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Why You Need A Waterproof Window Treatment in Washington DC

September 29, 2016

Anywhere you live, from Washington DC to the other side of the country, your space has a common need with almost every other house in the U.S.: waterproof window treatments. Whatever the structure of your home, the conditions outside, or the number of people who are living in your house, you’ll likely have the same rooms with humidity: the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room.

As you may have figured, not every window treatment is created equal as to how capably they handle water and humidity. To help out, we’ll break down successful each window treatment is at handling wetness and tell you which ones are best for the rooms that see the most humidity.

Level 1: Window Treatments That Don’t Deal With Water

Smart Washington DC homeowners know that a number of materials just won’t mix with water. Just ask the owner of a hardwood floor what water can do to lumber. Solid wood dislikes water, as it makes wood bloat and warp, which may render wood window treatments unusable. Frequent water may also turn the inherent pockets of the lumber into a haven for bacteria. For these reasons, solid wood window treatments should probably not be chosen for rooms that may get damp like the kitchen.

Fabric window treatments are also not on great terms with humidity. Despite the fact that the wear to fabric may not be as intense or visible, long term and frequent contact with humidity can impair the weave of most fabrics, and that can cause discoloration and fabric thinning.

Level 2: Water-resistant Window Treatments

Washington DC kitchen faux wood blinds.
 
Though not strictly waterproof, window treatments in this category aren’t susceptible to long term damage when used in moisture-laden rooms. This group of window treatments features just about anything designated “faux wood,” like faux wood blinds. Faux wood blinds add the look of a solid wood window treatment, adding contemporary fashion to your bathroom and privacy as well, without the stress that may occur whenever the room becomes too steamed up.

Other window treatments that tend to handle the majority of impairment from moisture are aluminum blinds. Although they don’t offer quite the interior fashion appeal and coverage that different window treatments do, aluminum blinds are adaptable. They can be found in a huge variety of colors, with cut-out options and privacy features, while simultaneously being perfect for those possible problem rooms. But blinds that have cords or fabric bands may not be optimal for moisture-rich spaces.

Level 3: Entirely Waterproof Window Treatments

Plantation shutters in Washington DC bathroom.
 
This is what homeowners have been waiting for: the window treatment that completely ignores moisture, water, humidity and more like they were nothing. Sunburst Shutters DC is pleased to provide one of the only totally waterproof window treatments available in our Polywood® plantation shutters. Perfectly suited to the laundry room or kitchen, Polywood shutters are made from a formulated compound that is completely resistant to the damaging effects of dampness, whether coming from inside your home or from outdoors.

Not convinced? We can show you the lengths at which Polywood can weather the elements, and we’re so sure of its durability that every installation is backed with our Lifetime Limited Warranty. In fact, Polywood shutters could be hosed down and they’d still perform perfectly, without any issues.

Make Your Windows Ready For Anything, Washington DC

If you live in a humid or rainy area, or if you want better window treatments for the bathroom or kitchen, a waterproof window treatment should be your chief priority. Let Sunburst Shutters DC lend a hand by calling 240-339-2588 to set up your free in-home design consultation. And to receive more suggestions for those rooms and beyond, read through our exclusive Ultimate Room Guide to find the perfect window treatments for every space in your Washington DC house!