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.
When it comes to enhancing your home’s value, the details matter. Solid wood doors stand out as a premium choice that not only elevates your home’s aesthetic but also offers tangible benefits that can increase its market value. For instance, the combines the elegance of wood with the durability of fiberglass, offering a stylish and […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
Wall Moulding Design is a great way to amp up your space and elevate the overall look of your home. There are a wide range of moulding designs that can add a distinct character to your space. Wall moulding design comes from different kinds of materials, such as PVC, plaster, wood, etc. The right choice […]
Over time, many types of cladding finds its use in the exterior of the building. Since ancient times, cladding was a a layer of protection from the natural elements and as a layer of look and décor for the structure. Due to this, there are many variations in the materials for different types of cladding. […]
Rooftop design ideas open up an interesting world for your roofs or terraces to be meaningful and beautiful at the same time. In India, rooftop design ideas hold immense potential to address critical challenges and enhance community well-being. By integrating solar energy generation, green spaces, and rainwater harvesting, rooftops can contribute significantly to sustainable urban […]
Anthropometry in architecture is the study of human body measurements and proportions to design and layout spaces, furniture, and other elements. It is important to create environments that are comfortable, functional, and cater to the needs of occupants. Anthropometry in architecture considers cultural differences in body size and shape, ensuring diverse backgrounds and characteristics are […]