The single most important thing to know about double glazing security in 2026
If you are replacing windows in 2026, the single most important fact is that Building Regulations now require them to meet a specific security standard. Double glazing units installed after 1 April 2022 must comply with Part Q of the Building Regulations in England, or equivalent standards in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (GOV.UK Approved Document Q, 2026). This means any new or replacement double glazing you buy today offers significantly better forced-entry resistance than windows fitted before 2002.
The key standard to look for is PAS 24:2022, or the older BS 7950 for windows installed before 2022. If you are having windows fitted in 2026, the current version of the standard applies. Your home insurance policy may also require a minimum security standard, so check your terms for “PAS 24” or “Secured by Design” endorsement before ordering.
Who qualifies for double glazing security upgrades under current UK grants
No UK-wide grant specifically funds double-glazing security upgrades on their own. Grants that cover window replacements are designed for energy efficiency, with security being a secondary benefit. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing. Security is not a standalone eligibility factor.
Local authority or devolved government schemes such as Welsh Arbed or Scottish Warmer Homes Scotland may include security-rated windows, but eligibility is income- and property-type specific. To confirm eligibility for any grant covering windows, check your EPC rating on the GOV.UK EPC register (GOV.UK EPC Register, 2026), then apply via your energy supplier or local council.
Quick numbers – security standards, costs, and insurance impact
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum security standard for new double glazing (England & Wales) | PAS 24:2022 | GOV.UK Approved Document Q |
| Typical cost uplift for security-rated double glazing vs standard | £200–£600 per window (2026 estimate) | Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) 2025 market report |
| Average insurance premium reduction for PAS 24-compliant windows | 5–10% (varies by insurer) | Association of British Insurers (ABI) |
| Percentage of UK burglaries where entry was through ground-floor windows | 22% (2023 ONS data, latest available) | ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales |
| Typical lifespan of a security-rated double glazing unit | 20–30 years | FENSA technical guidance |
How to check if your double glazing meets PAS 24 or BS 7950 security standards
Start by looking for a certification label on the window frame or spacer bar. It should state “PAS 24:2022” or “BS 7950”. If the label is missing, ask the installer for a certificate of conformity. For new installations, the installer must provide a FENSA or CERTASS certificate that lists the security standard (FENSA, 2026).
For older windows installed before 2010, check the manufacturer’s name and model, then search the Secured by Design (SBD) product database online. If you cannot find evidence of compliance, you cannot assume the windows meet the standard. In that case, consider retrofitting security hardware.
The direct answer does double glazing actually improve home security in 2026?
Yes, modern double glazing installed to current standards is significantly more secure than single glazing or pre-2002 double glazing. However, the two panes of glass are not the primary security feature. What matters more is the frame construction, the locking mechanism, and whether the glazing bead is internal or external (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
A PAS 24-compliant window must withstand three minutes of attempted forced entry using specific tools such as a crowbar and screwdriver. Older double glazing fitted before 2002 often has external glazing beads that can be pried out, which is a known weakness. Modern units use internal beads that are far harder to remove. Security-rated double glazing alone is not a guarantee against burglary, but it is an effective layer in a multi-layer approach.
How to verify a double glazing installer’s security credentials in 2026
For new installations in England and Wales, the installer must be registered with a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) such as FENSA or CERTASS to demonstrate Building Regulations compliance. For Scotland, use the Building Standards Register (BSR) or a scheme like FENSA Scotland (FENSA, 2026).
For security-specific certification, ask if the installer is a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) or the Secured by Design (SBD) Installer Scheme. Check the installer’s registration on the FENSA database before hiring. Always obtain a written certificate of compliance after installation, as this serves as proof for your insurance policy and for any future property sale.
What to do if your current double glazing does not meet PAS 24 standards
Retrofit security hardware is a cost-effective alternative to full window replacement. Key-operated locks, hinge bolts, and anti-lift devices are available for most existing window types. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) publishes a list of approved retrofit products (BSIA, 2026). A local locksmith or window repair specialist can assess your existing windows and recommend upgrades, but ensure they are TrustMark-registered (TrustMark, 2026).
Adding security film to the glass can improve resistance but does not meet PAS 24 on its own. Finally, check your home insurance policy. Some insurers require you to notify them of any security upgrades to maintain cover, and failure to do so could invalidate a claim.
How to choose the right window installer for your home
Frequently Asked Questions
PAS 24 is a UK security standard for windows, tested for forced-entry resistance. Since April 2022, Part Q of Building Regulations requires all new double glazing to meet PAS 24:2022 or equivalent (GOV.UK Approved Document Q, 2026).
Yes, modern double glazing that meets PAS 24 or BS 7950 offers significantly better forced-entry resistance than windows fitted before 2002. However, older double glazing may not meet current standards (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
No UK grant specifically covers security upgrades alone. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
Many insurers require windows to meet PAS 24 or be Secured by Design endorsed. Check your policy terms before ordering replacement windows (Association of British Insurers, 2026).
Costs vary by property size and frame material, but expect £400–£1,200 per window for uPVC with PAS 24 compliance. Steel or timber options cost more (Checkatrade, 2026).
