What is a star bolt?

A star bolt is a structural anchoring system used to help stabilize masonry walls that are bowing, separating, or pulling away from the building structure. The name comes from the star-shaped plate that is typically visible on the exterior face of the wall.

A star bolt system generally uses a steel rod or tie that connects the masonry wall back to the building's interior framing or another structural support point. The exterior plate helps distribute the load across the masonry while the anchoring system provides restraint against further outward movement.

Star bolts are commonly seen on brick and masonry buildings, including Philadelphia rowhomes. Whether they are appropriate for a particular wall depends on the condition of the masonry, the type and amount of movement, the available framing or anchoring points, and the overall structural conditions.

NK Construction & Design evaluates those conditions before determining whether star bolts are an appropriate repair method and how the system should be designed and installed.