Approved Document Q (Security – Dwellings)
What is Approved Document Q?
Approved Document Q is an addition to the Building regulation covering security in dwellings. Document Q (often referred to as New Build compliant) sets out reasonable standards for doors and windows to resist physical attack by a casual or opportunist burglar by being both sufficiently robust and fitted with appropriate hardware.
Under these standards, all new doors and windows should be made to a design that has been shown, by test, to meet the security requirements of PAS 24:2012 (or other standards that meet or exceed PAS 24:2012). The PAS 24:2012 standard means all doors and windows have to meet a cylinder and hardware attack test and comply with European security measures to make homes less vulnerable.
Approved Document Q (Security - Dwellings) was introduced 1st October 2015 for use in England.
When does Approved Document Q apply?
The regulations will apply where doors and windows are installed into all dwellings where they are accessible (2m from floor) and the property is a new build / property development (including change of use to domestic, e.g. a commercial mill conversion to flats).
It does not apply to replacements, extensions or refurbishments as long as the building is already a dwelling.
FSDC Global offer a fully warranted installation service, and in most cases this extends the warranty of your chosen product.
FSDC Global also offer a supply only service for people who intend to install the doors themselves or by a third party installer.
The instructions below refer to the installation of folding patio doors / folding sliding doors / bifold doors / accordion doors;
- The bottom track is the most critical step. Ensure the track is fixed firm and level in both directions. For longer tracks you may require a laser level. Pre-drill the track 100mm from each end and then 500mm apart. The track port is positioned at the stacking side.
- The first jamb to fix is the one that the door is to stack open against. Ensure the jamb is fixed square on the track and level on both faces. This jamb must be firmly fixed to the wall to carry the weight of the door. Blockwork or cavity fixed jamb must be firmly strapped to ensure no side to side or rocking movement.
- Position the top track on top of the jamb and position, place the other jamb under the top track to hold it in place. If practically possible, do not fix the top track at this stage.
Ensure the second jamb is fixed square on the track and level on both faces. This jamb must be firmly fixed to the wall to carry the weight of the door. Blockwork or cavity fixed jamb must be firmly strapped to ensure no side to side or rocking movement.
- Ensure the top track is fixed firm and level in both directions. For longer tracks you may require a laser level. Pre-drill the track 100mm from
each end and then 500mm apart. The track port is positioned at the stacking side.
Source: www.planningportal.co.uk
This is an introductory guide that can be read at the above link and is not a definitive source of legal information.
At the time of publishing the Planning Portal website states that you do not usually need to apply for planning permission for:
- repairs, maintenance, and minor improvements, such as repainting window and door frames
- insertion of new windows and doors that are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house (note - a new bay window will be treated as an extension and may require permission). If new windows are in an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level
New roof lights or skylights will not normally require an application for planning permission providing:
- they do not protrude more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof slope
- they are no higher than the highest part of the roof
- if they are in side elevation roof slope they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level
Occasionally, you may need to apply for planning permission for some of these works because your council has made an Article 4 Direction withdrawing permitted development rights. If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works - internal or external.
Also, if you are a leaseholder, you may first need to get permission from your landlord or management company.
When choosing bi-folds there are two terms you will come across: ‘top hung’ and ‘bottom rolling’. This refers to the way the weight of the door is supported. Advice varies on which is best but bear in mind that top-hung doors conceal the bulk of the operating mechanisms in the frame head, plus dirt and debris are less likely to become lodged in the top track, unlike the bottom track, where it can affect the running operation. On the downside, top-running systems do require a sufficiently strong lintel or beam above the opening to take the weight of the doors.
Bi-fold doors systems have a greater capability than a sliding door or hinged doors because of the moving forces and loads that occur during door movement. We utilise our own Fold ‘n’ Slide Heavy Duty Hardware which is uniquely designed, independently tested and accredited. Unlike many other companies we manufacture our bi-folds with Dual Roller Mechanisms. This means that the weight of the door is evenly distributed between both top & bottom roller resulting in a smooth concertina operation and a better sliding performance. The track encapsulates the roller mechanism to help eliminate any issues with debris becoming lodged.
As you can imagine, Heavy Duty Hardware is key to supporting the weight of your Folding Sliding Doors. The hardware used on cheap folding door products is not going to give you the same performance, are not as robust and would therefore not come with the guarantees you would be offered with a better specification.
From the 1st of July 2013 it becomes mandatory that all construction products including Folding Sliding Doors MUST display the CE Mark. Products not CE Marked after this date cannot legally be placed on the market!
Mandating CE Marking enforces the disclosure of performance between different manufacturers and suppliers allowing for clear comparisons of performance and enabling customers to make an informed choice!
CE Marking demonstrates a product has been tested against a harmonised standard and the performance information is reliable and has been registered by a notified body.
The Folding Sliding Door Company has produced a Declaration Of Performance and is fully CE compliant!
Q. What is changing?
A. CE Marking will become mandatory in the UK from 1st July 2013 as set out in the Construction Products Regulation 2011. Therefore any window or external door product (without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics) ''NOT '' CE Marked after this date cannot legally be placed on the market.
Q. Who is responsible for CE Marking?
A. Everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility to cascade the correct data, but the organisation who places the complete product on the market is responsible for affixing the CE Mark and accompanying information. In conclusion this is the organisation that brings the frame and glass together. This organisation is described as the ‘manufacturer’.
Q. I am an installer who purchases unglazed windows.
A. If you are an installer who purchases unglazed frames and glazed units separately, you are classed as the manufacturer and have responsibility for affixing the CE Mark and accompanying information.
Q. I am an installer who purchases glazed windows.
A. If you are an installer who purchases glazed frames, whilst you are not absolved of all responsibility you will not be required to affix the CE Mark and accompanying information. However you will have a responsibility to ensure that the CE Mark and information is available so that you can cascade it to the purchaser.
Q. What should I do next?
A. CE Marking becomes a regularity requirement across the EU from 1st July 2013 as a result of the Construction Products Regulation.. If your product is not CE Marked on or after this date,
What is changing?
CE Marking will become mandatory in the UK from 1st July 2013 as set out in the Construction Products Regulation 2011. Therefore any window or external door product that is NOT CE Marked after this date cannot legally be placed on the market.
Why has it changed? What is it for?
For some time all electrical and medical devices have needed a CE Mark to demonstrate safety and performance. This is simply being extended to construction products including Windows, Doors and Conservatories etc
So What? What does this mean to me? What if I buy a product that is Not CE Marked after 1st July 2013? What is it for?
CE Marking enforces the disclosure of performance between different manufacturers allowing you to make an informed choice and clear comparison between products. Would you want a heart valve or buy a TV that didn’t have a Declaration of Performance?
- It will be illegal to supply non-CE marked Products After 1st July 2013
It is unclear how the system will be policed at the moment but some potential outcomes
- Non CE Marked products will not meet Building Regulations hence Buildings Inspector will not sign off a project
- Products may not meet criteria for Insurance Backed Schemes such as FENSA
- Insurance Companies may void claims upon discovery of the installations of Non CE Marked products
- You may be putting your own safety at risk!