SimplifyDIY Glossary: M
M
Mansard roof
A roof with steep sides, angled at 72 degrees, and a flat top, providing maximum space.
Marine plywood
Exterior-grade plywood.
Mastic
A gel that dries to form a waterproof seal, used around the edges of baths, shower trays, sinks and shower screens. Also known as "silicone sealant".
MCB
An MCB (miniature circuit breaker) is a type of 'fuse' in a consumer unit that protects an electrical circuit. If the circuit undergoes overloading or has a fault, the MCB will 'trip' to shut off the power to the circuit. Unlike old fashioned fuses, MCBs can simply be switched back on when the fault has been rectified.
MDF
Medium-density fibreboard, a man-made sheet material that can be worked like wood and is used as a substitute for it.
Megger
Test meter used by electricians.
Mezzanine
An extra floor level, inserted into a room that has double height ceilings to create additional space.
Mitre
A joint between two pieces of wood formed by cutting 45 degree bevels at the end of each piece; also to cut such a joint.
Mixer Shower
Uses a valve to mix hot and cold water together.
Mono-pitch roof
A roof surface that sloped in one direction only.
Mortar
Mixture of sand, cement, water and sometimes lime used to join stones or bricks.
Mortise and tenon
A very strong carpentry joint. A mortise is a hole cut into a piece of wood, designed such that the projecting and complememtary tenon on the other piece of wood fits perfectly into it, at right angles.
Mouse
A small weight attached the to end of a line to help pass it through a narrow opening.
Muck
A colloquial term for wet mortar, cement or plaster.
Mullion
Vertical bar dividing individual lights in a window or panels in a door.
Muntin
Horizontal bar dividing individual lights in a window or panels in a door.
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