Sash Windows Clapham

A Brief History of Clapham

When most people think of Clapham, they will conjure up images of red-brick fronted, terraced Victorian properties with large pane sash windows to the front elevation. However, Clapham does have a wide variety of housing and, like most places in London, these differing styles tell the story of the area itself.

A village started to develop in Clapham in the late 17^th century, as one of London’s earliest true suburbs. During the late 18^th century, many grand mansions were built in Clapham Old Town and on Clapham High Street. Most of these grand mansions were demolished by the middle of the 20^th century, but in the intervening period many houses were constructed.

Clapham features large Queen Anne, Regency and Georgian-era homes around the Old Town and Clapham Common. By the late 19^th century, with the arrival of affordable and convenient rail travel, the less wealthy moved into smaller terraced developments which are ubiquitous in Clapham today.

Architectural features of Clapham properties

Many of the terraced properties in Clapham follow a very similar layout and design, with small differences between roads. Most have large three-part bay windows to the front, often with just a single pane of glass in the centre. When these properties were constructed, a large single pane of glass was much more expensive than two or three separate smaller pieces, so the developers would include the large panes at the front to show off, whilst the rear windows would often include one or two glazing bars to save costs.

These terrace properties often have small, walled front gardens which would have originally had mosaic tiled paths up to the front door.

Properties between Clapham and Wandsworth Common, especially those west of Northcote Road such as Honeywell Road, are often larger, detached, double-fronted properties, but most often keep to the tradition of large single pane sash windows to the front elevation.

Conservation areas Clapham

Clapham is divided between Lambeth Council and Wandsworth Council, with the dividing line cutting almost perfectly north to south across Clapham Common.

Lambeth Council Conservation Areas

One of the largest conservation areas in the London Borough of Lambeth is the Clapham Conservation Area, encompassing the entire Lambeth section of the common, with all of the properties facing onto the common, as well as large sections of the Old Town.

Lambeth Council has also designated The Chase as its own specific conservation area. Whilst neither of these conservation areas have their own designation report, Clapham Park and Northbourne Road Conservation Area does have a detailed report from 2023 and all will have very similar considerations. The report references that vertical timber sliding sash windows are the predominant type, and front doors often being six or four panelled doors with detailed bolection mouldings. Lambeth Council have specified that one of the greatest threats to the character and appearance of these areas is the replacement of timber windows with non-traditional uPVC or aluminium versions.

Wandsworth Council Conservation Areas

Wandsworth Council has similarly designated a conservation area over the entirety of their section of Clapham Common, and all of the properties facing onto it, and they have helpfully also named this the Clapham Conservation Area.

Moving towards the west, Wandsworth Common Conservation Area is a large area encompassing many of the properties between the two commons.

Planning Applications for Replacement Sash Windows

If your Clapham property falls within a conservation area, it is more than likely that you will need to submit a planning application for any replacement sash windows. If your proposal is to replace existing timber, single-glazed windows with new timber, double-glazed windows then the application is largely a formality.

We offer a planning application service for customers in which we manage the entire planning process for you. We prepare elevation and sectional drawings, complete the necessary forms and submit the required statements. We will liaise with either Lambeth or Wandsworth Council to get approval for your application.

Sash Window Replacement in Clapham

Complete Replacement

The most comprehensive service we offer for sash windows, and the most popular service in Clapham, is a complete replacement. This involves removing and replacing all timber and glass parts of your existing windows, including the box frame and architraves.

This service is perfect for you if you want to invest in the value of your property, or if you are intending to stay in your property for a long time. With all sections of the window being brand new, you have complete confidence that they will stand the test of time.

Sash Replacement

Our sash replacement service gives all of the benefits of double-glazing, without the need to replace the surrounding box frames. This service is cheaper, quicker and less disruptive than a complete replacement service. One thing to consider is that because the existing box frames will remain in place, we will need to adjust the new sashes on site to suit. This may mean that they don’t slide as perfectly as a complete replacement.

This service is ideal for you if you don’t want the expense of a full replacement, but with the benefits of double-glazing, especially if you have lots of windows like in many Clapham properties and the savings can stack up.

Repairs

Our draught seal and overhaul service involves removing the existing sashes, making sure they move correctly, hanging them on new cords, fitting draught seals and new ironmongery. This is ideal for you if you just want to give your windows a bit of TLC to keep them running for a few more years.