SBD certification explained – what it means for door suppliers and installers
When choosing a door supplier, security, compliance and product reliability are essential considerations. Whether you’re supplying doors for new-build developments, social housing or residential installations, knowing that a product meets recognised security standards can make a significant difference.
This is where Secured by Design (SBD) certification comes in.
Working with an SBD-certified door supplier offers reassurance that products have undergone independent testing and meet recognised security requirements.
But what does the accreditation mean, how do products achieve it, and what do you still need to check as an installer?
What is SBD certification?
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative, established to help reduce crime through improved building design and the use of security-tested products. Its Police Preferred Specification accreditation is awarded to products that meet recognised security standards and have demonstrated they can deter or resist criminal activity.
For doors, this means assessing the complete doorset, including the door leaf, frame, locking mechanisms and relevant hardware, rather than considering individual components in isolation.
SBD accreditation is closely linked with PAS 24, the UK security standard used to assess how well doorsets and windows resist attempts at forced entry. A doorset that meets the relevant testing and certification requirements can be recognised under the Police Preferred Specification.
SBD does not carry out the physical testing itself. Products are tested and certified independently by recognised bodies, with further checks to help ensure the doors being manufactured continue to match the approved specification.
Why does SBD certification matter when choosing a door supplier?
Selecting a door supplier involves more than comparing prices, designs and lead times. The security credentials of the products you specify can affect compliance, project requirements and the confidence of your customers.
Working with an SBD-certified door supplier can help in several ways:
Confidence in security performance:
The relevant doorset has been independently tested and certified against recognised security requirements. That gives you evidence to support the specification, rather than relying on a general security claim.
Support with Building Regulations and specifications:
Approved Document Q sets security requirements for accessible doors and windows in new dwellings in England. PAS 24 is one route for demonstrating compliance, while some developments specifically ask for SBD Police Preferred Specification.
Always check the exact project requirements and the doorset covered by the certification.
Reduced risk of specification errors:
Choosing products with clearly documented certification makes it easier to confirm that the correct door system has been specified. This is particularly important for large developments, social housing programmes and projects involving multiple installers.
Working with a knowledgeable supplier can help ensure that product specifications, certification documents and installation requirements are understood before work begins.
Greater confidence for customers:
Whether you’re speaking to a homeowner, housing provider or developer, recognised security accreditation helps you explain what sits behind the product recommendation.
How does SBD certification affect installers?
SBD accreditation gives you evidence of a product’s tested security performance. How the door is fitted still matters. The right doorset needs to be installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions so that its frame, fixings, locks and other components work as intended.
For a Vista doorset, make sure your fitting team has the relevant XtremeDoor installation instructions. If the specification or site conditions raise a question, speak to our team before making changes.
Which Vista Panels products are SBD accredited?
Vista Panels has more than 30 years’ experience supplying doors for installers, developers, contractors and social housing providers. Our XtremeDoor composite door range brings together security, durability, thermal performance and a choice of styles for different projects.
Xtremedoor composite doors
Our XtremeDoor range offers:
- Secured by Design accreditation options: Recognised security credentials for relevant approved products.
- PAS 24 certification: Independently assessed enhanced security performance.
- Five-point locking: A multi-point locking system designed to support door security.
- Advanced cylinder protection: Anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-drill and anti-pick features.
- Durable GRP construction: Designed for long-term performance and resistance to everyday wear.
- Installation-ready accuracy: Consistent manufacturing and adjustable hardware to support efficient fitting.
For social housing and new-build projects, Vista can also help you identify doorset options suited to the applicable Part Q and Part M requirements. As with any accredited product, check that the specific door configuration you order is covered by the certification and meets your project specification.
