New England Homeowners Discover Which Window Treatments Actually Survive Winter’s Wrath
When it comes to choosing window treatments for Middlesex County homes, the decision between shades and blinds isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about survival. Middlesex County, Massachusetts has experienced a variety of weather since 1900, and from the blazing heat of summer to the bitter cold of winter, your custom window treatments can be your home’s first line of defense against New England’s unpredictable climate. Recent durability testing results reveal surprising insights about which window treatments truly perform better in our challenging regional climate.
The New England Climate Challenge
New England homeowners know better than anyone that their region’s four distinct seasons demand adaptability – and that includes your window treatments. New England is infamous for having all four seasons — and these seasons last for months at a time. Seasons here last, and you need window treatments that keep your home comfortable, functional, and looking its best no matter the weather outside.
That means window treatments that are versatile enough for hot summers, bitter winters, and the ups and downs of fall and spring. With summers hitting high temps and winters hanging in the single digits and below, New England homes need the best window treatments available. The region’s high humidity levels during summer months and harsh winter conditions create a perfect storm for testing window treatment durability.
Durability Testing Results: Blinds vs Shades
When comparing durability performance, blinds tend to better withstand wear and tear than shades because they’re made from rigid materials. In comparing shades vs blinds in terms of durability, Blinds give you worry-free durability and easy-to-clean materials no matter your selection.
All types of blinds, Wood, Metal and Faux Wood, are very durable, with Faux Wood and Metal also being resistant to moisture and humidity. Both are very durable and long-lasting, and are also resistant to moisture, making them better suited to rooms with moisture and humidity like bathrooms. This moisture resistance is particularly crucial in New England’s variable climate conditions.
However, wood is vulnerable to moisture and humidity, which can cause the wood to warp, so wood blinds are not an ideal choice for bathrooms or basements. For New England homes, this limitation extends to any area experiencing high humidity or temperature fluctuations.
Shades: The Comfort Champions with Caveats
While shades may not match blinds in raw durability, they offer unique advantages. The soft polyester fabric of Cellular Shades can be vulnerable to tears and moisture. But when well cared for, and used in rooms without much humidity or moisture, Cellular Shades offer great durability when it comes to daily wear and tear.
Cellular shades are the most insulating interior shades available anywhere. Cellular shades are the most insulating shades on the market. Cellular shades, especially double- or triple-cell varieties, are the most insulating window treatments. Their honeycomb structure traps air in layered pockets, creating a thermal barrier that reduces heat loss in the winter and blocks heat gain in the summer. This makes them particularly valuable for New England’s extreme temperature swings.
Woven Wood Shades are typically made from natural fibers like bamboo, grasses and reeds. While these woven fibers are surprisingly resilient, they can deteriorate over time in the sunlight and are vulnerable to moisture. To protect these shades, it’s often best to line them with privacy or blackout lining and use them in rooms with low moisture and humidity.
Moisture and Humidity: The Hidden Enemy
New England’s climate presents unique challenges that extend beyond temperature extremes. Florida is known as the Sunshine State, but anyone who lives there knows that rain showers are a frequent occurrence—as are high levels of humidity. All the moisture in the area can cause some types of window treatments to fade, warp, or even mildew over long periods. While New England doesn’t match Florida’s humidity levels, summer months can still create problematic conditions.
Unlike wood blinds, faux wood blinds are designed to stand up to harsh conditions. Real wood is susceptible to warping and discoloration due to things like constant sunlight exposure and humidity, but faux wood was specifically designed to be used in humid conditions such as bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. With these blinds, you’ll have peace of mind in even the wettest and sunniest climates. Feel free to leave your patio doors and windows open and let in a fresh breeze, as the hardy construction of faux wood blinds means that they’ll be no worse for the wear even after years of exposure to moisture and high humidity.
Professional Recommendations for Middlesex County Homes
For homeowners seeking expert guidance on window treatments that can withstand New England’s challenging climate, Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. is a locally owned and operated company with over 30+ years of industry experience. We offer a variety of commercial and residential window covering installs. We specialize in blinds, shades and indoor shutter installation. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction! Located in Cambridge, this local expertise understands the specific challenges facing Middlesex County residents.
Since 1986, we’ve been crafting window solutions that transform houses into homes. Let our experts help you choose the perfect fit for your space. It’s more than just décor—it’s about creating harmony and comfort for you and your family. When selecting Shades and Blinds Middlesex County residents can trust, working with experienced local professionals ensures your investment will withstand regional climate challenges.
The Bottom Line for New England Homeowners
Durability testing results clearly show that blinds made out of hard materials like faux wood or vinyl are incredibly durable and humidity/moisture resistant, which makes them an excellent option for high traffic areas and bathrooms. Since blinds are usually made with harder materials such as wood, metal, and vinyl, they tend to be more durable than shades, which are often made out of softer materials that can rip. Blinds are better for high-traffic areas, such as doors and playrooms, and bathrooms because the hard material of their slats is moisture and humidity resistant. So, when it comes to durability, blinds win!
However, the choice isn’t always clear-cut. Shades, on the other hand, are made from a single piece of fabric, offering a seamless look and better insulation, particularly with cellular shades. The best choice depends on your priorities—blinds for durability and light control, shades for insulation and aesthetics.
For Middlesex County homes facing New England’s demanding climate, faux wood blinds and cellular shades emerge as the top performers, each excelling in different areas while providing the resilience needed to weather our region’s seasonal extremes. The key is matching your choice to your specific needs, room conditions, and local climate challenges.