Posted on February 25, 2025

Replacing the windows in your home is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. New windows can boost energy efficiency, enhance curb appeal, and improve your home’s comfort—especially if you live in the hot, humid, and storm-prone Gulf Coast region. Although some homeowners consider the do-it-yourself (DIY) route, the risks and complexities involved often lead to more cost and hassle in the long run.

In this window installation guide, we’ll break down the window replacement process step by step—primarily so that you’ll know how professionals do it. We firmly believe that trusting an expert, like LAS, will ensure your new windows are installed correctly, safely, and in compliance with all local building codes. Read on to learn:

The key steps in replacement windows installation (as performed by professionals)

Common pitfalls of attempting DIY

Why LAS is the premier choice for Gulf Coast homeowners

Answers to frequently asked questions

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what an expert installation entails—and why partnering with a professional team is the best way to protect your investment and achieve long-lasting results.

Before we discuss the professional how to install replacement windows approach, let’s answer the “why.” Homeowners often decide to replace windows for the following reasons:

Energy Efficiency
With the region’s hot, humid weather, air conditioning costs can skyrocket. ENERGY STAR®-rated windows help regulate your home’s temperature, often leading to noticeable energy savings.
Boosted Curb Appeal and Value
Outdated, worn-out windows can drag down your home’s appearance. Quality replacement windows freshen up the exterior and can increase overall market value.
Noise Reduction
Today’s technologically advanced windows can block or significantly reduce external noises, making your living spaces quieter and more relaxing.
Hurricane-Ready Windows
Homes in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are prone to hurricanes and high humidity. Impact-resistant windows or high-wind-rated windows provide security, meet regional building codes, better protect your home against flying debris and severe weather, and can reduce insurance premiums.

1. Specialized Expertise

Professional installers handle replacement windows every day. They understand the nuances of local building codes, advanced sealing techniques, and the complexities of working in humid, storm-prone environments.

2. Precision Measurements

Nothing derails a window replacement project faster than inaccurate measurements. Pros use specialized tools and methods to ensure a snug fit that eliminates drafts and water infiltration—a crucial detail that’s easy to overlook in a DIY project.

3. High-Quality Materials and Techniques

Professional installers have access to top-tier products, from weather-resistant caulks and flashing materials to sturdy frames designed to withstand coastal weather conditions.

4. Protecting Warranties

Most window manufacturers require installation by a certified or licensed professional to keep warranties valid. Attempting a DIY job may void your warranty, leaving you with little recourse if something goes wrong.

5. Safety and Time Savings

Window installations often involve working at heights, handling large panes of glass, and using power tools. Professionals know how to navigate these challenges safely—often completing multiple windows in a fraction of the time it would take for a DIYer to do just one.

Though we do not recommend attempting this on your own, here’s how experts typically tackle replacement windows installation. Understanding this process helps homeowners evaluate the quality and thoroughness of the service they receive.

Step 1: Evaluating Your Windows for Replacement

Initial Assessment: A professional starts by checking the condition of your existing windows, frames, and surrounding walls for issues like rot or moisture infiltration.
Precise Measurements: They measure the width and height of the window opening multiple times at different points, ensuring that each replacement window is an exact fit.

Expert Insight: In Gulf Coast homes, moisture damage and wood rot around windows are not uncommon. A thorough inspection ensures these problems are addressed before the new windows go in.

Step 2: Choosing the Best Replacement Windows for Your Home

Material Choice: Vinyl frames are popular for the Gulf Coast’s humidity levels, offering excellent durability and resistance to moisture.
Glass Options: From low-E coatings to double panes filled with inert gas, energy-efficient glass can significantly cut down on your cooling bills.
Style Considerations: Professionals will guide you in choosing styles—such as casement, double-hung, or slider—that complement your home’s design and your functional needs.

Step 3. Removing the Old Window

Careful Extraction: Technicians remove interior stops, sashes, and any damaged trim.
Debris Cleanup: Any leftover nails, screws, or caulk are removed, leaving a clean, unobstructed opening.

Step 4. Preparing the Opening

Inspection of Frame: If there’s damage to the surrounding structure, the installer makes necessary repairs or notifies you of the best course of action.
Waterproofing and Sealing: They apply flashing and vapor barriers as needed to protect against leaks—crucial in humid, rainy climates.

Step 5. Installing the Replacement Window

Dry Fit: The window is carefully set in place to confirm correct sizing. In humid climates, improper installation can lead to moisture intrusion, mold, and frame warping. LAS ensures airtight installation.
Shimming and Leveling: Installers adjust shims around the frame to ensure the window is square, level, and securely supported.
Securing: Screws or fasteners (depending on the window type) are used to anchor the window firmly.

Step 6. Insulating and Sealing

Fill in the Gaps: Low-expansion foam or insulation strips are placed to prevent drafts and moisture infiltration.
Caulking: A high-grade sealant is applied along the edges, creating a watertight perimeter.

Step 7. Finishing Touches

Interior Trim and Exterior Cladding: Any removed or damaged trim is replaced or repaired, ensuring a finished look that blends seamlessly with your home.
Cleanup and Final Inspection: The installer ensures all materials and debris are removed, and the window operates smoothly.

An LAS Master certified installer in installing replacement windows

If the professional method above sounds straightforward, know that each step is painstakingly managed with specialized knowledge and tools. Homeowners attempting this process risk:

Measurement Errors
Even a minor miscalculation can lead to drafts, leaks, and significant energy loss—problems that could cost more to fix than hiring a pro in the first place.
Inadequate Waterproofing
Missing or improperly installed flashing can let water seep into wall cavities, potentially causing mold and structural damage.
Potential Damage to the Frame or Siding
Removing old windows or installing new ones without the correct technique can crack or warp the frame, requiring pricey repairs.
Voiding Manufacturer Warranties
Many warranties specify professional installation. DIY might leave you unprotected if the product fails.
Safety Risks
Handling large window units, especially on upper floors, poses a fall hazard. Professionals have the training and equipment to do the job safely.

For homeowners in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, LAS offers tailored solutions that address the unique demands of Gulf Coast living. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Gulf Coast Expertise

We understand local challenges, from hurricane-force winds to year-round humidity. Our windows and installation techniques prioritize durability, impact resistance, and energy savings under these conditions.

2. Energy-Efficient Products

All LAS windows are designed to meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® criteria. By pairing superior materials with expert installation, we help you maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.

3. Industry-Leading Warranties

We stand behind our workmanship and materials, offering warranties that ensure your investment is protected for years to come.

4. Skilled Professional Installers

Our team undergoes rigorous training to stay current with best practices, safety standards, and ever-evolving building codes. This attention to detail translates to flawless results.

5. Customized Solutions

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether you need a specific window style, color, or performance feature, LAS works with you to find the ideal match for your home.

1. How Long Does a Professional Window Installation Take?

Typically, installers can handle multiple windows in a single day, depending on the number of windows and the complexity of the job. A straightforward replacement for an average home often takes 1-2 days. However, this timeframe does not include the scheduling of measurements, the manufacturing of custom windows, or any special requests that may extend the timeline.

2. Can I Remain in My Home During the Installation?

Yes. While some noise and minor disruption are inevitable, professional crews aim to minimize the impact on your daily routine. They’ll usually only work on two to three windows at a time to limit exposure to the elements.

3. How Do I Prepare My Home for Installation?

Move furniture and decorations away from the windows.
Take down curtains, blinds, or window treatments.
Keep pets and children away from the work area for safety.
Notify the team of any scheduling concerns or special instructions.

4. Is There a “Best Season” to Replace Windows in the Gulf Coast Region?

You can replace windows year-round. However, spring and fall often offer milder temperatures that make the process more comfortable. LAS works efficiently even in hotter or more humid conditions, ensuring a smooth installation no matter the time of year.

5. What Is the Cost Difference Between DIY and Professional Installation?

While a DIY approach may appear cheaper upfront, unexpected costs—such as buying or renting specialized tools, repairing mistakes, or dealing with moisture intrusion—can quickly add up. In the long run, professional installation from LAS often proves to be the more cost-effective option.

Attempting a DIY replacement windows installation might seem tempting at first glance, but the potential pitfalls—ranging from improper measurements to voided warranties—are significant. When you work with a specialized team like LAS, you’re investing in peace of mind, superior workmanship, and products built to withstand the Gulf Coast’s challenging climate.

LAS has installed hundreds of thousands of windows across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, consistently delivering energy-efficient, durable results. Our process is straightforward and transparent, from an in-depth initial consultation to our comprehensive post-installation check.

If you’re ready to boost your home’s efficiency, comfort, and curb appeal, leave the details to the experts.

Posted in: Windows Buyer's Guide Home Improvement

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Julia,
On behalf of Lighthouse Louisiana (formerly The Lighthouse for the Blind), please convey my thanks once again to your coworkers for supporting our summer camp for children who are blind. It is a rare thing to see a corporate family like yours, where people get together and give from their own hard-earned paychecks to local groups that are doing good work in the community. As donors, sometimes it’s hard to know what donations to organizations we care about are actually being used for. We consider LAS an important investor in our work, and we cannot thank you enough for helping us serve our clients.

Thank you,
Erin McQuade Wright
Director of Development

We just finished getting new windows from LAS and I can’t be any happier. From start to finish, this job was done professionally. The salesman, Garrett, came to the house on time and explained the windows and the process and answered any questions that we had at the time. He indicated the person who would do the measurements would call and set up an appointment within two weeks and the the windows would be built and installed in about 5 weeks. Well, the job – from the initial estimate to complete install – was three weeks. The installed that completed the job did an excellent job of install, caulking and cleanup. We can’t give them a higher rating. The most amazing thing so far is the look and how much it has cut down on outside noise. I highly recommend LAS and since they are local, from repairs to employing people, we keep it right here at home. We are very satisfied customers.

How to Install Replacement Windows: A Professional Guide for Gulf Coast Homes

Why Replace Your Windows?