Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Glossary of Common Restoration Terms - M

Maid Cart
Also called custodial carts or housekeeping carts, maid carts are movable cabinets used to stock and transport cleaning supplies to and from an area, like restrooms, during cleaning and servicing.

Mainstream
The principal channel in a drainage system where other smaller channels flow to is called the mainstream.

Maintenance
In restoration terms, maintenance refers to activities performed to care and upkeep surroundings and facilities to prevent damage and deterioration.

Management
Management in environmental restoration terms refers to the treatment of wetlands to achieve a specific goal like the mitigation or enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat. Restoration management in structural terms refers to the overall coordination, planning and execution of remediation activities for flood, sewage, mold, fire and water damage.

Mandatory Purchase
Under the provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, a mandatory purchase means individuals, businesses, and others who are buying, constructing or renovating properties, that are located in flood-prone areas, are required to purchase flood insurance. Properties without insurance will not receive any direct or indirect financial or disaster assistance from the federal government.

Marks
Marks are visible impressions, indentations or traces by an external object left on a surface. Marks should be repaired immediately to prevent permanent impressions.

Marmoleum
Marmoleum is a type of linoleum floor covering that is formed by coating a layer of linseed oil, powdered cork and rosin on burlap or canvas sheets. To create the desired pattern or color, color pigments are added into the mixture. During restoration work, it should be considered that linoleum is sensitive to alkalis, acids and solvents to avoid damage.

Masking
Masking is the temporary obstruction or covering up of an odor. An example is to use a deodorant or air fresher to cover up sewage or smoke odors from a damaged area.

Masonry
Masonry refers to the construction of structures using materials such as tile, marble, brick, cement, stone, granite or similar materials, which are bound together by mortar. Masonry is a highly durable form of construction.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
MSDS are important documentation that provides and explains valuable information about a chemical product. Information included in the MSDS is the name of the chemical, hazardous ingredients, targeted organs that should be protected, spill clean up methods, and what people should do in case of an emergency.

Maximum Contamination Level (MCL)
After flood damage restoration, water sources can be checked for MCL, which is the highest concentration of a particular constituent of drinking water that is permitted by federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

Mechanical Contractor
Professionals engaging in plumbing, piping and HVAC work are referred to as mechanical contractors.

Membrane
Membranes are thin and pliable roofing materials on flat roofs.

Metal Fixtures
A metal fixture is a device that is part of a system that is configured for a particular use in a home, particularly in kitchens or restrooms. This includes soap dispensers, towel dispensers, tissue dispensers, doors, latches, doorknobs, handles, railings, trimmings and light fixtures.

Micro
The term micro or microscopic refers to something that can be seen only under a microscope.

Microbes
Microbes are microscopic microorganisms that include algae, viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc., and have the possibility of harboring or carrying a disease. There are disinfectants and cleaners that are designed to kill certain strains of microbes that harbor diseases.

Microbial Volatile Organic Compound (MVOC)
MVOC is produced during metabolic processes of microorganisms resulting in the distinctive musty, moldy and mildew odors.

Microorganisms
Microorganisms are microscopic organisms that include bacteria, fungi and viruses. These microorganisms can carry pathogens that can cause diseases and these should be controlled through careful cleaning and maintenance.

Migration
Migration refers to the passage of water and moisture through walls due to absorption. The term can also be used to describe the passage of smoke and soot through pressure.

Mildew
A coating or discoloration on moist surfaces due to molds or fungi is called mildew.

Mineral Deposits
Mineral deposits are hard, scaly residue that forms on tubs, toilets, urinals, sinks and shower surfaces. These deposits are extremely difficult to remove.

Mineral Soil
Mineral soils contain less than 20- to 35-percent organic matter and have little combustible material.

Mitigate
Mitigate means to lessen or compensate for a previous event that had significant impact on a structure or area.

Mitigation
Mitigation in environmental terms refers to the creation or restoration of a wetland to replace an existing wetland damaged by human activities or development. Mitigation in structural terms refers to the restoration work on a loss site due to flood, sewage, mold, fire and water damage with the aim of reducing risks, protection, securing and preserving the property.

Mobilization
Mobilization is the process and procedures used by all federal, state, local and private organizations in an area or community in response to or support of a particular incident like floods, fires, or natural calamities. This includes the activating, assembling and transporting of needed resources as requested.

Moisture Meter
Also called a hygrometer, a moisture meter is used to measure the moisture content of the structure, structural components and contents. Moisture meters can either be penetrating or non-penetrating.

Molds
Molds are a form of fungi that are naturally occurring in nature. These microorganisms produce enzymes that digest dead organic matter and help in the natural process of decomposition. However, mold infestations that occur within the home and other establishments can cause serious health risks to its human inhabitants. Molds are attracted to moisture, particularly on damp areas or surfaces, which have exposure to water damage. Molds propagate through spores released in the air and lands on moisture-rich surfaces.

Mop Bucket
Mop buckets are designed and used to submerge wet mops. These buckets contain a mop wringer to remove or to wring out contaminated or dirty water from mops. Mop buckets have built in casters to allow for easy movement around the floor.

Mop Head
Mop heads are the soft end of mops, usually made of cotton, rayon or synthetic materials, which are applied to floor surfaces for cleaning or finishing purposes. Wet mops are made of cotton to hold more dirty-mop solution for cleaning purposes. Finish mops are made of rayon or similar synthetic blends.

Mopping
Mopping is the process of cleaning floors using mops fastened to the end of a wooden or metal handle. Mopping is an effective method used to remove water remnants on floors after water removal procedures in restoration work.

Morphology
Morphology is the form, shape, or structure of a surface, object or organism.

Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW)
MHSW includes household wastes that have corrosive, flammable, toxic, ignitable or chemically reactive properties. The term is also designated to other household items that require special disposal procedures such as batteries, portable fire extinguishers, fluorescent light bulbs and thermostats.

Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are a diverse class of compounds that are poisonous or hazardous to one's health. These are produced by microorganisms like molds, mushrooms and other fungi. Mycotoxins are produced on mold spores and they can remain toxic even if the spore is dead.

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This glossary is another free service, provided by RestorationSOS^® as a part of our comprehensive service pledge. We believe that knowledge is a key element in a smooth and successful restoration project.

The terms in this glossary are commonly used during fire and water damage restoration projects. These terms are likely to be included in the estimate and contract, and are usually translated into the final cost. Please feel free to contact us with any question or concern.