Rooflight security: key things you need to know

Adding a new rooflight to your home is a brilliant way to bring light and air into your home, while creating the illusion of more space in smaller rooms. And with so many designs, colours, finishes and glass types to choose from, you may feel spoilt for choice.

However on top of the aesthetics, security is one serious consideration that many homeowners overlook when deciding on a style and fit. In this post, we’ll guide you through the key facts that you need to know to make sure your new skylight is safe and secure.

First of all, let’s talk about Approved Document Q.

What is Approved Document Q?

In all new homes, including those that are undergoing renovations to become a dwelling, you’ll have to consider Approved Document Q. This is the government stipulation that requires all homes to prove that the access points to the building are secure – helping to reduce the risk of opportunist break-ins. 

 

How does it apply to my home?

The biggest challenge for many homeowners is that Document Q requires windows and doors to show that they’ve been manufactured to a design which is tested to an acceptable security standard. This applies to all doors at the entrance of the property and any easily accessible windows – including rooflights.

It includes factors such as using frames which are mechanically fixed to the structure of the building (as per the manufacturer’s installation instructions) and only installing windows that adhere to UK security guidelines.

Document Q states that windows, doors and skylights which have satisfied the British Standards Institute’s (BSI) PAS 24:2012 ranking are acceptable for homes.

 

What do I need to know about PAS 24:2012?

PAS 24:2012 is simply a method for testing and assessing the enhanced security performance requirements of external door sets and window types. It specifies that ‘enhanced’ windows and doors are able to resist a ‘normal level’ of attack associated with an opportunist burglar in the UK. This includes being able gain entry by manipulating a lock.

PAS 24:2012 doesn’t cover any attempts of break-in using force or complex techniques – such as deliberate glass breaking, lock picking with a locksmith’s tool or by an attack on the frame.

 

What about my new rooflight?

As with many building regulations, the situation surrounding skylights isn’t immediately obvious. It’s important to remember that Document Q is in place to put off opportunist break-ins, rather than organised or targeted attacks. With this in mind, it’s easier to use a common sense approach in relation to your new skylight.

The basic detail is that your windows and doors should be able to resist an uncomplicated attack for a given time. If noise attracts attention or the attack is time-consuming, it will increase the risk of the person being spotted.

If your proposed skylight is in an easily accessible position in your home, you need to consider it to be as easy to break into as ground floor windows and doors.

 

Securing your new rooflight

Your security should be top priority – which is why at Express Skylight skylights we take the time to assess your individual situation. 

All of our products are manufactured in the UK to make sure they adhere to UK safety standards. By doing this, we can also monitor the quality of the products to make sure they also meet our own high standards. We’ll only recommend skylights that are right for your home.

Don’t forget, if you’re unsure about any stage of your skylight installation, we’re just a phone call away to answer any questions.