​VELUX conservation windows vs VELUX heritage window – What’s the difference?

Posted by Lawrie Fraser on 18th April 2023

VELUX conservation roof windows and VELUX heritage roof windows are both designed to fit into traditional and period properties, but there are some differences between the two.

VELUX conservation:

The VELUX conservation roof window is specifically designed to replicate the traditional look of conservation-style properties. It features a black external finish, white internal finish, and a vertical centre bar. It is also available with optional glazing bars to create an authentic look. The conservation roof window is designed to blend in with the surrounding roof and is suitable for use in conservation areas.

Style:

The VELUX conservation roof window typically looks like a standard VELUX window. With the key difference of the black external finish and the glazing bar running down the centre of the window. Typically, the VELUX conservation roof window comes with a recessed flashing kit allowing the window to sit flush in the roof.

White Painted Centre Pivot Conservation Window Lifestyle

Operation:

VELUX conservation windows come in standard operations such as centre-pivot and selected models in top-hung. The VELUX conservation can also come in electric as a bespoke order. However, the conservation window operates as a typical VELUX window you may have does.

Building type:

VELUX conservation rooflights are designed for listed building and conservation areas. However, they may not be accepted in some historical buildings.

Sizes:

Conservation roof windows come in a wide range of sizes, in line with VELUX standard roof window range.

VELUX heritage window:

The VELUX heritage roof window is designed to replicate the traditional look of heritage-style properties. It again features a black external finish and white internal finish, with a horizontal centre glazing bar. The heritage roof window is designed to create a distinctive look that complements heritage properties. The VELUX heritage roof window was created in collaboration with architects to nail the final design.

Style:

The VELUX heritage roof window is one of the first VELUX windows (in recent days) to slide away from VELUX’s standard roof window design. But there is a reason for this. Historical buildings require preservation to keep our history and our ancestors’ routes alive. However, the VELUX conservation could do this to an extent. The new VELUX heritage roof window features a glass-to-edge design, a flush to the roof and a traditional operation design. This directly mimics the original style of a historical roof window, but with all the modern-day features. Such as: energy efficiency, watertightness, and extra life-time performance.

Operation:

The VELUX heritage window strays away from the typical centre-pivot and top-hung design. The window features a historic-like winding handle. The window opens from the top like a standard top hung but does not open to the full extent of a top-hung. This keeps the historic/heritage operation for the window to be used in more extreme historic circumstances.

Building type:

The Heritage roof window is designed for all conservation/listed building. VELUX heritage roof window fits some of the UK's strictest preservation criterias. These, windows are designed to mimic exisiting heritage roof windows in a property. However, its always best to check the guidence published by your local heritage/council area.

Sizes:

The VELUX heritage roof window comes in a range of new sizes. These sizes are hand picked by VELUX and collaborating architects. This was done to match traditional sizes in order for an easier installation and the need to alter the historic buildings structural integrity, which allows the buildings characteristics to fully shine a light on its fascinating story to the modern-day person.

In summary, if you have a conservation-style property, the VELUX conservation roof window may be the better choice, as it is specifically designed to blend in with the surrounding roof and is suitable for use in conservation areas. However, if you have a heritage-style property and want to create a distinctive look, the VELUX heritage roof window may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the style of your property, your personal preference, and conservation regulations in your area..