Star Bolts...They Aren't Just Decoration! - 02/08/11 06:08 PM
You’ve probably seen these cool metal stars on old brick houses and thought they were just a quaint decoration.  The truth is that they are often much more than that.
Bulging or bowing in brick walls is common throughout the Philadelphia region, especially on 3 story rowhomes.  Star bolts are one less-expensive way to avoid completely rebuilding the wall.
Our problem starts in the mortar used to hold the bricks together.
Unlike more modern mortar (Portland cement mixtures), the lime mortar that was used pre-1920 (or so) is subject to dissolving when contacted by moisture or water, weakening the mortar and … (47 comments)

 
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Joseph Michalski - PA Home Inspector

Souderton, PA

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Sherlock Homes Inspections

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