If you’re in the market for an old property that was built at the end of the 1800’s or the early 1900’s, there are some very important safety measures that you should check.
It’s no surprise that buildings were built differently in those times and with less modern resources than what is available to us in the construction world today.
If you look at any building construction or firefighting textbooks you will notice there are a lot of references to what are known as ‘reinforcing stars’ on many structures and buildings. They are used in load-bearing walls constructed from masonry.
Towards the end of the 19th century and during the beginning of the 20th, they were used often in the construction of buildings to connect cables and tie rods and provide support when they were used to stabilize older structures.
They were often connected to the ends of joists or girders instead of the cables and tie-rods. Although the most common shape used were stars, other types were also utilised.
It is crucial to remember that because these reinforcing plates were very costly, they normally were used on sides of buildings that were clearly visible.
On the sides and parts of buildings, these plates were not especially decorative and may even have simply comprised of a scrap piece of iron. The cables or tie-rods that are used to connect to the reinforcing plates tend to suffer from issues when they are exposed to the high temperatures of fires in buildings.
As a result, the building or a section of it could collapse quicker. Certainly not ideal for your new home or building when you’re responsible for keeping everybody safe.
An additional problem is that these reinforcing plates or stars normally have a decorative facade that has been used as concealment against their unattractive appearance and deterioration on the more exposed sides of a structure.
Because of this, you may only see them on sides of buildings that are not generally visible or those that are only visible from alleyways.
Your pre-incident plan should note the presence of any reinforcing plates or stars, particularly if during renovation work on the building, they had been concealed.
That being said, not all reinforcing plates or stars are installed for the basis of stabilizing an overloaded or deteriorating structure.
Many buildings feature these reinforcements in the original designs and are connected to the joists and girders directly to give greater stability, instead of using cables or tie-rods.
One way you can tell if they have been used in this way is if they are positioned at consistent spots on the building walls or in rows, instead of just random spots. Another note you should make on your pre-incident plan is if the joists or girders of the building are tied to load-bearing or exterior walls.
In the event of a fire, when joists or girders tied to exterior walls fail they can cause the walls and floors to fail, but not as you might think, the floors were the joists are releasing from the walls.
In an age of extravagance, minimalist interior design is a welcome splash of fresh air for home. De-cluttering the extraneous, prioritizing function, and embracing sleek visual beauty, minimalism is more a philosophy than a style. While minimalist interiors to others appear sparse or too minimalist, real estate trends indicate that minimalist, uncluttered houses are what […]
When designing a small space kitchen planners use smart solutions that help to save space and create a practical clutter-free kitchen environment for space and cooking things. A small space kitchen design can be very functional and beautiful if every inch is used and the right materials are selected. Having a small kitchen can be […]
Along with other furniture, storage units for living room play a vital role in Indian households. From handcrafted artifacts to vases and books, everything is stored in these units. Adding storage units for living room makes the space truly multipurpose while also acting as a fine decor element. Vivid products like TV units, bookshelves, consoles, […]
A well-designed driveway not only adds value to your property but also improves functionality and curb appeal. When it comes to creating a durable, attractive parking area, choosing the right type of parking tiles are essential. Parking tiles are specifically designed to withstand the weight of vehicles, resist weather elements, and maintain their appearance over […]
Looking to transform your dining space? A modern crockery unit design can be the key element for the upgrade! In addition to its usefulness, an ideal crockery unit design provides a less cluttered space, adds ease of access, and serves as a feature of your home. Recent innovations in design also allow you to adapt […]
Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]
One of the significant decor elements for the living room is the sofa. Sofa designs for living room radiates the feeling of comfort, the dweller’s personality, and their personal touch to the design. From traditional Indian settees to modern-day lounges, with plenty of choices available, it can be puzzling what to choose. With this curation […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]