M
Main
The principle water pipe from which other pipes branch.
Mantel
The shelf above a fireplace, also used in referring or the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.
Maple
Both hard and soft maple are generally light tan and used in construction where hardness is a major factor. Used for expensive cabinetwork, flooring, doors, and trim. Often used for interior railings, posts, and furniture.
Masonry
Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete-block, gypsum-block, or other similar building units or materials or a combination of the same, bonded together with mortar to form a wall, pier, buttress or similar mass.
Mastic
A flexible adhesive for adhering building materials.
Mechanic's Lien
The right given to a contractor or material supplier over a property for material supplied or work performed and not yet paid.
Metal Wall Ties
Strips of corrugated metal used to tie a brick veneer wall to a framework.
Millwork
Lumber that is shaped to a given pattern or molded form. It includes dressing, matching, and machining. Examples include casing, base, panel door parts, and stair rails.
Miter Joint
A joint made with the ends or edges of two pieces of lumber cut at a 45-degree angle and fitted together.
Modular Construction
Construction in which the size of all the building materials is based on a common unit of measure.
Moisture Barrier
A material such as specially treated paper that retards the passage of vapor or moisture into walls, and prevents condensation with the walls.
Monolithic Slab
A slab foundation that is part of the footings.
Mortar
A mixture of cement, sand and water, used by the mason as a bonding agent for bricks and stone.
Mortgage
A document used to hold property as security for a debt.
Mullion
A vertical bar or divider in the frame between windows, doors, or other openings.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
A real estate brokerage service organized by local brokers to share real estate listed for sale.
Muntin
A small member, which divides the glass or openings of sash or doors.