regular velux windows or conservation ones?

secret_tramp

Hi,

I shall be applying for planning permission to fit a rear dormer window in an attic room as well as two roof lights at the front.

The property is not in a conservation area and so I am not required to fit the `conservation type` roof lights.

Whilst it seems that they look smarter as they are lower profile is there any detriment to fitting these opposed to the regular type?

ie

1. Is there a higher purchase cost for them and any associated materials?

2. Is there a higher installation cost?

3. Usability - ie opening them?

4. Any other pros and cons?


Many thanks for any words of wisdom.

Furts

I would be getting ordinary Velux. This being because Velux have been around for generations so you know where you stand with quality and accreditation and there is customer support which extends, in some cases, forever and a day.

Velux are widely available but not good for getting huge discounts or low prices - but I still rate them.

System

The roof window itself is exactly the same (the central stuck on bar is optional on the conservation type)
The only difference between them is the flashing kits, the conservation one allows the window to be set down into the roof more.
They are a little more expensive iirc but they open the same etc, we specify them regularly as they look a lot better in slate roofs.
There is also a fakro type which looks better than the velux (imo) and sometimes cheaper...

secret_tramp

Thanks for your replies.

I have looked at many websites selling roof lights and am really having difficulty working out where the difference lies.

Ok, one is a bit slimmer and close up looks a bit smarter, but I can't see much of a persuasive argument for the additional expense - ie how much, if any, are they more energy efficient.

I have walked along my street and a couple of (clearly) older rooflights are a bit ugly, but then I saw another modern one which looked ok. I don't think it was a conservation type and so I wondered how how much lower the conservation types are set into the roof 1 inch, 2 inches?

The conservation type windows I have seen all seem to have a glazing bar down the middle which I wouldn't want as it would obstruct the view out of them. I didn't realise you don't have to have the glazing bar?

Any other views and expertise welcome as it's giving me a bit of a headache.

Furts

My memory is Velux did a design update maybe 10 years ago, or more. Basically the windows became slimmer, and fitted into a roof more flush. They are ideally suited to profiled tiles be they concrete or clay and I second #3. Here you should bear in mind Velux are a continental company and the windows did not originate there as ideally suited to Welsh, Cornish or Scottish slate roofs.

Basically you may be viewing the difference between Velux type windows which are recent and those which are ancient.