Approved Document Q (ADQ) is a Government policy paper that contains guidance on physical security for door sets for use in new and repurposed dwellings.
Published in 2015, ADQ has become more relevant since Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s summer 2020 housebuilding announcement. In essence, a plan to “build back better” in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Updated policy plans will allow housebuilders to repurpose ‘redundant’ buildings into housing. This includes both social housing and private developments.
However, as a result, it is important that the housing sector understand the key changes these developments bring. In this article we will cover ADQ’s impact on door sets for repurposed dwellings.
With Boris Johnson leading the push to repurpose empty town centre buildings into homes and dwellings, the security impact of this need to be considered carefully.
It is common that a building such as a warehouse or office block’s existing door sets will have been designed in line with the EN 1627 standard. However, this European standard is not suitable under ADQ as far as Secured by Design (SBD) are concerned.
EN 1627 is a standard that is suitable for buildings that were initially built for non-housing purposes. For instance, a repurposed office block or warehouse.
Non-compliance with correct dwelling door set standards for repurposed buildings could lead to unwanted and mounting costs.
Urbanised areas, where a repurposed building most likely will be found, often suffer from anti-social behaviour and crime. Criminal acts such as breaking through door sets are frequently carried out quietly by stealth, therefore allowing them to go undetected.
The LPS 2081 SRB standard (which we certify our communal doors to) is not limited to testing the frame of a door set’s security and durability. Moreover, it tests whether it can withstand a stealth attack. In this case a stealth attack is an act of vandalism or another crime committed using little noise.
LPS 2081 SRB tests the full door including the glazing. With secure door set glazing being a key part of ADQ, the LPS 2081 SRB standard for door sets offers appropriate preventative measures.
At Warrior Doors we use EN 356 P4A laminated anti-bandit glazing for communal entrance door sets. This is a fit for purpose solution that compliments our door frames. Furthermore, ADQ requires a minimum of P1A glazing which P4A far exceeds.
It is not just front entrance doors that ADQ applies to. There are a number of other instances where secure doors need to be considered for dwellings. For example, in many communal living spaces there will be bin storage areas, cycle stores, plant rooms and communal balconies and roof spaces. All of these need to conform to the ADQ rules and be fit with an appropriately procured or specified door for security.
Through the repurposing of a commercial building with a balcony into a dwelling, an open space can be formed. As a result, this can be great for residents. However, if that balcony is accessible by a communal door, e.g., from a stairwell, this may present a security issue. This could be a factor to consider when reappointing a building with this facility.
At Warrior Doors we design and build SBD approved doors. Indeed, our designs are suitable for bike stores, bin stores, plant rooms, external balcony access and many other common entrances. These are just a few of our communal entrance solutions that are appropriate when considering ADQ.
In summary, this article provides you with just a brief snapshot of ADQ and required compliance for security door sets. To learn more about ADQ we would advise you to read SBD’s guide to it here.
Secured by Design is the Police’s crime prevention initiative focused on designing out crime. Warrior Doors is a SBD member company, and our product portfolio is approved by them. SBD’s door set security criteria both complies with and exceeds those of ADQ.
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