What Is a 3-Part Security Bead?
Last updated August 13th, 2026
What Is a 3-Part Security Bead?
A 3-Part Security Bead is a secure glazing system for timber doors, designed to prevent the glazing unit from being removed from either the outside or inside of the door.
The Qwood 3-Part Security Bead was developed in partnership with Performance Doorset Solutions (PDS) and was specifically designed to achieve PAS 24 and Secured by Design standards.
The system consists of three Qwood profiles:
- External door glazing bead
- Internal door glazing bead
- Internal screw cover cap
Together, these components create a secure and discreet glazing system for high-security timber doors.
How does the Qwood 3-Part Security Bead work?
The system is designed to prevent the glazing unit from being removed from either side of the door.
The external glazing bead incorporates an upstand, which prevents the glazing unit from being pulled outwards.
The internal glazing bead is heavily fixed with screws, preventing the glazing unit from being pushed inwards.
The screws are then concealed using a click-in internal screw cover cap. This masks the fixings and creates a clean, seamless appearance on the inside of the door.
This combination provides both security and a clean finished appearance.
Is the 3-Part Security Bead suitable for PAS 24 doors?
Yes.
The Qwood 3-Part Security Bead was specifically developed for use in door constructions designed to achieve PAS 24 requirements.
However, PAS 24 performance applies to the complete door assembly, so the complete doorset must be designed and tested or assessed appropriately.
The bead should therefore be considered as one component of the overall security system rather than as a standalone PAS 24-rated product.
Is the 3-Part Security Bead Secured by Design compliant?
The Qwood 3-Part Security Bead was specifically designed to achieve Secured by Design standards as part of the appropriate door construction.
As with PAS 24, the security performance relates to the complete doorset and its specified construction.
What are the three parts of the Qwood Security Bead?
The system consists of:
1. External Door Glazing Bead
The external bead incorporates an upstand that helps prevent the glazing unit from being pulled out through the external side of the door.
2. Internal Door Glazing Bead
The internal bead is securely fixed using screws. This prevents the glazing unit from being pushed inwards.
3. Internal Screw Cover Cap
The screw cover cap clicks into the internal glazing bead, concealing the fixing screws.
This provides a clean, seamless internal finish while keeping the security fixings hidden.
Why use a 3-Part Security Bead instead of a standard glazing bead?
A conventional glazing bead may not provide the same level of security against forced removal of the glazing unit.
The Qwood 3-Part Security Bead is specifically designed so that the glazing unit cannot simply be pulled out from the outside or pushed in from the inside.
It combines:
- Secure mechanical fixing
- An external retaining upstand
- Concealed internal fixings
- A clean finished appearance
- Qwood’s timber-composite material
- A profile designed specifically for high-security door applications
Does the 3-Part Security Bead look like a normal timber glazing bead?
Yes.
The system is designed to provide a clean, seamless finished appearance while incorporating the additional components required for security.
The internal screw cover cap conceals the fixing screws, helping the finished bead integrate naturally with the door.
Who developed the Qwood 3-Part Security Bead?
The 3-Part Security Bead was developed by Qwood in partnership with Performance Doorset Solutions (PDS).
PDS worked closely with Qwood throughout the design and development process, providing specialist woodworking and doorset expertise to create profiles to its specific requirements.
This is an example of Qwood’s bespoke profile development service, where Qwood works directly with manufacturers to develop profiles around a particular application, performance requirement and manufacturing process.
Can Qwood develop a bespoke security glazing bead?
Yes.
Qwood can work with joinery manufacturers and doorset manufacturers to develop bespoke profiles to specific dimensions, designs and manufacturing requirements.
The 3-Part Security Bead itself demonstrates how Qwood can work collaboratively with a manufacturer to develop a specialist profile rather than simply supplying a standard section.
If you have a particular security, glazing or manufacturing challenge, Qwood can discuss the requirements and investigate a bespoke profile solution.
What types of doors can use a 3-Part Security Bead?
The Qwood 3-Part Security Bead was developed for high-security door glazing applications, particularly where the complete doorset needs to meet demanding security requirements.
The suitability of the system will depend on the specific door construction, glazing unit, fixings and required performance.
For a particular doorset, contact the Qwood technical team to discuss the application.
What is the advantage of using Qwood for a security glazing bead?
Qwood combines the appearance and workability associated with timber with the consistency of a manufactured timber-composite profile.
This makes it suitable for specialist door and window components where manufacturers need a repeatable, accurately manufactured profile.
Qwood profiles can be machined and finished as part of a joinery manufacturing process.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 3-Part Security Bead?
A 3-Part Security Bead is a three-component glazing system designed to secure glazing within a door and prevent the glass unit from being removed from either side.
How does a 3-Part Security Bead work?
It uses an external glazing bead with a retaining upstand, a heavily screwed internal glazing bead and an internal screw-cover cap. Together these prevent the glazing unit being pulled outwards or pushed inwards while concealing the internal fixings.
Is the Qwood 3-Part Security Bead suitable for PAS 24?
The system was specifically designed for door constructions intended to achieve PAS 24 requirements. The final PAS 24 performance applies to the complete tested or assessed doorset.
Is the Qwood 3-Part Security Bead suitable for Secured by Design?
The system was specifically designed to achieve Secured by Design standards as part of the appropriate door construction.
Can the glazing be removed from outside?
The external upstand is designed to prevent the glazing unit from being pulled outwards.
Can the glazing be pushed out from inside?
The internal glazing bead is heavily fixed with screws to prevent the glazing unit being pushed inwards.
Are the fixing screws visible?
No. The internal screw cover cap clicks into the internal bead and conceals the fixing screws, providing a clean finished appearance.
Can Qwood make bespoke security beads?
Yes. Qwood works with joineries and manufacturers to develop bespoke profiles to specific dimensions and performance requirements.
Who developed the Qwood 3-Part Security Bead?
Qwood developed the system in partnership with Performance Doorset Solutions (PDS), with PDS contributing specialist woodworking and doorset expertise throughout the development process.
Need a bespoke security glazing profile?
If you are developing a PAS 24, Secured by Design or high-security timber doorset, Qwood can work with your team to develop specialist glazing beads and other bespoke profiles
Next in the knowledge bank
