Are thermal bridges and leaks normal in windows from the 60s?

Hello forum,

Today I took some thermal images in my new condominium (from the 60s) and identified some thermal bridges at the windows (double glazing). In addition, the windows are drafty even though the seals are new (if you wedge a sheet of paper in the window, you can pull it out relatively easily).

I would prefer new windows because I think that repair is not worthwhile for windows that are 60 years old. However, the owners' association argues that thermal bridges and drafty windows were completely normal or "state of the art" in the 60s. Is this true? Were wooden windows (when new) always drafty and showed thermal bridges at the hinges or between the window frame and the panel back then?

The thermal bridges mainly occur at some (but not all) hinges and between the window frame and the window paneling.

Best regards
Torsten

From when are the windows actually? Double glazing from the 60s?

In all my apartments or the respective owners' associations, it is not even a discussion that windows older than 30-35 years are replaced.

But the owners' association argues that thermal bridges and leaky windows were quite normal or "state of the art" in the 60s.

Sure, that's why they are replaced. That is called maintenance. Today, leaky windows are not state of the art and must therefore be replaced.

Two options:
1. You get a window installer who confirms that the windows must be replaced due to defects (leakiness and whatever else). With this, you go to the management (association) and have the windows replaced.
2. You do it at your own expense and obtain the approval of the management (association).

But first, please answer when the windows and the panes actually are from. If both are from the 60s, then no one can object to the replacement.

Hello, unfortunately no one could say how old the windows are, but even if they are not from the 60s, the windows are definitely old, very old.

that windows older than 30-35 years should be replaced.

Well, I would like to have your community of owners.

Today, leaking windows are not state of the art and should therefore be replaced.

Do you have a source for that, a judgment, DIN standard, anything?

Here are 2 photos of the hinges. Does that help to estimate the age?

Wood moves. Wooden windows naturally do as well.

Wooden windows are simply no longer state of the art today. Your windows are probably from the 80s, judging by how they look. Of course, you can replace them. Plastic windows simply have advantages there.

I don’t see it as urgent. They do their job for now, but in the long run, I would also recommend replacing them.

Do you have a source for that, a ruling, DIN standard, whatever?

No matter what you refer to—Energy Saving Ordinance, Building Energy Act, DIN 4108-7, RAL, etc.—airtight windows have been state of the art for many years and have even been legally required for quite some time.

Here are 2 photos of the hinges. Does that help to estimate the age?

Original construction year: 60s. I’d bet on that. Possibly new panes from the 80s; google how to check thermal insulation glazing (lighter test) and see if it’s already thermal insulation glazing.
Also show the windows from the outside (weather strip and frame).

You will never make these old windows airtight again, nor equip them properly with (modern) glass.

Reasons to replace the windows:
- Leaks
- Warped windows
- Defective hinges
etc.

There is no legal regulation, but usually at 20-30 years a replacement should be considered because the windows no longer meet current energy standards.
The economic service life of wooden windows is generally seen as 40-50 years, less with poor maintenance (painting, etc.).

Well, I’d love to have your owners’ association ;-).

Plural. Recently, three months ago, in a community we decided to replace windows from mid/late 80s. Plastic, but just old, leaky and poor energy efficiency. In the last 25 years, these old windows never caused problems.
If I were in your situation, three window manufacturers would have already been on site and given me written confirmation that the windows are simply crap (from today’s perspective) and absolutely must be replaced before winter.
And then off to the administration and get them replaced.