Glossary

Actuator

A gate actuator is a mechanical device to open swing gates remotely. The term “actuator” refers to a mechanism that “moves something.” An actuator is one type of gate operator (generally for swing gates). 

Aluminco

Aluminco is a partner of Mulholland Brand. Aluminco has been in business for over 35 years, originally as a family business, but now has a global footprint. To this day, Aluminco exports to more than 60 countries worldwide.

Alloy

An alloy is a combination of metals. Engineers combine various types of metals to create alloys that have particular characteristics. At Mulholland Brand, we use an alloy called 6063-T5, which is an architectural alloy designed for strength and corrosion resistance.

Baluster

Balusters (Also referred to as Spindles, however, this is more common in furniture construction) are decorative pickets on railings. A cluster of balusters is referred to as a balustrade. 

Battery Back Up

Gate operators that require voltage are vulnerable to power outages. Battery back ups allow your gate operator to continue operating with electricity from the back up battery for a limited amount of time.

These are especially handy for gates that require emergency access/exit.

Bollard

A bollard is a short, vertical post. These are commonly used to control traffic and prevent vehicle entry/exit. 

Cane Bolt

Cane bolts are sliding bolts that fit into the ground. They’re called cane bolts because they look like a cane. These are generally used for swing gates and help the gate stay in a certain position with the support of the ground to secure your gate from heavy forces such as cars and high winds.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is iron that is formed by pouring molten iron into a cast and letting it cool. It is generally a commercial alloy of iron carbon, and silicon.

Cantilever Gate

Cantilever refers to a type of design for a heavy sliding gates. The cantilever design is recognizable by the presence of a diagonal beam at the back of the gate as well (as throughout the gate’s structure sometimes). This design is commonly used for very heavy gates made from steel and iron that require more structural support.

The cantilever design offsets the weight of a long gate in its closed position. 

Chain Motor

Chain motors are commonly used for sliding driveway gates. They operate similar to the way a flagpole works. A chain is attached to a gear in the motor box and the end of a sliding gate. 

Clavo

Clavo refers to decorative iron nails that are used in wooden gates & fences that are combined with iron. Clavo is derived from Spanish, meaning “nail.” Clavos are decorative nails commonly found on old, traditional wooden doors.

Storage Function

Storage Function for your lock set keeps your gate locked from the outside at all times with the option of being accessible by key. This is common for gates that are a secondary/side entrance to a residential property or commercial building gates/doors where security is a main consideration.

Corten Steel

Commonly known as “Weathered Steel.” The name is derived from the company “Corten” who designed the metal to rust faster than standard steel for aesthetic purposes.

Cylinder Lock

A cylinder lock operates by a key turning the cylinder (also referred to as a “plug”), which operates a mechanism attached to the latch or bolt. When the key turns the cylinder, the latch/bolt retracts, allowing your gate to open. 

Exit Button

Exit buttons are used for releasing a lock with a push of a button. Exit buttons require voltage to operate and can be used with locks such as MagLocks and electric strikes.

Exit Loop

Exit loops are generally utilized to remotely operate gates on long driveways. These are sensors are installed underground and connected to the gate operator. Exit loops can sense when an object like a car passes. When the object passes the loop, the gate is instructed to close. These loops are used as a safety precaution to make sure gates don’t close on cars if they’re still within the gate’s path of operation. Exit loops also provide an extra level of convenience by automating the gate operator so the owner does not have to open and close the gate when a guest leaves.

Extrusion

The term “extrusion” can be used a both a verb and a noun. Extrusion is the process of shaping a material by pushing it through a die. Materials like steel, aluminum, and vinyl can be extruded to form various shapes. The final product formed by extrusion is called “an extrusion.”

Free Egress

Free egress is the ability to exit without delay or obstruction. This is a common term used with regard to escaping emergency situations through gates. If there is a delay in an exit attempt, this is referred to as “delayed egress.”

Galvanization

The process of galvanization is commonly used for iron gates and fences. This is the process of applying a layer of zinc to the metal for corrosion resistance properties.

MagLock

A MagLock is simply a lock that is operated by powerful magnets. These types of locks require voltage to operate.

MagLocks are generally used for double swing gates but can be used for a variety of situations. The reason they are common for double swing gates is because these types of gates can usually be pushed to let someone or something through

Knot

Knots are imperfections in wood that are formed by the development of a branch. The more knots present on a wood face, the lower the grade.

Leaf

A “leaf” refers to any movable gate panel. This is generally used when referring to swing gate panels; however, it is also used for sliding gates if there are multiple panels (e.g. Tandem gate panels may have 2 or 3 leaves).

Lock Function

Lock sets can have various lock functions depending on where your gate is on your property and how you plan on using your gate. Some common lock functions are storage function and passage function.

Loop

A loop is a sensor installed in the ground used for driveway gates to operate the gate. When an object is on the sensor or passes the sensor, the loop operates the gate to open, stay open, or close. There are various types of loops (i.e. Shadow Loop, Exit Loop) for different purposes. 

Manual Override

Gate operators and locks that require voltage are vulnerable to power outages. Manual override options allow you to operate your gate manually without power. 

Overhead Gate

Overhead gates are swing gates that open and close by swinging vertically. They can be operated manually or by electronic gate operator. The most common types of overhead gate designs operate by an actuator swing arm or on a track/rail. This system is commonly used for garage doors, however, they can be effective in a variety of situations where space is limited.

Rack & Pinion

Rack & pinion systems operate by a circular gear interacting with a linear gear. The linear gear acts like a track. As the circular gear rotates, the linear gear travels in a straight line.

For sliding gates, we install gate operators that utilize the rack & pinion system. These types of systems are more efficient and compact compared to typical chain operated motors. 

Passage Function

Passage Function for your lock set allows you to manually operate your gate latch at all times for entry and exit. This is common for gates that are a main entrance to a residential property. Since these lock sets allow easy entry/exit from both sides with the handle, they are usually accompanied by a deadbolt for security. 

Penofin Oil

Penofil oil is a deep penetrating oil used to protect hardwoods often used in high quality fencing and gates.

Photo Cell

Photo cells are used as a safety measure for gates. Photo cells emit an infrared beam from one cell to another. If the beam is broken (e.g. By a person or animal), the gate operator will stop moving or revert to its fully open position. 

Powder Coat

Powder coating is a type of finish that is specifically applied to metals. Powder coating is electrostatically applied and cured in an oven. Compared to standard acrylic or spray paint, powder coating is more durable and longer lasting.

Receiving Post

A receiving post is the post that “receives” your gate latch bolt and keeps it closed/secure. These are most commonly used for single swing gates.

Scroll

A scroll is a decorative piece of iron that is worked into wrought iron style gates and fences. Scrolls are winding pieces of iron that are welded onto or into the ironwork. 

Shadow Loop

A shadow loop is an underground sensor that is designed to sense an object such as a car for a driveway gate. Shadow loops are designed to sense the shadow of the object and instruct the gate to stay open.

Spikes

Also referred to as “Finials,” Spikes decorative toppers that are commonly found on top of iron gates and fences. Spikes are can come in various shapes and sizes, such as, spheres, points, ovals, oblongs, and fleur de lis designs.

Rollers

Also referred to as “Roller Guides,” Rollers guide a sliding gate leaf/panel so it doesn’t fall over as the gate opens/closes.

Rosette

Rosette refers to the decorative pieces of iron that are worked into iron gates and fences. These decorative pieces are commonly found on wrought iron [style] gates and fencing to give a traditional look.They generally look like roses, which is where the name “Rosette” comes from.

Stain

A stain is a liquid that is applied to wooden gates and fences that change the natural color of the wood. A stain is used to darken a wood’s natural color. A bleach is used to lighten a wood’s natural color. Staining can also help protect wood and prolong its longevity.

Strike/Electric Strike

The strike of your door is the plate attached to your doorway that your latch “strikes.” Your latch strikes this plate and secures the latch. These are important so your door is guided into its closed position properly.

Electric strikes are strikes that are connected to voltage. These strikes can be operated by accessories such as a keypad, intercom, or remote control. These strikes are designed to flip out of the way of the latch releasing the door to open freely. 

Tandem Gate

Sliding gates require space behind the gate for the gate to open properly. The space requirement is generally the length of the gate plus another couple feet; However, some properties have restricted space and don’t allow for a standard sliding gate. 

Tandem gates are made up of two or more panels that slide in the same direction.  Since tandem gates are made up of multiple panels, this reduces the amount of space required in the open position.

Trellidor

Trellidor is an industry leading manufacturer of steel and aluminum building elements, such as, gates, fences, railing systems, and pergolas, based in Israel. Mulholland Brand is a subsidiary of Trellidor. 

Wood-Like

This refers to Mulholland Brand’s Wood-Like line of aluminum gates and fences. The Wood-Like line has all the benefits of aluminum with a wood-like appearance from sublimation printing.

Wood-Like does not does not require welding and is as easy to install as any of our powder coated products. With our Wood-Like line, you benefit from the beauty and warmth of wood with none of wood’s maintenance responsibilities.

Wrought Iron

The term “wrought iron” is derived from the term “worked iron.” Wrought iron is formed by heating iron until it is soft enough to be worked into its final desired form.

Today, wrought iron is used as a generic term in the gate and fence industry and refers to the look of wrought iron as opposed to actual wrought iron. Currently, mild steel is used to manufacture “wrought iron” gates and fences since real wrought iron is very expensive.