Custom Home Builders in Elk River- Lehmann Construction Glossary

Paul Lehmann's Home Building Dictionary

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Male

Any part designed to fit into another (female) part. Such as in a deadbolt, door lock, etc.

Mantel

The shelf above the opening of a fireplace. Mantel is also used in reference to the decorative trim around the fireplace opening.

Masonry

Building materials such as brick, stone, concrete block, hollow tile, or similar units typically bonded together with mortar to form a wall.

Mastic

A pasty material often used as a protective covering for thermal insulation or waterproofing or also as a cement for setting tile.

Medallions

Decorative items normally adhered to a ceiling. Can be stone, plaster or other material.

Milar/Mylar

Transparent, plastic copies of the blueprints of a project.

Millwork

Refers to almost all building materials made of finished wood and manufactured in millworking plants. This would include moldings, interior trim, doors, door and window frames, blinds, panelwork, mantels, etc but not flooring, ceiling or siding.

Miter Joint

The joint in which two pieces meet at an angle that bisects the joining angle. For example: the miter joint at the side and head casing of a door opening is made at a 45 degree angle.

Molding

Wooden strips having a decorative, engraved surface.

Monitored Security System

Professionally installed system that includes alarm, sensors and communication device that reports to a monitoring service. Designed to detect intrusion or other hazards such as fire.

Mortar

Cement mixed with sand and water for use in masonry work.

Mortise

A slot cut edgeways into a board, plank or timber to receive the tenon of another board to form a joint.

Motor Court

Refers to the driveway area in front of the garage.

Mudsill

Horizontal member of an exterior wall frame located at the bottom just above the foundation. Also called a sill plate.

Mullion

Vertical divider found in the frame between doors, windows or other openings of the home.

Muntins

Small member which is used to divide the glass or openings of sashs or doors.