Timber - PVC - Aluminium - Windows, Doors & Conservatories in Hampshire
Secured by Design (SBD) Windows and Doors: The Ultimate Security Guide for Hampshire Homes
Secured by Design (SBD) Windows and Doors: The Ultimate Security Guide for Hampshire Homes
Are you confused by building regulations and glazing specifications? Discover the practical difference between PAS 24 and Secured by Design, and learn why premium SBD windows provide peace of mind for your home.
What is Secured by Design? Secured by Design, or SBD, is the official UK Police security initiative designed to help reduce domestic burglary. Unlike standard windows that only meet the basic PAS 24 legal requirement, SBD-accredited windows and doors must pass independent testing to ensure they can withstand physical attacks from common tools. Furthermore, to achieve full SBD status on accessible ground-floor windows, manufacturers must install laminated glass. This specialised glass features a tough plastic interlayer that holds the pane intact, deterring intruders from simply shattering the glass to gain entry.
🛡️ The Standard
It represents the official UK Police initiative created for designing out domestic crime.
🔨 The Proof
SBD products are independently tested to withstand determined physical attacks.
📉 The Result
SBD developments are officially proven by Police CPI to reduce burglary risk by up to 75%.
Page Contents
Comprehensive home security extends beyond simply fitting alarms and exterior cameras; it begins with the physical integrity of your doors and windows. For homeowners residing across Andover, Basingstoke, and rural Hampshire, knowing that your glazing can withstand a determined physical attack offers invaluable peace of mind.
Whether you live in a secluded property in the Test Valley or a busy town centre townhouse in Winchester, your unique risk profile differs. Total peace of mind arrives with the Secured by Design (SBD) official accreditation. At KJM Group, we continually strive to go beyond basic specifications, ensuring that our SBD windows and doors deliver genuine, independently verified protection.
1. Interactive Tool: Security Spec Matcher
Unsure which level of security certification your property requires? Select your home details below, and our tool will recommend an appropriate specification.
2. What Does “Secured by Design” Mean?
The Secured by Design (SBD) External scheme represents the official UK Police security initiative. Its primary purpose is to guide and encourage the building industry to adopt rigorous crime prevention measures that reduce the risk of burglary.
In simple terms, SBD products are not just claimed by the manufacturer to be secure; they have been independently tested to withstand physical attacks by intruders using common tools like crowbars and screwdrivers.
3. The Security Pyramid: PAS 24 vs. SBD
Navigating building security standards can feel confusing. Here is exactly how the different levels stack up, logically ranging from the legal minimum to the “Platinum” standard.
Security Standards Explained
Level 1: PAS 24
What is it?
It acts as the primary minimum technical testing standard for enhanced domestic security.
The Test
It involves resisting timed physical attacks specifically focused on locks and hinges.
Level 2: Part Q
What is it?
It represents the strict Legal Requirement (under Building Regulations) exclusively for new builds.
The Rule
It dictates that all easily accessible new-build windows must meet PAS 24 minimums.
Level 3: SBD
What is it?
It represents the Gold Standard Police Preferred Specification across the UK.
The Extra
It requires passing PAS 24 PLUS utilising specific extras, mainly laminated glass.
4. The Structural Anatomy of a Secure Window
What specifically makes an SBD window harder to break into? It isn’t just one lock; it represents a combination of structural features working together.
- Laminated Safety Glass: Essential for SBD accreditation on accessible ground-floor windows. It features a tough plastic interlayer (like a car windscreen) that holds the glass together even if shattered.
- Multi-Point Locking: Premium windows utilise advanced 8-point locking mechanisms that engage deeply into the outer frame to prevent crowbar leverage.
- Internal Beading: The heavy glass is fitted from the inside, meaning the external glazing beads cannot be removed from the outside to quietly pop the glass out.
🛡️ The R9 Advantage: Timberweld Strength
For a high level of cosmetic beauty and structural integrity, we recommend the premium Residence 9 system.
Most modern Residence 9 windows feature exclusive Timberweld technology. This manufacturing process cleanly fusion-welds the corners for considerable strength (outperforming standard screwed joints) while maintaining the authentic timber appearance.
5. Is SBD Worth the Investment?
The question of whether to choose the fully Secured by Design specification frequently comes down to balancing your available budget against your perceived risk.
⚠️ The Cost Factor
Specifying a window to the maximum SBD standard involves a slight increase in cost, primarily driven by the requirement for Laminated Glass. However, for vulnerable ground-floor windows or accessible basements, this investment could deter an attack.
Our Expert Advice: While all modern KJM products offer excellent standard security, for customers actively seeking enhanced domestic protection, we recommend upgrading to the full SBD specification on accessible units.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
No, it represents a highly respected voluntary standard. However, many modern new build housing developments are strictly required to meet SBD standards as a mandatory condition of local planning permission. For standard replacement windows, it remains optional but is highly recommended for peace of mind.
No, SBD accredits the physical product and the manufacturing fabricator. However, the installation must be carried out correctly and securely for the physical security features to work. That is exactly why choosing a highly trusted, verified installer like KJM Group remains just as critically important as the window itself.
Not at all. Crucial SBD features like heavy laminated glass and reinforced internal locks remain completely hidden seamlessly within the standard architectural frame design. You receive the exact same beautiful aesthetics (whether choosing uPVC, Aluminium, or Timber) combined with invisible structural strength.
📚 Explore Our Security Hub
Discover more expert guides designed to help protect your home:
Ready to Secure Your Property?
If you want to protect your home with independently verified, Secured by Design windows, we can help. KJM Group securely manages fully compliant architectural installations across Andover and Hampshire.
Contact KJM for a Free Consultation
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
- Certified Fire Doors: The Fire Stop Collection - 15 January 2026
- Premium Hardware for Profile 22 Doors: Ultion Sweet & Fab&Fix - 15 January 2026
- 2026 Design Trends: The 4 Window & Door Styles Defining the Year - 19 December 2025
