Part Q
Enhanced security and burglary protection
Building regulation Part Q came into effect on October 1st 2015, with compliance phased over 12 months, and affects any residential building, renovation or refurbishment project that requires planning permission.
All plans or building notices submitted after 1st October 2015 have to comply with Part Q, which relates to any door or window installed in a ‘dwelling’ (including flats and apartments) and which can be easily accessed by a burglar, including balcony and casement doors, and units installed above flat or gently sloping roofs within 3.5m of ground level.
To meet Part Q requirements, windows and doors must satisfy new standards of robustness, use approved hardware, and demonstrate proven security performance.
What evidence is required?
Part Q compliant windows and doors must have either:
- test evidence for each individual unit
- third party certification of compliance
- proof of compliance with Appendix B – supplied with products already meeting Part Q requirements.
Who must comply?
Anyone who requires planning permission to build, renovate or refurbish a residential dwelling - architects, builders, installers and building owners, including home-owners and property developers. For more information, visit www.planningportal.gov.uk
Part Q compliant VELFAC windows and doors
Where required VELFAC can provide composite windows and doors that meet new Part Q regulations, and the exacting standards of UK Police flagship initiative Secured by Design (SBD) – and all without any change to the distinctive ultra-thin frame design.
This means VELFAC can provide products that can be used in SBD developments – regarded by potential purchasers as a guarantee of additional safety and security both in and outside the home. Please let us know if you require Part Q / SBD.
The following VELFAC 200 DGU opening functions are Part Q compliant:
- Sidehung window
- Fixed window
- Topguided window
- Panels
- Shaped windows
The following VELFAC 200 ENERGY opening functions are Part Q compliant:
- Sidehung window
- Fixed window
- Top guided window
- Casement door
- Sliding casement door
- Panels
- Shaped windows
The following 1-leaf VELFAC In inward opening functions is Part Q compliant:
- Tilt and turn casement door (135), tested as a window
The following VELFAC Ribo alu opening function isPart Q compliant:
- VELFAC Ribo Wood/Aluminium Security Entrance Door
Frequently asked questions
What are Part Q compliant windows and doors?
Building regulation Part Q affects any new residential building. Approved Document Q is designed to ensure the prevention of unauthorised access to dwellings (including flats). As part of this, doors and windows or roof lights which could be accessed will need to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar.
What evidence is required for windows and doors to demonstrate compliance?
Part Q compliant windows and doors must have either:
- test evidence for each individual unit
- third party certification of compliance
- proof of compliance with Appendix B – supplied with products already meeting Part Q requirements.
Who must comply to building regulations part Q?
Anyone who requires planning permission to build, renovate or refurbish a residential dwelling - architects, builders, installers and building owners, including home-owners and property developers. Building regulation Part Q affects any new residential building. Approved Document Q is designed to ensure the prevention of unauthorised access to dwellings (including flats). As part of this, doors and windows or roof lights which could be accessed will need to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar (which my not only include ground floor windows and doors). For more information, visit www.planningportal.gov.uk
What's the difference between Part Q and Secured by Design?
Both standards call for windows and doors to be made to meet specific security requirements. However Part Q is essentially concerned with the security of doors and windows, while the requirements of SBD include other elements of the building and their surroundings. Therefore compliance with Part Q alone will not achieve full SBD certification.
Futhermore, Part Q can be a legal requirement for your project, while SBD is not mandatory.
Is Part Q mandatory for windows and doors?
Windows and doors Part Q is mandatory for most of new buildings. Part Q does not apply to replacement windows and doors.