New sash windows sticking during colder months

[GrahamHowie]

Hey, I would like to ask for tips on avoiding wood sash windows from jamming/sticking when in colder months, ready for upcoming winter. I bought a cottage in Richmond, North Yorkshire. 1751 I think was its build date. The windows were replaced with new wood sash 2 years ago. I moved in and gave them a coat of paint which was think when applied inside the window case, where the sash run up and down. With being nearly new, I'm finding them expanding to the point in colder months where a single sash top/bottom might not budge at all. I get them moving with gentle and patient encouragement and a little natural oil cloth wipes into the window case. This helps but I'm wondering if moisture has already soaked into parts of the sash and making them expand.

Any tips for next steps? Do you have similar experience, what helped you remedy the 'sticking' issue?

Thanks,
Graham

 

[fernicarry]

Did you paint the pulley stile behind where the sashes sit? General advice is to not paint any part of the sashes and case that you can't see when they are in their closed position so that you don't have paint sliding on paint. I've heard that candle wax was used to lubricate the edge of the sash to prevent sticking.

A bit of seasonal swelling and contraction is to be expected. If they are so tight that you really can't prevent them sticking then you can take the sashes out and trim the edges slightly with a track saw.

If they are only two years old do you not have a warranty on them?

 

[Cubist]

@fernicarry advice is sound but there may be an old trick you could try first. Apply a good coat of wax to the surface of the timber rails provided they-re not too tight this may just do the job.

 

[Gothichome]

Applying candle wax on sliding wood has been the standard fix for sticking drawers and windows for centuries. If it works why complicate things.