Approved Document Q: What You Need to Know and How It Affects You

Building Regulations play an important role in ensuring that homes in the UK are comfortable, safe, and suitable for everyday living.

In this post, we’ll explain how Part Q compliancy may affect you and what features to expect in doors and windows that meet its standards.

What Does Part Q Compliant Mean?

Approved Document Q (Part Q) is a section of the UK Building Regulations focused on preventing unauthorised access to homes and residential spaces. Its primary goal is to ensure that doors and windows resist opportunistic burglars using common attack tools.

To qualify as Part Q compliant, a door or window must pass rigorous physical testing – most notably PAS 24:2012 (or equivalent standards like STS 201/202, LPS 1175, or LPS 2081) – showing it can handle hardware attacks, cylinder drilling, and forced entry attempts.

If your doors and windows meet Approved Document Q, your renovations will meet legal requirements.

When Do I Need Part Q Compliance?

Part Q Compliance applies to the following scenarios:

New Build Homes

Any newly constructed house, flat, or apartment building in England.

Conversions

Where a building (or part of a building) is converted into a residential space (e.g. turning an office block or barn into flats/houses).

When does Part Q NOT apply?

Existing homes – routine replacements of older windows and doors, or extensions to existing properties.

What Are Easily Accessible Entry Points?

Part Q applies specifically to easily accessible doors and windows in the following scenarios:

• Any door leading into the property from outside
• Any window accessible from flat roofs or balconies, and ground floor/basement windows
• Garage doors or the interconnecting door leading to the house from the garage
• Communal entrance doorsets (Doors that separate a flat from a communal area)

Note: If a building is being renovated or extended, the energy efficiency of the building may need to be upgraded as part of the renovation to stay in accordance with Part 6 of the British Building Regulations.

What are the Part Q Requirements for Doors and Windows?

Approved Document Q sets rigid restrictions around the keeps, locks and wood that can be used in the construction of external doors and windows for homes.

Part Q Compliance for Doors

• A higher security multipoint lock that meets the standards PAS 24.
• A viewing window or peephole in main entrance doors, or else access to a window that shows any potential entrants to the house.
• A door chain or limiter.
• A letter box that is no bigger than 260mmx40mm.
• A flap across the letter box that prevents it being used to remove or retrieve keys.
• Hinge bolts on any hinges accessible from outside the building.
• Any glazing in or around the door must be a minimum class P1A.
• The door material must meet the density and dimension requirements set in Part Q.

Part Q Compliance for Windows

• Tested to meet security requirements of PAS 24 (Or similar standards like STS204, LPS1175, or LPS2081
• Frames should be fixed to the structure in accordance with manufacture’s installation instructions

Where Can I Buy Approved Document Q Doors?

Right here at Aspire. We offer a variety of styles that can be purchased with Part Q Compliancy.

Black Heritage French Doors

Explore Part Q French Doors

Revere Grey Bifold Doors

Explore Part Q Bifold Doors

And that’s it! With a better understanding of Document Q, we can ensure that all homes are safe and secure. We’ve made it easy to ensure Part Q compliance when you’re choosing a door from us.

Once you’ve decided on your product, you can choose Part Q Compliancy before adding to your cart.

At Aspire Doors, one of our top priorities is safety and security. All of our glass doors include toughened double glazing and multipoint locking systems. You can trust that our external doors will deliver peace of mind and protection.

Revere Industrial Bifolds

Explore Part Q Bifold Doors

Grey Heritage French

Explore Part Q French Doors

Revere Black Bifolds

Explore Part Q Bifold Doors