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Why You Need A Waterproof Window Treatment in Austin

September 29, 2016

Wherever you call home, from Austin to hundreds of miles away, your house shares a need with just about every other home in the U.S.: waterproof window treatments. Regardless of the structure of your home, the outdoor climate, or how many people are living with you, you’ll likely have the same rooms with moisture: the kitchen, the laundry room, and your bathrooms.

Obviously, not all window treatments are created equal as to how effectively they handle humidity and moisture. To help out, we’ll dive into effective each window treatment is at dealing with water and let you know which products work best in the spaces that see the most water.

Level 1: Window Treatments That Won’t Handle Water

Smart Austin homeowners are aware that there are a few materials that can’t handle moisture. Simply ask the owner of a hardwood floor what humidity does to lumber. Solid wood hates moisture, as it can cause wood to bloat and deform, which can make wood window treatments inoperable. Frequent water can also turn the natural cavities of the wood into a haven for mildew. These facts suggest solid wood window treatments should stay far away from moisture-heavy areas like the bathroom.

Fabric window treatments don’t do great with humidity either. Despite the fact that the harm to fabric may not be as extensive or obvious to the naked eye, extended and recurring contact with water can damage the weave of several fabrics, and that can lead to discoloring and fabric weakening.

Level 2: Water-resistant Window Treatments

Austin kitchen faux wood blinds.
 
Albeit not quite waterproof, window treatments here aren’t in danger of permanent damage when placed in humid rooms. This level of window treatments features most anything designated “faux wood,” like faux wood blinds. Faux wood blinds offer the look of a natural wood window treatment, adding top-notch fashion to your bathroom and much-needed privacy, without the headache that may occur every time it becomes too humid.

Alternative window treatments that tend to handle almost all wear from moisture are aluminum blinds. Although they don’t offer the same level of style and coverage that different window treatments do, aluminum blinds are adaptable. They’re offered in a wide range of hues, with cut-out options and additional features for privacy, all while being perfect for rooms that see moisture. Remember though that blinds that feature pull cords or fabric bands are not optimal for moisture-laden spaces.

Level 3: 100% Waterproof Window Treatments

Plantation shutters in Austin bathroom.
 
Finally, the category that homeowners have waited for: the window treatment that laughs off moisture, water, humidity and more like no other window treatment. Sunburst Shutters Austin is proud to offer one of the few 100% waterproof window treatments available in our Polywood® plantation shutters. A fantastic window treatment for the kitchen or bathroom, Polywood shutters are made from a particular composite that is completely resistant to the weakening effects of moisture, no matter if they’re produced inside your home or from outdoors.

Not convinced? We’ve seen the extent to which Polywood can handle wear, and we’re so satisfied with its longevity that we guarantee every shutter with our Lifetime Limited Warranty. In fact, if you wanted to, you could blast Polywood shutters with a hose and they’d still perform like new, with no issues.

Make Your Windows Ready For Anything, Austin

If your home is in a coastal or humid part of the country, or if you need new window treatments for the bathroom or kitchen, a waterproof window treatment ought to be your top concern. Let Sunburst Shutters Austin give an assist by calling 512-549-6077 to set up your free in-homewindow treatment consultation. And to get additional suggestions for those rooms and beyond, check out our exclusive Ultimate Room Guide to find the most effective window treatments for every space in your Austin home!