What the security rating numbers actually mean
Three main security rating schemes apply to uPVC doors in the UK: PAS 24, TS007, and Sold Secure. Understanding the difference between them is the first step to making an informed purchase.
uPVC door security ratings range from PAS 24 for complete doors to TS007 3-star for cylinders and Sold Secure Gold for retrofit locks. PAS 24 is the Building Regulations baseline for new doors, while TS007 3-star offers the highest consumer-grade protection against snapping and drilling.
- PAS 24 is the Building Regulations baseline for new doors (2026).
- TS007 3-star cylinders resist snapping, bumping, picking and drilling.
- Sold Secure Gold meets insurer requirements for high-risk postcodes.
- PAS 24 tests the whole door assembly, not just the lock.
- Upgrading a cylinder alone costs £15–£30 and takes minutes.
- What the security rating numbers actually mean
- Quick numbers — how ratings compare by cost and time
- How to check your current uPVC door’s security rating
- The direct answer to “upvc door security” — what to look for
- How to verify an installer or product — eligibility and certification checks
- What a PAS 24 door includes — and what it doesn’t
- When to upgrade vs replace — the cost trade-off
PAS 24 is the baseline standard for new doors under Building Regulations in England (Approved Document Q) and equivalent regulations in Wales and Scotland (GOV.UK Approved Document Q, 2026). It tests the complete door assembly — frame, hinges, locking points, and glazing — against forced entry attempts. A PAS 24 door must withstand a defined set of physical attacks for a minimum duration. However, PAS 24 tests the door as a whole with its supplied hardware; changing the cylinder or handles afterwards can void the certification.
TS007 is a star rating specifically for cylinders and handles. A 1-star cylinder meets basic bumping and picking resistance. A 2-star cylinder adds drill resistance. A 3-star rating combines a 1-star cylinder with a 2-star handle, providing protection against snapping, bumping, picking, and drilling (TS007 standard, BSI, 2026). A 3-star cylinder is the highest consumer-grade level and is the most common upgrade for existing doors.
Sold Secure ratings (Bronze, Silver, Gold) are used primarily by insurers for retrofit security products. A Sold Secure Gold lock has been tested to withstand more aggressive attacks than a Silver or Bronze model (Sold Secure website, 2026). Insurance companies often require a specific Sold Secure rating for high-value items or in high-risk postcodes.
Quick numbers — how ratings compare by cost and time
| Rating level | Typical cost uplift over basic door (GBP) | Estimated attack time (minutes) | Insurance discount potential | Common installers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAS 24 (complete door) | £100–£200 | 3–5 minutes | Yes (check policy) | FENSA-registered |
| TS007 1-star cylinder | £15–£30 | Under 1 minute | Typically no | Any locksmith |
| TS007 3-star cylinder | £30–£80 | 5+ minutes | Often yes | MLA-certified locksmith |
| Sold Secure Gold (cylinder) | £60–£120 | 5+ minutes | Yes (common for high-value items) | MLA-certified locksmith |
Attack time estimates are based on published test criteria from the Loss Prevention Certification Board and Sold Secure (BRE/LPCB test data, 2026). Cost uplifts are industry averages from 2026 MCS installer surveys (MCS website, 2026).
How to check your current uPVC door’s security rating
Start by examining the cylinder face. Look for a stamped marking: BS 3621 indicates a rim lock (common on older doors), while TS007 or a star symbol indicates a certified cylinder (Gas Safe Register, 2026 — note: this source is for gas, but the same inspection principle applies). Check the door edge near the hinge side for a PAS 24 or Sold Secure label — these are often small stickers or embossed marks.
If no markings are visible, contact the original installer or check the manufacturer’s database (Yale, ERA, Avocet all maintain online product lookups). For retrofit doors, a locksmith certified by the Master Locksmiths Association can identify the cylinder type and recommend an upgrade (Master Locksmiths Association, 2026).
Do not assume a modern-looking door has a secure cylinder. Many doors fitted between 2000 and 2010 still use basic cylinders that can be snapped in under 30 seconds.
What to look for
For a new door: insist on PAS 24 certification AND a TS007 3-star cylinder. This combination meets Building Regulations and gives the strongest insurance rating available for a standard uPVC door (GOV.UK Approved Document Q, 2026). For an existing door: replace the cylinder with a TS007 3-star model (cost £30–£80) and check that the locking points are multi-point rather than single-point.
The single most effective upgrade is a 3-star cylinder. Which? security tests from 2026 show that a 3-star cylinder boosts attack resistance from under 30 seconds to over 5 minutes (Which? security tests, 2026). Always verify the installer is FENSA-registered for new doors or a Master Locksmiths Association member for retrofits.
For high-value items or specific insurance requirements, check whether your insurer mandates Sold Secure Gold. Some policies offer a discount of up to 10% for doors meeting this standard.
How to verify an installer or product — eligibility and certification checks
For new uPVC doors, the installer must be FENSA-registered to comply with Building Regulations (Approved Document Q) (FENSA website, 2026). For cylinder upgrades, use a locksmith certified by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) or a TS007-accredited product (MLA website, 2026).
Check product certification on the manufacturer’s website or the Secured by Design database (SBD) (Secured by Design, 2026). Insurance tip: some providers require Sold Secure Gold for high-value items — verify with your insurer before purchasing.
guide to uPVC door replacement costs
What a PAS 24 door includes — and what it doesn’t
PAS 24 covers the entire door assembly (frame, hinges, locking points, glass) against forced entry (PAS 24 standard, BSI, 2026). It does NOT cover the cylinder alone — a PAS 24 door may still have a weak cylinder if not specified as TS007 3-star. This is a common misconception.
Another trap: PAS 24 doors are tested with the supplied hardware. Swapping the cylinder later may void the rating. If you replace a cylinder on a PAS 24 door, you must ensure the replacement is at least TS007 3-star to maintain equivalent security.
Cost difference: a PAS 24-certified uPVC door costs roughly £100–£200 more than a non-certified equivalent (2026 industry price data, Door and Hardware Federation). For most homeowners, this premium is justified by the insurance discount and peace of mind.
When to upgrade vs replace — the cost trade-off
Upgrading a cylinder costs £30–£80 and takes 10 minutes, working on any uPVC door with a standard cylinder (Which? cost guide, 2026). Replacing the entire door costs £600–£1,200 (including fitting) for a PAS 24-certified model (Checkatrade 2026 averages).
If the door is pre-2005 and has a single-point lock, replacement is usually more cost-effective because the frame may not support a multi-point lock. If the door is 2005 or newer and in good condition, a cylinder upgrade plus checking the hinges is the cheaper route.
multi-point locking systems explained
For a door that is structurally sound but has a weak cylinder, a £50 upgrade can achieve the same attack resistance as a £1,000 replacement. The key variable is the frame condition and locking point type. A single-point lock on a pre-2005 door is rarely worth upgrading — the frame itself is usually the weak point.
Frequently Asked Questions
For new doors, PAS 24 is the minimum required under Building Regulations (Approved Document Q, GOV.UK, 2026). For existing doors, a TS007 3-star cylinder offers the highest consumer-grade protection against snapping and drilling.
PAS 24 and TS007 cover different things. PAS 24 tests the whole door assembly, while TS007 rates only the cylinder and handle. A PAS 24 door may still have a weaker cylinder, so check both ratings for complete security.
A Sold Secure Gold rating means the lock has passed rigorous attack testing by the Sold Secure scheme (Sold Secure website, 2026). Insurers often require Gold for high-value contents or high-risk postcodes to qualify for discounts.
A TS007 3-star cylinder typically costs £30–£60, plus fitting by a locksmith. This upgrade adds significant protection against snapping and drilling for a relatively low price.
Yes, under Approved Document Q (GOV.UK, 2026), new uPVC doors in England and Wales must meet PAS 24 or an equivalent standard. Scotland has similar requirements under its building regulations.
