Future proof

Glass Times editor, Luke Wood, visits Hurst Doors to learn more about the company’s revolutionary PAS24 accredited Securicore panel door. Designed as a significant upgrade to traditional 28mm door panels, Securicore blends high performance with innovative features, reshaping opportunities for fabricators and installers across multiple market sectors.

The entrance door sector has been dominated by composite and aluminium solutions in recent years but as visitors to this year’s FIT Show may have spotted, PVC-U panels are staging a comeback.

That includes new designs and finishes, greatly enhancing aesthetic appeal, and as Hurst Doors has now demonstrated, groundbreaking developments have also pushed the performance of panels to new heights.

The result of two years’ of focused R&D, Hurst’s new Securicore PVC-U panel has been developed as a security-enhanced solution, meeting rigorous PAS24 standards as part of a complete door set.

Engineered using a specially formulated PVC compound, it withstands stringent cut-through tests and both soft and hard body impact assessments. Another standout features is a unique glazing clip system, enabling PAS24 on a glazed panel and enabling a wealth of design options.

Why Securicor stands out

Securicore is more than just a new product; it’s a game changer for the PVC-U market. Its PAS24 accreditation opens new doors for PVC-U panels in sectors where security compliance is essential, such as new build developments and social housing. Importantly, it also positions fabricators and installers to be ready for potential updates to Part Q of building regulations, which may soon require replacement doors to meet similar PAS24 standards.

Despite its enhanced security, the Securicore panel maintains a standard 28mm thickness, ensuring compatibility with existing door frames and eliminating the need for additional manufacturing complexity or cost.

Beyond security, Securicore also delivers impressive thermal performance. Large glazed panel door sets achieve U-values as low as 1.3 W/m²K, comfortably meeting both new build and home improvement energy efficiency targets. And thanks to that innovative glazing clip system, the panel is available in a wide range of designs, including seven new contemporary styles that broaden its aesthetic appeal.

Market opportunities

For Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst Doors, there are two main opportunities with Securicore:

“First, it provides an excellent upsell option as a high-security door for the home improvement and replacement markets, even where PAS24 compliance is not yet mandatory,” he says. “Second, it offers a fully accredited PAS24 solution, ideal for premium door sets in new build projects, particularly where higher security standards are specified.

“The panel also holds strong appeal in regions like Scotland,” he adds, “where over rebate preferences for weather sealing are common. With its contemporary design options and robust performance, Securicore is a versatile solution for replacement, new build, and social housing markets alike.”

Supporting fabricators

Hurst Doors is committed to helping its customers achieve PAS24 compliance. By testing the Securicore panel as part of a complete doorset, Hurst ensures a straightforward pathway for fabricators to produce fully accredited PAS24 doors.

The company actively collaborates with partners to navigate compliance processes and future-proofs their businesses against evolving legislative requirements.

The development of Securicore was driven by the recognition that PVC-U panels remain a vital part of Hurst’s offering. With panels continuing to be favored by fitters and customers alike, Hurst invested heavily in R&D to ensure that upcoming regulations wouldn’t threaten their relevance.

Thanks to this foresight and investment, Securicore is a pivotal product, one that has been positioned to redefine the PVC-U panel market by combining a PAS24-accredited security solution with contemporary aesthetics and excellent thermal performance.

Whether targeting the new build sector, social housing, or premium replacement markets, Securicore offers a compelling, future-ready solution that enhances security, boosts design flexibility, and expands market potential.