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Tips For Choosing A Waterproof Window Treatment in Baltimore

September 29, 2016

No matter where you live, from Baltimore to hundreds of miles away, your home has a need in common with almost every other house in America: waterproof window treatments. Whatever the style of your house, the climate outside, or the number of people who are living with you, you’ll usually have the same rooms that benefit from waterproofing: the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room.

As you may have figured, not all window coverings are created equal in regards to how effectively they handle humidity and moisture. To make it easier to understand, we’ll take a look at effective each window treatment is at dealing with water and find out which ones work best in the rooms that see the most humidity.

Level 1: Window Treatments That Won’t Stand Up To Moisture

Seasoned Baltimore homeowners are aware that there are a few materials that won’t mix with water. Just ask the owner of a hardwood floor what humidity does to lumber. Solid wood dislikes moisture, as it makes wood bloat and bow, which usually makes wood window treatments inoperable. Extended contact with water can also turn the existing hollows of the lumber into breeding grounds for bacteria. These facts suggest solid wood window treatments should not be used in moisture-heavy areas like the kitchen.

Fabric window treatments are also not on great terms with moisture. Despite the fact that the wear to fabric might not be as considerable or easy to see, extended and repeated contact with water can compromise the weave of many fabrics, and that can may result in color fading and fabric weakening.

Level 2: Water-resistant Window Treatments

Baltimore kitchen faux wood blinds.
 
Though not technically waterproof, window treatments here won’t be in danger of long term damage when used in moisture-laden rooms. This level of window treatments features most every product labeled as “faux wood,” like faux wood blinds. Faux wood blinds can give you the beauty of a solid wood window treatment, adding contemporary fashion to your bathroom and much-needed privacy, without the worry that comes if it starts getting too steamy.

Other window treatments that are able to stand up to the majority of damage from water are aluminum blinds. Though they don’t possess the same level of style and coverage offered by other window treatments, aluminum blinds are versatile. They can be found in a wide range of shades, with cut-out options and additional features for privacy, while simultaneously being a great fit for the kitchen or bathroom. Remember though that blinds that have cords or fabric bands usually aren’t optimal for moisture-rich spaces.

Level 3: Completely Waterproof Window Treatments

Plantation shutters in Baltimore bathroom.
 
This is what you’ve been waiting for: the window treatment that completely ignores moisture, water, humidity and more like nothing else. Sunburst Shutters Baltimore is pleased to provide one of the few completely waterproof window treatments available in our Polywood® plantation shutters. Perfect for the kitchen or bathroom, Polywood shutters are made from a formulated compound that is completely invulnerable to the weakening effects of moisture, whether coming from inside your house or from the weather outside.

Not convinced? We can show you how well Polywood can survive the elements, and we’re so satisfied with its resilience that every installation is backed with our Lifetime Limited Warranty. In fact, you could hose Polywood shutters off in your lawn and they’d still function fantastically, with no problems.

Get Your Windows Prepared For Anything, Baltimore

If you live in a rainy or coastal part of the country, or if you want better window treatments for the kitchen, a waterproof window treatment ought to be your top priority. Let Sunburst Shutters Baltimore lend a hand by calling 301-321-7998 to set up your free in-homewindow treatment consultation. And to get additional inspiration for those rooms and more, take a look at our exclusive Ultimate Room Guide to get the lowdown on the most effective window treatments for every room in your Baltimore home!