Signs to take seriously
- A wall that visibly bulges outward, or a gap opening between the front wall and the side or party walls
- Cracks that run diagonally through bricks, not just along mortar joints
- Bricks or mortar falling onto the sidewalk
- Doors and windows that suddenly stick, or new cracks inside on the same wall
If masonry is falling or a wall looks unstable, keep people clear and contact a professional right away.
What star bolts are
The decorative iron stars seen on many Philadelphia facades are the visible ends of ties that hold a masonry wall to the floor framing. On a register-listed property, the Historical Commission reviews the installation, alteration, repair or removal of star bolts, and exterior repairs often need its approval.
Who to call
A structural engineer can tell you whether the wall needs tying back, partial rebuilding or just repointing, and their drawings tell the contractor what to build. Structural repairs are not covered by L&I’s list of projects that often need no permit, so expect your contractor to apply for one. A licensed contractor is required to pull permits.
Help paying for it
The City’s Restore, Repair, Renew loans list “roof, siding, foundation, and masonry” among eligible repairs. PHDC’s Basic Systems Repair Program covers limited repairs to exterior walls for eligible owner-occupants, but says brick pointing and stucco are not considered emergencies. Paying for masonry repairs.