Approved Document Q – Security to your property
Building regulations have included Approved Document Q, which details requirements for the security of dwellings. Whilst this mainly applies to your property’s doors and windows, there are also implications for rooflights, and it’s important that you understand these when installing a rooflight in your property. Building regulations govern the way in which a property is designed and constructed. This is to ensure the building is completely safe, and accessible to everyone who needs to use it.
What does Approved Document Q say about rooflights?
In most cases, Approved Document Q won’t apply to rooflights as they are not deemed to be easily accessible. This is how easily accessible is defined:
- “A window or doorway, any part of which is within 2m vertically of an accessible level surface such as ground or basement level, or an access balcony.”
- “A window within 2m vertically of a flat or sloping roof (with a pitch of less than 30 degrees) that is within 3.5m of ground level.”
This means that most rooflights in two storey buildings or above will be unaffected, as they don’t fall into the accessible area. However, if you are installing a skylight in a single storey extension or roof you may want to consider the security of the window that is to be installed to comply with todays Building Regulations.
Overall, Approved Document Q isn’t something you need to be concerned about; however, it is something that you should be aware of if you are installing a roof light in an easily accessible location.
We can assist in helping you making an informative choice which will comply with Approved Document Q as there are a number of rooflight options available which offer security frames, high security fixings, security grids and laminated inner panes to ensure better security of your property.
