Frequently asked questions

At WEB Legacy Systems, homeowners, architects, developers, and general contractors often come to us with similar questions about luxury sliding glass doors, thermally broken systems, energy performance, and installation timelines. This FAQ was created to give you clear, direct answers based on real project experience in Southern California’s high-end residential market. If you’re planning a remodel, a new custom home, or replacing older openings with modern glass systems, this page will help you understand your options, your timeline, and what to expect from a premium installation.

What makes luxury sliding glass door systems different from standard doors?

Luxury sliding glass door systems are designed as architectural features, not just openings. Standard doors are usually limited in size, use basic hardware, and are built for function first.

High-end systems, like the ones WEB Legacy Systems installs, are engineered to:

Span much larger openings with fewer vertical bars
Use thermally broken aluminum for better energy performance
Integrate high-performance glass for comfort and UV protection
Operate smoothly even with very heavy glass panels
They also prioritize minimal sight lines, meaning you see more of the view and less of the frame. From an architect’s perspective, these systems allow the interior and exterior to feel like one continuous space. From a homeowner’s perspective, they feel solid, quiet, and refined instead of flimsy or difficult to move.

So while both “open and close,” luxury systems are closer to precision-built equipment than a standard residential door.

What are thermally broken aluminum frames, and why do architects prefer them?

Aluminum is strong and slim, but by itself it conducts temperature. A thermally broken aluminum frame solves this by placing a special insulating material between the inner and outer parts of the frame.

Think of it as a “thermal bridge break”:

Outside temperature stays outside.
Inside comfort stays inside.
Architects prefer thermally broken frames because they combine:

Clean, minimal profiles (more glass, less frame)
Improved energy performance compared to standard aluminum
Better control of condensation and comfort near the glass
For modern homes with big openings, this is essential. It allows large sliding doors and windows to meet stricter energy codes and still deliver the sleek, contemporary look designers want.

WEB Legacy Systems focuses on thermally broken solutions because they respect both aesthetics and performance—no need to choose between the two.

Do large sliding door systems make homes less energy efficient?

They can—if the wrong system is used. Large openings with basic aluminum frames and standard glass often lead to drafts, hot or cold spots, and higher energy bills.

However, when designed properly, a luxury sliding system can be surprisingly efficient:

Low-E, double or triple-pane glass helps control heat gain and loss.
Thermally broken frames reduce temperature transfer through the metal.
Quality weatherstripping and gaskets reduce air leakage.
In mild climates like much of California, a well-specified system can maintain comfort while maximizing daylight, which often reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day.

At WEB Legacy Systems, we look at orientation, exposure, and your project’s energy goals before recommending a system. The goal is not just a beautiful wall of glass—it’s a wall of glass that your HVAC system can live with comfortably.

What sizes can WEB Legacy Systems build—are truly massive glass panels possible?

Yes, truly large panels are possible—and they are one of the main reasons clients choose systems like ours.

Typical residential sliders might be 6–8 feet tall with small panel widths. High-end systems can reach:

Taller heights (often 9–12 feet, project-dependent)
Wider panels for fewer vertical breaks in the view
Multi-panel configurations that stack, pocket, or slide past each other
The exact maximum size depends on the specific product line, wind loads, structural conditions, and glass selection.

Our role at WEB Legacy Systems is to bridge the dream and the engineering. We review your plans, opening sizes, and structural conditions, then match them with a system that safely delivers the largest, cleanest views possible.

So yes—massive panels are realistic when they’re supported by the right engineering, hardware, and installation.

What is the average cost of high-end sliding glass door systems?

Costs vary widely based on size, configuration, glass type, and project complexity, but it’s helpful to understand order of magnitude.

Compared to a standard sliding door from a big-box store, a luxury system is an investment-level upgrade. For custom California projects, you can generally expect:

Smaller openings: from the low five figures installed
Large multi-panel systems: mid to high five figures, sometimes more for complex designs
Price is influenced by:

Overall width and height
Number of operable panels
Glass performance (standard vs. high-performance or specialty)
Finish choices and hardware
Site conditions, access, and installation difficulty
At WEB Legacy Systems, we provide transparent, line-by-line proposals so you can see what you are paying for—glass, frames, hardware, and installation—rather than a single opaque number. We also help you understand where upgrades truly matter and where they may not, so your budget supports both aesthetics and performance.

How long does it take to design, fabricate, and install a custom glass system?

Design & Approvals (1–3 weeks)

Field measure or review architectural plans
Confirm configuration, finishes, and glass type
Finalize shop drawings and approvals
Fabrication (6–12 weeks on average)

Materials ordered and frames/glass fabricated
Time can extend during peak construction seasons or for special finishes/glass
Installation (1–5 days per opening, depending on size)

Site preparation and removal of existing units (if needed)
Installation, adjustment, and weatherproofing
Final walk-through and testing
WEB Legacy Systems coordinates closely with contractors and homeowners so that openings are ready when the systems arrive, minimizing downtime and weather exposure. We always encourage planning these systems early in the project to avoid delays later.

How long does it take to design, fabricate, and install a custom glass system?

Design & Approvals (1–3 weeks)

Field measure or review architectural plans
Confirm configuration, finishes, and glass type
Finalize shop drawings and approvals
Fabrication (6–12 weeks on average)

Materials ordered and frames/glass fabricated
Time can extend during peak construction seasons or for special finishes/glass
Installation (1–5 days per opening, depending on size)

Site preparation and removal of existing units (if needed)
Installation, adjustment, and weatherproofing
Final walk-through and testing
WEB Legacy Systems coordinates closely with contractors and homeowners so that openings are ready when the systems arrive, minimizing downtime and weather exposure. We always encourage planning these systems early in the project to avoid delays later.

What makes WEB Legacy Systems different from competitors like La Cantina or LuxView?

Brands like La Cantina and LuxView make excellent products. WEB Legacy Systems is the specialist integrator that helps you choose, customize, and install the right system for your specific project.

Key differences:

Brand-agnostic advising. We are not limited to one “house brand.” We focus on what fits your design, budget, and performance goals.
Luxury-only focus. We don’t sell basic builder-grade sliders. Our entire workflow is built around high-end, large-format systems.
Design collaboration. We speak the language of architects, GCs, and homeowners, helping translate design intent into engineered reality.
Precision installation network. Even the best product fails with poor installation. We prioritize trained crews, careful staging, and detailed waterproofing.
Think of WEB Legacy Systems as your glass systems partner, not just a product vendor. Our job is to protect your design vision, your budget, and the long-term performance of your openings.

Do your systems have minimal sightlines, and why does this matter for luxury homes?

Yes. Minimal sightlines are at the core of what we offer.

“Sightline” is the amount of frame you see when the system is closed—typically measured at the vertical meeting stiles between panels. On a standard slider, these can be thick and visually heavy.

With luxury systems, we aim for:

Slim verticals so the eye sees continuous glass
Clean, square profiles that match modern architecture
Framing that visually “disappears” into the design
Why it matters:

It maximizes the view—mountains, ocean, cityscape, or garden
It reinforces the feeling of a seamless indoor–outdoor connection
It complements contemporary architecture with less visual clutter
At WEB Legacy Systems, we evaluate sightlines alongside performance and budget. The goal is always a quiet, elegant frame that supports the view rather than competing with it.

How smooth is the sliding operation—do your systems require heavy force?

One of the biggest differences between commodity sliders and luxury systems is how they feel when you move them.

High-end systems use:

Precision-engineered rollers and tracks
Proper weight distribution for large glass panels
Carefully adjusted hardware during installation
When done properly, even very large panels can be moved with one hand and minimal effort. They should feel solid, not flimsy—but also smooth, not jerky or heavy.

At WEB Legacy Systems, we treat hardware selection and adjustment as critical. During installation, we:

Level and true the openings carefully
Fine-tune rollers and guides
Test and retest panel movement before sign-off
The result is a door that feels like a precision instrument, not a wrestling match, and that smooth operation typically remains consistent over time with proper use and basic maintenance.

Do you offer custom engineering for non-standard openings or structural challenges?

 

Yes. Many of the most beautiful projects are the ones that don’t fit inside standard catalogs.

For non-standard openings—oversized spans, corners that open fully, pockets that hide panels, or unusual structural conditions—we:

Review architectural drawings and site photos.
Consult manufacturer engineering resources for load, wind, and deflection requirements.
Coordinate with your structural engineer or GC on headers, supports, and waterproofing details.
Sometimes the answer is a fully custom system; other times, it’s a smart adaptation of an existing product line to your conditions.

WEB Legacy Systems acts as the bridge between design and engineering, ensuring the final solution is:

Safe
Buildable
Permissible
aligned with the original aesthetic intent
If you have a “can we even do this?” opening, that’s usually a good sign we should talk early.

Can WEB Legacy Systems work with uneven openings or older homes?

Yes—and older homes are often where thoughtful glass upgrades make the biggest difference.

Uneven or out-of-square openings are common in existing construction. In these cases, we:

Perform detailed field measurements
Identify any necessary framing corrections
Coordinate with your contractor on shimming, reframing, or re-squaring as needed
Sometimes we recommend adjusting the opening size slightly to accommodate a system that performs better and is easier to weatherproof.

Our goal is to respect the character of the home while upgrading comfort, light, and functionality. With the right preparation, even older structures can support modern sliding systems that feel like they were meant to be there from the beginning.

Are your systems hurricane-rated, impact-rated, or Title 24 compliant?

 

Impact and energy requirements vary by jurisdiction and project type. Some projects need hurricane or impact-rated systems; others primarily need to satisfy energy code (like California’s Title 24) and local wind load requirements.

WEB Legacy Systems works with manufacturers that offer:

Impact-rated options for designated high-wind or coastal zones (where required)
Energy-efficient glass and thermally broken frames designed to help meet code requirements
Documentation for U-values, SHGC, and performance ratings that your architect or energy consultant can incorporate into calculations
For each project, we clarify:

Your location and exposure
Any specific code requirements called out in your plans or by your jurisdiction
Whether an impact-rated system is required or simply preferred
We then propose systems that align with both design and compliance. Final code approval is always determined by your local building department, but we ensure you are working with appropriate, documented products from the start.

Do you provide thermally broken frames for extreme temperature contrast?

Yes. Thermally broken frames are a core focus of what we provide.

For projects with strong sun exposure, large glass areas, or climates with temperature swings, a thermally broken system helps to:

Reduce interior surface temperature differences
Increase comfort near the glass
Support energy performance goals
When we review your project, we consider orientation (north/south/east/west), shading, and glass type. In many cases, we will recommend thermally broken frames by default because they future-proof the home for changing weather patterns and evolving energy codes.

In short: if thermal performance matters in your project, we will steer you toward the appropriate frame and glass combination rather than treating it as an afterthought.

How do you prevent water intrusion in large glass door installations?

Water management is one of the most critical aspects of a successful installation—especially with big openings.

Our approach includes:

Proper pan flashing and waterproof membranes beneath the system
Careful integration with stucco, siding, or other cladding systems
Manufacturer-recommended sealants and backer rods
Attention to slope and drainage at sills
We coordinate with the GC to ensure the rough opening is prepared correctly, and we follow manufacturer details so that the system can shed water as designed.

In some projects, we also suggest integrated drainage or exterior grading adjustments to protect the opening from standing water.

Done properly, the system should handle normal weather conditions without leaks. Our goal is not just to “install a door,” but to install a door that works as a weather-resistant part of the building envelope.

Can your glass systems be integrated with smart-home automation?

Yes, many modern systems can be integrated with smart-home or security systems to add both convenience and peace of mind.

Depending on the hardware and configuration, options may include:

Door status sensors (open/closed) tied into security systems
Motorized shades inside or above the opening
Integration with whole-home systems that monitor openings for energy or security
During design, we can work with your low-voltage contractor or integrator to:

Reserve space for wiring and devices
Coordinate sensor locations
Ensure that hardware choices are compatible with your preferred smart-home ecosystem
While not every system needs automation, planning for integration early prevents retrofits later and helps your glass systems feel fully connected to the rest of the home’s technology.

What is the typical timeline from quote to installation?

A practical summary looks like this:

Initial Conversation & Budget Range (1–3 days)

You share plans, photos, or rough opening sizes.
We provide a ballpark range and discuss options.
Formal Proposal & Site Measure (1–2 weeks)

Detailed measure or plan review
Configuration, finish, and glass decisions
Final written proposal
Fabrication (6–12 weeks, on average)

Order placed with manufacturer
Production and quality control
Installation (1–5 days per opening)

Scheduled with you and your contractor
Removal of existing units (if needed)
Installation, adjustment, and sealant work
Overall, from first contact to completed installation, most projects fall in the 8–16 week range, depending on decisions, manufacturing lead times, and site readiness. Early planning keeps everything smoother and avoids last-minute rushes.

Do you work with both homeowners and general contractors?

Yes. WEB Legacy Systems was created to serve the whole project team:

Homeowners who want clear education, honest options, and a beautiful result
General contractors who want reliable coordination, accurate lead times, and clean installations
Architects who want their design intent respected and technically supported
For homeowners, we simplify the choices and help you understand what truly matters for your home.

For builders and architects, we act as a specialized trade partner, handling the complexity of system selection, ordering, and installation, so you don’t have to manage every detail yourself.

The best projects happen when all three—owner, GC, and WEB Legacy Systems—are in clean communication early in the process.

Can you help architects with specifications and shop drawings?

Absolutely. Supporting architects is one of the most valuable things we do.

We can assist with:

Product selection that aligns with the design concept
Performance data (U-values, SHGC, structural limits)
Sample specification language for project documents
Manufacturer shop drawings and installation details
This saves time in design and helps avoid later conflicts between concept and constructability.

Our goal is to be the “glass systems department” for your project—ensuring that what is drawn can be built, and that the final result looks and performs as intended.

Do you offer warranties on materials and installation?

Yes. There are typically two layers of protection:

Manufacturer Warranty

Covers frames, glass, and hardware for a defined period (varies by product line)
May include finish warranties on aluminum and seals on insulated glass
Installation Warranty (WEB Legacy Systems)

Covers workmanship for a defined period after installation
Addresses issues related to how the system was installed rather than the product itself
We review the specific warranty terms with you for the system you select, so you know exactly what is covered and for how long.

Our philosophy is simple: a luxury system should come with luxury-level accountability—both from the manufacturer and from the installation team.

Which cities in California do you service — and do you work on high-end custom homes?

 

Our homebase is in Southern California, particularly:

Los Angeles County (including Pasadena, Altadena, Malibu, Santa Monica,  Pacific Palisades, and all surrounding cities)
Select projects in Orange County, San Diego County and other California regions, including Northern California, depending on scope
We primarily serve:

High-end custom homes
Major renovations and additions
Boutique multi-unit or mixed-use projects where design quality is a priority
If your project is outside these areas, we can often review the scope and either assist directly or recommend the best path forward.

The simplest way to find out is to share your project location, plans, and timeline. If it’s a fit, we’ll guide you through the next steps; if not, we’ll be honest about that too.

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