors, bifolds, and large picture windows are natural weak points. SBD’s mandatory laminated glass and robust frame requirements make these features significantly safer.
7. Futureproof & Regulation-Ready
SBD standards heavily influence:
- Building Regulations
- new-build security requirements
- long-term industry trends
Installing SBD products today helps futureproof your home.
In summary:
Secured by Design offers the highest practical level of residential security available for windows and doors—making it an excellent upgrade for most modern UK homes.
7. When Secured by Design Matters Most (and When It’s Optional)
While Secured by Design (SBD) offers excellent protection for any home, it’s especially valuable in certain locations, property types, and installation scenarios. Understanding when SBD is essential—and when PAS 24 may be sufficient—helps you make a confident, cost-effective decision.
When SBD Is Highly Recommended
SBD provides the greatest benefit for homes that face elevated security risks, including:
1. High-Crime Urban Areas
Homes with higher foot traffic or close proximity to public spaces (streets, parks, alleyways) are more likely to be targeted by opportunistic intruders. SBD’s enhanced security features provide a meaningful layer of protection.
2. Rural or Secluded Properties
Homes without neighbours nearby—especially farms, country cottages, and homes backing onto fields—are more vulnerable because intruders can operate without being seen. In these situations, laminated glass and reinforced frames are essential.
3. Ground-Floor & Accessible Windows
Any window that can be easily reached from the outside should ideally be SBD-certified. This includes:
- ground-floor windows
- windows above flat roofs
- basement or lightwell windows
- patio doors and large glazed units
These are common entry points during break-ins.
4. Sliding, French, and Bifold Doors
Large glazed doors provide fantastic views but are also major security targets. SBD’s mandatory laminated glass and upgraded locking systems significantly improve resistance to attack.
5. New-Build Homes & Extensions
Many new-build developments require SBD-compliant products to meet planning or building standards. Even where it’s optional, choosing SBD enhances long-term security and value.
When PAS 24 May Be Enough
There are scenarios where SBD is beneficial but not absolutely essential:
- Upper-floor windows with minimal external access
- Homes in low-crime, well-lit neighbourhoods
- Properties that already have strong perimeter security (alarms, CCTV, smart sensors)
- Projects with tight budgets where laminated glass or high-security cylinders can be added separately
Even in these cases, SBD is still a worthwhile upgrade—just not a strict must-have.
Cost Considerations
SBD products typically cost more because they include:
- laminated glass
- reinforced hardware
- premium locking systems
- enhanced manufacturing standards
However, the price difference is often modest compared to the security benefits provided—especially for doors and ground-floor glazing.
Bottom line:
SBD is most important for vulnerable, exposed, or high-risk locations—but it offers valuable peace of mind and practical security benefits for almost any home.
8. How to Choose SBD-Certified Windows and Doors
Once you’ve decided that Secured by Design (SBD) is right for your home, the next step is making sure you choose genuine, independently certified products—not ones that merely claim to be secure. This section gives you a simple, practical roadmap to selecting the right SBD windows and doors with confidence.
1. Look for Genuine SBD Product Certification
A window or door is only SBD-approved if:
- it has passed all SBD tests,
- the manufacturer holds current certification, and
- the product appears in the SBD product database.
If it’s not listed, it’s not certified.
2. Ask for the Product’s Certificate of Compliance
Reputable installers can provide:
- an SBD certificate
- PAS 24 test reports
- documentation for locks, glass, and hardware
- proof of ongoing audit compliance
If a supplier can’t produce paperwork, consider it a red flag.
3. Check the Essential SBD Features Are Included
Every SBD window or door must include:
- laminated security glass (not optional)
- multi-point or shoot-bolt locking
- reinforced frames
- security hinges and hinge bolts
- high-security cylinders (TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond)
- internal beading where applicable
These features should be present as standard, not upgrades.
4. Confirm the Entire Unit Is Certified—Not Just the Components
Some companies may claim:
- “SBD hardware”,
- “SBD locks”, or
- “SBD glass”.
But SBD certification applies to the complete product, not individual parts. A window or door is only SBD-approved if the entire unit has passed testing together.
5. Choose an Installer Who Understands SBD Requirements
Installation quality is as important as the product itself. Look for:
- installers familiar with SBD specifications
- companies offering SBD-compliant fitting methods
- secure fixing, sealing, and glazing techniques
Even the best SBD window will underperform if installed incorrectly.
6. Ask These Key Questions Before Buying
- Is this exact window/door model SBD-certified?
- Does it come with laminated glass as standard?
- What cylinder rating is included?
- Are the frames fully reinforced?
- Can I see the certificates and test documentation?
- Do you offer SBD installation practices?
7. Final Buyer’s Checklist: Your SBD Minimum Specification
Before ordering, confirm your windows and doors include:
- ✔ Laminated security glass
- ✔ PAS 24 certification
- ✔ Multi-point or shoot-bolt locks
- ✔ Reinforced frames (uPVC, aluminium, or engineered timber)
- ✔ 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond lock cylinders
- ✔ Security hinges and hinge bolts
- ✔ Internal glazing beads where applicable
- ✔ Verified SBD paperwork
This ensures you’re getting true, police-backed security—not a downgraded imitation.
In summary:
Choosing SBD-certified windows and doors isn’t complicated—but it does require checking that your products are genuine, correctly specified, and properly installed. With the right supplier and the right paperwork, you can be confident you’re getting the strongest domestic security available in the UK.
