Heritage windows, once considered a niche market, are experiencing a surge in popularity and demand, marking a significant shift in the industry landscape.
“It wasn’t long ago that the concept of ‘heritage’ conjured images of specialist products that were challenging to find and would significantly impact the budget,” says Rob Rob McGlennon, Commercial Director of Deceuninck.
“However, that’s no longer the case.
“In fact, if you can’t provide the features associated with heritage products—such as flush sashes, heritage detailing, and an extensive colour palette—then you may be shutting the door on a substantial stream of new business.”
Sales data supports the shift, with Deceuninck reporting that flush products now account for over 40% of all products sold.
“We introduced the Heritage Flush Sash window in 2016. It stands out for its blend of balanced aesthetics reminiscent of traditional timber windows and cutting-edge thermal performance” says Rob.
One notable aspect of Deceuninck’s success in the heritage window market is its commitment to colour options. Rob McGlennon emphasises, “It’s Deceuninck’s colour offer that is winning sales in many quarters.”
With 30+ colourways in stock and an additional 20 colours available, Deceuninck is setting a new standard in the industry.
“On average, Deceuninck fabricators sell twice as much colour as their competitors,” says Rob.
“Homeowners, even those with modern properties, are increasingly drawn to the aesthetic appeal of heritage windows, and installers who adapt to this trend stand to capitalise on significant market opportunities.”
Jay Patel, Director of Everglade Windows, echoes this sentiment, noting, “When we set out a few years ago looking for improvements in our PVC product range, the main thing that drove our decisions was two things: access to colour and access to flush,”
“Flush casement is definitely a bigger seller than it ever was. It’s almost becoming a market in itself.”
“Homeowners are embracing heritage windows, even in fairly modern properties. Installers who aren’t equipped to offer windows with heritage features might be overlooking substantial opportunities, especially with the decline in high-volume work since the beginning of the year,” Rob says.
“However, the real game-changer is colour. Our research indicates that homeowners lean towards coloured windows when given a choice, but insights from our fabricator customers emphasise that the availability of colour is what truly characterises the heritage market.”
