FORTIS NEWS

** Fortis Aluminium Door sets: Excellence proven through PAS24 certification **

At Fortis Aluminium, we’re excited to announce that our latest series of door sets has successfully passed the rigorous PAS24 testing standards – we now have the updated PAS24:2022 certification – upgraded from PAS24:2016. This significant achievement underlines our commitment to delivering high-quality, secure products that meet the needs of modern construction, particularly in new builds.

Understanding PAS24

PAS24 is a standard designed to test the strength and security of door and window sets in the UK. It is specifically targeted towards ensuring that these units can withstand a series of physical tests that simulate common burglary methods. The primary goal is to provide a benchmark of quality that reassures both builders and homeowners about the security and durability of the door sets. By meeting the PAS24 standards, products like ours guarantee that they can resist physical attacks and provide enhanced safety.

Attacks on the doors tested:

• Manual attacks using tools like bars, levers & heavy duty hand tools.
• Cutting tests.
• Tests on the locking mechanisms, hinges and hardware.

The goal of PAS24 is to ensure that a door or window can withstand a specified level of attack and is therefore considered secure for residential applications.

Perpendicular Force Testing at 4.5 kN:

What happens when a force of 4.5 kilonewtons (kN) is applied perpendicularly to the door. This means the force hits the door straight on, like a strong push against where it swings and locks. To imagine how much force that is, think about the weight of one and a half upright pianos pressing against the door all at once or a large Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This test checks if the door can stand up to someone trying to forcefully ram or drive it open.

Parallel-to-Plane Load Testing at 1.5 kN:

Next, the door faces a different kind of test where a force of 1.5 kN is applied parallel to its surface. This is like trying to bar the door from its frame without unlocking it, using tools like crowbars. The force here is similar to the weight of two oversized men pushing sideways against the door. It tests whether the door can resist being pried or levered open.

Why These Tests Matter

These tests are crucial because they make sure the door can handle different kinds of rough treatment that might happen during a break-in. The idea is to ensure that the locks and hinges are strong enough to keep the door firmly in place, no matter how much force is used against it.

By passing these tests, a door earns PAS 24 certification, which means it’s proven to be tough enough to help keep your home or business safe. This gives everyone inside peace of mind, knowing the door will hold up under pressure.

The Importance of PAS24 in New Builds

For new construction projects, adherence to standards like PAS24 is not just a mark of quality but a necessity. Building regulations often require the installation of doors and windows that meet specific security standards. PAS24 certification helps architects, builders, and developers ensure compliance with these regulations, facilitating a smoother approval process for new constructions. Moreover, it offers homeowners peace of mind, knowing their homes are equipped with certified secure entrances.

Testing Process

Our recent tests were conducted on our aluminium door sets designed to the maximum parameters of 1400 x 3000mm, including a 1200 x 3000mm pane of glass. These dimensions are critical as they test the strength of the beads that hold the glass in place, an essential factor in overall door security. The images from our testing facility showcase the rigorous conditions under which our doors were tested, highlighting the robust engineering and quality control that goes into every product.

Yearly Factory Audits

To ensure consistent quality across all our products, our factory undergoes a stringent annual audit. This audit reviews and verifies that every door is built to the same exacting standards. It is an essential part of our quality assurance process, ensuring that from the first door to the last, our customers receive only the best products that meet both our high standards and the necessary safety regulations.

Conclusion

Passing the updated PAS24:2022 is not just about meeting industry standards but about exceeding them to provide products that truly stand the test of time and threat. For anyone involved in a new build or looking to upgrade their property’s security, choosing products that carry the PAS24 certification is a wise decision. At Fortis Aluminium, we are proud to bring top-tier, tested, and certified door sets to the market, ensuring your projects are secure, compliant, and successful.

Passing both PAS24:2016 and PAS24:2022 standards is a significant achievement for us and provides numerous benefits.

Enhanced Marketability:

Our compliance with the latest standards ensures our products are seen as state-of-the-art in terms of security features. This is a major selling point when dealing with prospective clients, especially in sectors where security is a paramount concern, such as residential developments.

Competitive Advantage:

By meeting both the 2016 and 2022 iterations of PAS24, Fortis demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to current security threats. This gives us a competitive edge over other manufacturers whose products might not yet meet the newer standards and also importers of European specification doors that do not hold relevant UK test certification.

Customer Trust and Confidence:

Customers looking for reliable and secure door solutions will be more inclined to trust our products, knowing they meet stringent, up-to-date British standards. This trust is crucial for building long-term customer relationships and fostering brand loyalty.

Compliance with Regulations:

For construction projects that require adherence to specific safety and security regulations, our products will align perfectly, making them a preferred choice for contractors and developers who need to comply with local or national building codes that reference PAS24 standards.

Insurance Benefits

Doors that meet higher security standards are often looked upon favourably by insurance companies. This can lead to lower insurance premiums for property owners, making your doors more attractive from a financial perspective.

Overall, maintaining compliance with the latest PAS24 standards is not just about fulfilling a regulatory requirement—it’s about positioning your company as a leader in providing secure, high-quality door solutions that meet the needs of today’s market and reassure all stakeholders of their investment in safety and security.