This section is under construction.
Windows in the Canada’s Taiga Shield are every bit as problematic as doors.
Although windows in newer homes and buildings usually have higher R-values than those in older structures, they are easily damaged, difficult to repair, and expensive to replace.
The biggest challenge in attempting to make replacement windows from local materials is not—perhaps surprisingly—the lack of local glass. The biggest problems are:
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- the casements are made of metal or plastic, and
- existing windows come in many different sizes.
As a result, replacing damaged window units with locally-produced ones has proved to be virtually impossible (at least so far).
Constructing new windows, using various configurations of single-sized Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and locally-manufactured wooden frames is a viable solution for new buildings.
IGU’s can be purchased in bulk, shipped to the community together, configured in a variety of window sizes, and used as needed. The ones shown in the drawing above are all 12″ x 24″. IGUs manufactured in the US are approximately CDN$150 each; units manufactured elsewhere can often be less.
Wooden frames can be built in a basic local woodworking shop, with the same tools as will be needed for the thick wooden Taiga Shield Doors.
Shutters
Shutters are essential for security if a building is temporarily unoccupied.
They may actually be the simplest building component to produce locally. They can be small, simplified versions of the Taiga Shield Doors.
Yet, currently, very few window shutters are produced locally in Taiga Shield communities. Plywood shutters are sometimes made and installed but, most often, a section of Orientated Stand Boatd (OSB) is nailed to the outside window frame.