The new ‘Approved Document Q’, came into effect on the 1st October 2015 for use in England*. Document Q requires that windows and doors are tested to a clear laid out security standard. This currently only affects windows and doors that are to be installed into New Dwellings, not on properties built before October 2015 or any NEW extension from 2016 onwards, that is on a pre-built 2016 property and is only applicable to products that are:- Within 2m from accessible level surface e.g. ground/ basement/ balcony. Or 2m from an external ‘flat roof’ with a pitch less than 30 degrees and less than 3.5m from ground level. ** A new dwelling also includes a change of use i.e. a barn conversion. Document Q does not apply to work started before 1st October 2015, or work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before that date, provided the work is started on site before 1st October 2016, or replacement & refurbishment Projects or commercial Projects.

Please download Approved Document Q for clarification.