Replacement Windows in Southeast Louisiana — Impact & Energy Options

Planning replacement windows for a home in Slidell, Baton Rouge, or the New Orleans metro? This guide explains how to pick the right frame material and energy package, when to choose impact-resistant glazing, what proper installation looks like, typical pricing in our region, and how to document performance for insurers and resale. When you are ready to compare options and schedule measurements, start on our Replacement & Impact Windows page.

1-scaled.jpg?fit=1920%2C2560&s — Front elevation of a Slidell, LA home with new vinyl replacement windows and clean exterior trim.

Project Cost Estimator — Louisiana & Mississippi Gulf Coast

Planning roof replacement or exterior upgrades? Use our calculator to get a quick, location-aware estimate for roof replacement cost in Louisiana, siding installation, impact-resistant windows, seamless gutters, or patio covers. Select your home size, materials, and options — including IBHS FORTIFIED™ roof upgrades — and see a realistic ballpark based on typical regional rates. This is a planning estimate; your final proposal is confirmed after an on-site assessment by Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC).

Project Estimator

Attention — This tool provides preliminary budget ranges for planning only and does not constitute a quote, offer, or contract. Final pricing will be issued by Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) only after an on-site assessment, measurements, and a written proposal. Amounts may change based on design selections, access, structural conditions, permitting and code requirements, labor markets, and material availability. Taxes, fees, and unforeseen conditions are excluded unless expressly stated.

Service

City / Labor Market

Material / Package

Planning aid — final pricing after inspection & photos. Currency: $

Why homeowners replace windows on the Gulf Coast

Energy & comfort: modern Low-E packages reduce heat gain and drafts.
Weather & water: correct flashing, sealants, and weep paths resist wind-driven rain.
Noise & safety: tighter assemblies and laminated options improve sound and security.
Resale value: fresh curb appeal and documented performance help at appraisal.

Impact or non-impact? What actually changes

On the Gulf Coast, “hurricane windows” are proven by two things together: a missile impact test and thousands of cyclic pressure pulses. The reference standards are ASTM E1886 (test method) and ASTM E1996 (specification). In higher-exposure jurisdictions you may also see Miami-Dade NOA and TAS 201/202/203. If you want permanent protection with documentation for insurers, choose an impact-rated laminated glazing build. If impact approval isn’t required for your exposure or budget, a quality non-impact replacement can still deliver big energy and comfort gains.

Note: the NFRC label reports energy metrics (U-factor, SHGC, VT, air leakage). It does not prove impact. To verify storm rating, check permanent markings and the manufacturer’s spec/NOA for your exact series and glazing.

Need to check what you have now? Use our step-by-step article How to Tell If Your Windows Are Impact-Resistant. Compare alternatives here: Impact Windows vs. Storm Shutters.

dsgfhj.png?fit=1919%2C1080&s — Interior view of a double-hung replacement window with Low-E glass and tight weatherstripping in a Baton Rouge home.

Frame materials compared

Material	Strength & durability	Maintenance	Energy performance	Best for
Vinyl	Good rigidity; modern chambers reinforce	Low; no painting	Consistently strong NFRC results	Most replacements; value + efficiency
Fiberglass/Composite	High strength; low expansion	Low	Excellent with premium glazing	Upscale performance, larger openings
Aluminum (thermally broken)	Very strong; slim sightlines	Low	Moderate unless upgraded packages	Architectural looks; coastal finishes
Wood-clad	Good with exterior cladding	Interior care needed	Strong with correct Low-E	Historic aesthetics; custom trim

Energy metrics (NFRC) that actually matter

U-factor: lower is better (less heat loss). Targets vary by package and room use.
SHGC: controls solar heat gain; pick by orientation (south/west often need lower SHGC).
Visible transmittance (VT): daylight. Balance against SHGC goals.
Air leakage (AL): lower values mean tighter sashes and weatherstripping.

We size performance by orientation and room function, not just a generic “low-E everywhere.”

3-1-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1920&s — Close-up of laminated impact glass corner etching confirming ASTM E1886/E1996 compliance on a Southeast Louisiana project.

Design Pressure (DP/PG): sizing for your exposure

Site exposure: open water, marsh, or fields raise wind pressures.
Orientation: windward/leeward walls see different loads.
Height & geometry: two-story walls and roof shapes matter.
Operation type: hung, slider, casement, picture; egress codes for bedrooms.

We specify a package with appropriate DP/PG, then decide impact vs. non-impact by risk tolerance, code, and budget.

Popular styles and curb-appeal options

Single-hung, double-hung, horizontal sliders
Picture/fixed and architectural shapes
Grids/muntins to match historic looks
Color and coastal hardware finishes
Screens, safety latches, pet-resistant mesh

4-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1920%2C2560&s — Installer applying flashing tape and sealant around a replacement window opening in Southeast Louisiana to stop wind-driven rain.

Our installation process (what inspectors look for)

Measure & scope: confirm rough openings, exposure, DP/PG, and glazing package.
Specification: lock series, glass build (impact or not), color, hardware; gather documentation for impact projects.
Permitting: submit plans where required; schedule inspections.
Removal & set: interior protection, careful removal, level/true set, correct fastening pattern.
Weatherproofing: flashing tape, compatible sealants, sill pans where applicable, open weep paths.
Quality check: smooth operation, air/water checks, cleanup; photos of permanent markings for impact builds.

See more on workmanship here: Professional Window Installation.

Pricing and timelines in Southeast Louisiana

Every home is different, but many replacement window projects in our region price at $800–$2,800+ per opening for impact packages depending on size, style, and glazing; non-impact replacements are typically lower. Whole-home packages often total in the low to mid tens of thousands. After measurements we provide a line-item proposal and a realistic schedule.

5-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1920%2C2560&s — Before-and-after comparison of replacement windows on a New Orleans home showing improved curb appeal and daylight.

Signs it’s time to replace

Fogging or seal failure; laminated edges starting to cloud
Drafts, water staining on sills/jambs, soft wood
Heavy sash operation, worn balances/hardware
Missing performance documentation where resilience matters

Care and maintenance

Keep weep holes clear after pollen and storms.
Rinse salt/grime; avoid abrasive pads and harsh solvents.
Inspect exterior sealant joints annually; touch up as needed.
Check weatherstripping and screens for wear or tears.

Local areas we serve

Slidell & Northshore: Eden Isles, Cross Gates, Olde Towne, Oak Harbor, French Branch, Clearwood.

Baton Rouge: Southdowns, Mid City, Shenandoah, Highland–Perkins, Goodwood.

New Orleans metro: Lakeview, Gentilly, Broadmoor, Algiers, Old Metairie.

Related services

Seamless Gutters — move Gulf Coast rain away from sills and siding
Patio Covers — integrate tie-ins with new window trim
Roof Inspection — ventilation and moisture checks that affect window performance
Certified FORTIFIED™ Roof — whole-home resilience
Replacement & Impact Windows — options, process, FAQs

FAQ

Do I need impact windows for my home?

Requirements vary by exposure, municipality, and project scope. Even when not required, many Gulf Coast homeowners choose impact assemblies for resilience and documentation. Ask us to size DP/PG and discuss impact vs. non-impact for your openings.

Will an NFRC label prove impact rating?

No. NFRC covers energy metrics only. Impact is proven through permanent markings and manufacturer documents (ASTM E1886/E1996 and, where applicable, Miami-Dade/TAS).

Can you match historic looks?

Yes. We review grille patterns, trim details, and finishes to preserve curb appeal while upgrading performance and weather management.

How long does installation take?

After measurements and ordering, most projects are installed over one to several working days depending on scope and access. We provide a detailed schedule in your proposal.