Midwest Weather Is Unpredictable Make Sure Your Window Treatments Can Handle It

Here in Ohio and throughout the Midwest we experience actual seasons. That means that unlike other areas, we get the worst of both the summer and winter months, from triple-digit temperatures and humidity to freezing cold. That’s why it’s important to have reliable window treatments in your Cleveland home that keep your home comfortable all year long.

 

Here are our picks for window treatments that can help you weather the Midwest climate.

Window Treatments To Handle The Midwest Winter

When winter hits Ohio, you know what to expect: icy roads, stuffy noses, and freezing temperatures. And for those homeowners who skimp out on insulating, your house could be just as cold as it is outside. Rather than wasting money on cheap-looking and hard to install plastic window wrap or placing draft blockers in each gap, get a window treatment that look great while insulating your home.

No window treatment is better at keeping the cold out than Polywood® plantation shutters. With their solid extruded material and built-in weatherstripping, Polywood eliminates drafts and energy loss through your windows better than any other window treatment when they’re shut.

For a somewhat less effective window treatment, or to double down on energy efficiency, install heavy fabric draperies. Thick draperies make your space look even cozier, perfect for winter and the holiday season.

Window Treatments To Keep Cool in the Hot Midwest Summer

Few things feel worse than a hot, sweaty Ohio summer day. If you’re like most Cleveland homeowners, you’ll have the A/C, the dehumidifier, and the ceiling fans all going throughout the day. But you can make your home more livable – and lower your monthly energy bills by lowering your air conditioner’s workload – with better-insulating window treatments.

 

Again, shutters are a Cleveland home’s best friend, since they can block up to 45% of energy loss through your windows. Additionally, Polywood shutters are totally waterproof, which is almost a must-have if your home gets humid and you want to avoid that musty smell.

Beyond shutters, there are a few other window treatments that keep your home cool:

• Window film - Blocking 99% of UV rays and up to 79% of all solar energy, window film can match with any other window treatment to keep your home even more insulated.

• Cellular shades - While less effective than shutters, cellular shades are designed to reflect heat, helping keep your Cleveland home cooler than cheaper blinds or shades would.

• Barn Door Shutters - Though not an extremely common window treatment, barn door shutters offer fantastic protection from solar heat, while also adding a unique and historic aesthetic to your windows.

What Window Treatments Best Work With Midwest Style?

Homes in Cleveland and across the Midwest can range in style, but many of them have some elements in common. Many are Craftsman-inspired homes, making Craftsman Shutters a perfect fit. And you can’t go wrong with high quality shades, particularly if you can accentuate the style of your interior or find some in a neutral color. Midwest homes are more about substance than style, so stay away from anything too garish, or you might lose your home’s distinct look.

Find Your Midwest Shutter Pros for Help

To get more help on how to best design for your Midwestern home, call Sunburst Shutters Cleveland today at 440-561-6787 to schedule a free in-home window design consultation. We’ll help you step up your home design so it’s more than just “Midwestern Nice.”