Brittle Test

What Is a Brittle Test?

A brittle test (also called a “brittleness test” or “flexibility test”) is an informal field practice where inspectors manually lift or bend asphalt shingles to assess whether they’ve lost flexibility due to aging or weathering. The test attempts to determine if shingles can withstand basic manipulation without cracking, breaking, or showing permanent creasing.

Important context: There is no official, standardized brittle test methodology for field inspections. Unlike laboratory material testing that follows established ASTM standards, field brittle testing is a subjective practice that varies significantly between inspectors and companies. This lack of standardization is why authoritative sources like Haag Engineering explicitly caution against the practice.

Insurance companies often use brittle test results to determine if roof damage stems from a covered storm event or from normal wear and aging. Understanding the limitations and proper approach to this subjective field practice can help Colorado Springs homeowners challenge questionable findings that threaten legitimate claims.

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Understanding the Lack of Standardization

Before discussing field testing methodology, it’s critical to understand what brittle testing is—and what it isn’t.

What Brittle Testing Is NOT

Not an ASTM standard test: There is no ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standard for field brittle testing of installed asphalt shingles. Haag Engineering’s Dr. Carlos Lopez, Ph.D., P.E. states definitively: “There is no ASTM, ANSI, Haag, or other industry-accepted, peer-reviewed method to determine or quantify shingle brittleness.”

The closest standardized test is ASTM D3462, which includes a “pliability test” performed on new shingles during manufacturing—but this standard explicitly states it is “designed for the evaluation of products as manufactured” and that physical requirements “after application and during in-service use” are “beyond the scope” of this specification.

Not a laboratory material science test: True brittleness testing in material science follows controlled standards like ASTM D746 or ISO 812, which test brittleness temperature of plastics and elastomers by cooling samples to specific temperatures and applying controlled impact forces. These tests are performed on raw asphalt binder or other materials—not finished shingle products on roofs.

Not a universally accepted practice: Recognized roofing authorities, including Haag Engineering and IIBEC (International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants), caution against field brittle testing because of its potential to cause damage and its inherently subjective nature. IIBEC notes: “The so-called brittle test for shingles—often administered by folks of dubious qualification—is in no way repeatable.”

What Brittle Testing IS

A practical repair-feasibility assessment: The real purpose of field brittle testing is to determine whether shingles can be handled during repairs without causing additional damage. If shingles are so brittle they crack when lifted for repair work, the scope may need to change from spot repair to broader replacement.

A highly subjective field practice: Without standardized force, angle, speed, or temperature conditions, results are inconsistent and not scientifically repeatable. Haag Engineering documents: “The list of other ‘Brittleness Tests’ with different failure criteria goes on and on.” Two inspectors testing the same roof under different conditions may reach opposite conclusions.

Temperature-dependent: Asphalt shingles are ductile materials designed to bend and deform under stress. As temperature drops, the asphalt binder stiffens and loses ductility, becoming brittle. A shingle that’s flexible at 70°F can crack easily at 30°F—not because it’s defective, but because of normal material behavior.

My Field Brittle Test Approach: A Balanced Methodology

Given the lack of official standards, I’ve developed a systematic field approach that balances the practical need to assess repair feasibility against the risk of causing unnecessary damage. This methodology acknowledges the test’s limitations while providing consistent, documentable results.

The 4-Step Protocol

Step 1: Baseline documentation

Before touching any shingle, I photograph an undamaged shingle on the slope being tested. This establishes that the shingle showed no visible creasing, cracking, or damage in its natural state. This “before” photo serves as critical evidence that any damage observed post-test didn’t exist prior.

Step 2: Controlled, minimal-angle lift

Using a putty knife, I carefully break the seal on the bottom of the shingle tab. Then I lift the entire shingle from the bottom edge (never from a corner) to approximately 45 degrees—the minimum angle needed to assess flexibility for repair purposes.

This conservative approach mimics what a roofer would do when lifting a shingle to seal a penetration or replace an adjacent damaged shingle. I lift slowly and gently, applying only the force necessary to reach the test angle. The shingle may be lifted up to 3 times to assess consistency, but never with excessive force or speed.

Step 3: Post-test documentation

I return the shingle carefully to its original position and photograph it again. The assessment is straightforward:

• Brittle/inflexible: A crease appears at the top of the shingle after lifting, or the shingle tears/cracks during the controlled, gentle lifting process
• Flexible/serviceable: No crease forms and no damage occurs during the controlled lift

Step 4: On-site notation

I write clear notations in chalk on each slope next to tested shingles (e.g., “Flexible” or “Brittle – cracked on lift”). This creates photographable documentation of findings for each roof section.

Critical Testing Requirements

Temperature threshold: Field brittle testing should only be performed when ambient temperature is 40°F or higher. This threshold aligns with manufacturer recommendations from GAF, Owens Corning, and Malarkey for safe shingle handling. IKO uses a more conservative 50°F threshold, and ARMA defers to individual manufacturer guidelines.

Below 40°F, even healthy shingles become temporarily more rigid due to normal material properties, producing unreliable results that don’t reflect the shingle’s condition at normal operating temperatures.

Why 40°F matters: Asphalt’s transition temperature—the point at which it loses ductile properties and becomes brittle—varies by formulation. Industry practice establishes 40°F as the safe threshold for most products. Testing below this temperature will cause even serviceable shingles to crack, yielding false indicators of brittleness.

Video documentation: In addition to before/after photographs, I record video of the entire testing procedure. This provides evidence of gentle handling, appropriate lift angle, controlled speed, and the temperature conditions during testing.

Multiple slopes: The test must be performed on representative areas of every slope being claimed. A single test doesn’t capture differential weathering between exposures.

Random, unbiased selection: Shingles should be selected randomly from various areas of each slope—not exclusively from the most weathered-looking sections, which creates biased results.

The Science Behind Shingle Flexibility

Understanding the material science of asphalt shingles explains why field brittle testing is so problematic and temperature-dependent.

Ductility vs. Brittleness

Ductile materials: Asphalt shingles are designed to be ductile, meaning they can bend and deform under stress without immediately fracturing. InterNACHI defines this: “Ductility is the property that gives shingles their flexibility. Good ductile properties allow shingles to bend and return to their original shape without damage.”

This ductility allows shingles to handle normal thermal expansion and contraction, wind uplift forces, and foot traffic during inspections or maintenance.

Brittle materials: As asphalt ages or temperature drops, it loses ductility and becomes brittle—fracturing under stress rather than bending. This transition isn’t binary (flexible vs. brittle) but rather a spectrum affected by both permanent aging and temporary temperature conditions.

Temperature’s Dramatic Effect

Warm weather behavior (70°F+): At normal summer temperatures, the asphalt binder remains flexible and ductile. Shingles can be lifted, bent, and manipulated during repairs without cracking.

Cold weather behavior (below 40°F): As temperature drops, the asphalt binder stiffens significantly. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) explains: “Asphalt is a thermoplastic material that responds to temperature: softens when heated and hardens when cooled.”

Even new, high-quality shingles become rigid and prone to cracking if bent in cold conditions. This is temporary material behavior, not permanent damage or defect.

The implication: A shingle that cracks during a brittle test at 35°F in the morning might remain completely flexible if tested at 65°F in the afternoon. The shingle hasn’t changed—only its temporary material properties based on temperature.

Aging and Weathering

UV exposure: Over time, prolonged UV exposure causes the asphalt to oxidize and dry out, permanently reducing flexibility. This process is accelerated at Colorado’s high elevation where UV intensity is greater than at sea level.

Loss of volatiles: Fresh asphalt contains oils and volatiles that maintain flexibility. As these evaporate over years of exposure, the asphalt becomes progressively stiffer and more brittle at all temperatures.

Permanent vs. temporary brittleness: Aging causes permanent brittleness regardless of temperature, while cold weather causes temporary brittleness even in healthy shingles. A proper brittle test must distinguish between these two very different conditions.

Why There’s No Universal Standard

The absence of a standardized field brittle test isn’t an oversight—it reflects the fundamental difficulty of creating an objective, repeatable field test for a temperature-dependent material property.

The Challenges of Standardization

Temperature variability: Shingle behavior changes dramatically with temperature. Any field test would need to specify not just ambient air temperature, but also shingle surface temperature (which can differ by 20-30°F from air temperature based on sun exposure).

Material variability: Different manufacturers use different asphalt formulations with varying flexibility characteristics. A standard that works for one brand might not apply to another.

Age variability: A 5-year-old roof and a 20-year-old roof require different handling considerations. Age-appropriate standards would be extremely complex.

Subjectivity of force and speed: Human testers apply force differently. What feels like “gentle lifting” to one inspector might be excessive force to another. Laboratory tests use calibrated instruments to eliminate this variable.

Risk of damage: Any field test that involves bending shingles risks causing damage, especially in borderline cases. Haag Engineering demonstrated this by publishing photographs showing that common brittle test methods damage even brand-new, unweathered shingles.

Manufacturer Guidance

Rather than endorsing specific brittle testing protocols, shingle manufacturers provide handling recommendations:

Cold weather cautions: Manufacturers and ARMA recommend extreme caution when handling shingles below 40°F. ARMA’s technical bulletin warns: “Use caution when handling bundles of shingles and individual shingles in cold weather as they may crack, or in severe cases, break apart.”

Repair best practices: When repairs must occur in cold weather, manufacturers recommend:

• Store shingles indoors in heated areas (above 70°F) for 24+ hours before use
• Avoid bending, throwing, or dropping shingle bundles
• Hand-seal shingles with quarter-sized dabs of roofing cement
• Consider open metal valleys rather than woven valleys that require bending

No endorsement of field testing: Manufacturers don’t endorse field brittle testing as a standard practice, recognizing its subjective nature and damage potential.

Common Problems with Improper Field Brittle Testing

Because there’s no standard methodology, field brittle testing is subject to significant abuse and error. Here are the most common problems I encounter.

Testing in Cold Weather

The problem: Testing shingles when temperatures are below 40°F—or worse, below freezing—will cause even healthy shingles to crack. This produces false indicators of brittleness that don’t reflect the shingle’s actual condition during normal weather.

Red flags:

• Tests conducted early morning when overnight temperatures were below 40°F
• Tests during fall/winter/spring when ambient temperatures hover near freezing
• No temperature documentation in the inspection report
• Shingles tested while in shade (surface temperature can be 15-20°F below air temperature)

What to look for: Timestamps on test photos cross-referenced with weather data. Was testing performed at 8 AM when it was 35°F? The results are invalid.

Excessive Force or Speed

The problem: Applying rapid force or bending shingles with excessive speed will cause cracking regardless of condition. Haag Engineering warns that improper testing “could cause damage to any shingle regardless of its age/condition.”

Red flags:

• Inspectors who complete testing in 10-15 minutes (proper testing takes 30-60+ minutes)
• Lack of video showing gentle, controlled manipulation
• Multiple shingles tested on same slope all showing identical crack patterns (suggests aggressive testing technique)
• Shingles lifted beyond 45-60 degrees

What to look for: Video evidence (or lack thereof) showing handling technique. Without video, you can’t verify force and speed were appropriate.

Excessive Bending Angles

The problem: Some inspectors bend shingles 90 degrees or fold them completely backward. Haag documented this practice, publishing a photo of “a 90-degree bend, with a tight radius of curvature, causing damage to a new three-tab composition shingle.”

While this extreme manipulation will certainly cause failures, it doesn’t reflect the handling needed for repairs.

Practical repair consideration: Roofers don’t need to fold shingles in half to replace adjacent damaged shingles or seal penetrations. They need to lift shingles 30-45 degrees. Testing beyond this angle doesn’t assess repair feasibility.

What to look for: Photos showing bend angles. If shingles were folded 90+ degrees, the methodology doesn’t reflect real-world repair requirements.

Insufficient or Biased Sampling

The problem: Testing 3-5 shingles on a 3,000 square foot roof (representing less than 0.2% of shingles) cannot determine overall roof condition, especially if those few shingles are deliberately selected from the most weathered areas.

Statistical reality: Every roof has some shingles in worse condition than others. South and west-facing slopes experience more UV exposure. Testing only worst-case areas creates biased results.

What to look for: How many shingles were tested per slope? Were they randomly selected or chosen from obviously weathered areas? A proper assessment requires testing multiple shingles across all exposures.

Lack of Documentation

The problem: Without comprehensive photo and video documentation, you cannot verify the inspector used appropriate temperature conditions, gentle handling, minimal angles, or unbiased selection.

Essential documentation:

• Temperature reading at time of testing (ideally with thermometer in photo)
• Before photos of undamaged shingles
• Video of lifting process showing technique, speed, and angle
• After photos showing any damage
• Documentation of which shingles were tested on each slope

What to look for: Comprehensive documentation package. If the inspector can’t provide detailed photo/video evidence of methodology, the results should be questioned.

What Brittle Testing Actually Determines

Despite its limitations, field brittle testing serves a practical purpose when performed appropriately. Understanding what it actually assesses (and what it doesn’t) is crucial.

The Real Question

Field brittle testing attempts to answer: Can these shingles be handled during repair work without causing additional damage?

This is fundamentally different from questions like:

• How much longer will this roof last? (Can’t be determined by brittle test alone)
• Is this roof defective? (Requires laboratory analysis, not field testing)
• Was damage caused by a storm or aging? (Requires comprehensive damage assessment, not just flexibility testing)

Repair Feasibility Assessment

The practical implication: If shingles crack when gently lifted 30-45 degrees in appropriate temperature conditions, attempting repairs will likely cause more damage than the original problem. In this scenario, spot repairs become infeasible and broader work may be necessary.

The limitation: This doesn’t automatically mean full replacement is required. It means repair approach needs adjustment—potentially including larger repair areas, replacement of full slopes, or scheduling during warmer weather.

Age vs. Damage Distinction

Key point: A brittle test doesn’t distinguish between aging and storm damage. Shingles can be brittle due to natural aging but still have storm damage requiring coverage. The two issues are related but separate.

For claims purposes: Even if shingles are brittle, if documented storm damage exists (hail impacts, wind-torn shingles, etc.), coverage may still apply. Brittleness affects repair method, not necessarily coverage eligibility.

How Brittle Test Results Affect Insurance Claims

Understanding how insurance companies use brittle test results helps you navigate the claims process and challenge inappropriate denials.

Claim Scenarios

Scenario 1: Storm damage + flexible shingles
The roof sustained covered damage and shingles remain flexible enough for spot repairs when tested under proper conditions (40°F+). Insurance typically covers repair costs minus deductible.

Scenario 2: Storm damage + brittle shingles
The roof sustained covered damage but shingles are too fragile for safe spot repairs due to aging. If the storm damage occurred during the policy period, insurance may still provide coverage—brittleness affects repair approach but doesn’t negate storm damage.

Scenario 3: Improper brittle test
Insurance denies based on a flawed test (cold weather, excessive force, insufficient sampling). This denial can be challenged with proper re-testing under appropriate conditions.

Scenario 4: Pre-existing brittleness without storm damage
If no recent storm damage can be documented and brittleness results purely from aging and weathering, coverage typically doesn’t apply. This is normal wear and tear, not a covered loss.

Common Denial Arguments to Challenge

“The roof is too brittle to repair”: This may be accurate, but brittleness alone doesn’t negate storm damage. If recent hail or wind damage is documented, coverage may still apply for replacement rather than repair.

“Brittleness proves damage is from aging, not storms”: This conflates two separate issues. Shingles can be aged/brittle AND have recent storm damage. The brittleness affects how repairs are performed, not whether storm damage exists.

“Testing shows shingles are at end of useful life”: A field brittle test cannot determine remaining service life. That requires comprehensive assessment of granule loss, mat integrity, seal strip effectiveness, and other factors beyond simple flexibility.

Challenging Questionable Brittle Test Results

If you believe a brittle test was improperly conducted or produced unreliable results, you have several options for challenging the findings.

Document Your Concerns

Temperature verification:

• Obtain weather data for the test date/time from Weather Underground or NOAA
• Document if testing occurred when temperatures were below 40°F
• Note if testing occurred early morning vs. afternoon
• Check if tested shingles were in shade vs. sun

Methodology questions:

• Request all photos and videos showing test technique
• Document excessive bending angles if visible in photos
• Note if inspector completed testing suspiciously quickly
• Identify lack of documentation showing gentle, controlled technique

Sample bias:

• Map which shingles were tested on which slopes
• Document if only high-UV exposure areas (south/west) were tested
• Note if sample size was statistically insignificant
• Identify if obviously weathered areas were exclusively selected

Lack of documentation:

• Note absence of temperature documentation
• Identify missing video evidence of methodology
• Point out lack of before photos showing undamaged condition
• Document insufficient sampling across all slopes

Request Re-Testing Under Proper Conditions

Hire a qualified roof consultant to perform properly documented testing:

Temperature requirements: Schedule testing for afternoon hours when temperatures are 50°F or higher. Document temperature with calibrated thermometer visible in photos.

Comprehensive sampling: Test multiple shingles on all slopes, randomly selected from various areas.

Gentle methodology: Use controlled, slow lifting with minimal force at conservative angles (30-45 degrees maximum).

Complete documentation: Provide comprehensive photo/video documentation showing temperature, technique, sample locations, and results.

Independent expertise: Use an inspector with no financial interest in outcomes—ideally someone with Haag Engineering certification.

Submit Challenge Documentation

Compile your challenge package:

• Weather data proving inappropriate testing temperature
• Comparative photos showing excessive force or bending angles
• Independent inspection report with proper methodology
• Analysis of sample bias or insufficient sampling
• Notation of missing documentation from original test
• Reference to manufacturer handling guidelines (40°F threshold)
• Reference to Haag Engineering’s cautions about field brittle testing

Submit this as formal dispute documentation requesting claim reconsideration.

Consider Laboratory Analysis

For high-value disputes where field testing remains contested, laboratory material analysis provides objective, scientific evidence:

Available tests:

• Asphalt content analysis
• Granule adhesion strength testing
• Mat tensile strength testing
• Flexibility/ductility testing at controlled temperatures
• Comparison to new shingles of same product

Standards used: Laboratory testing follows actual ASTM standards (like D3462 for pliability) with controlled conditions and calibrated instruments—eliminating the subjectivity of field testing.

Cost vs. value: Laboratory testing typically costs $500-1,500. For disputed claims worth $15,000+, this scientific evidence can be decisive.

Legal weight: Lab reports from accredited facilities carry significant weight in appraisals, Department of Insurance complaints, and legal proceedings.

When Roofs Actually Become Brittle (Permanently)

Understanding the causes of legitimate, permanent shingle brittleness helps distinguish between normal aging and premature failure potentially covered by warranties.

Primary Aging Factors

UV oxidation: Colorado’s high-elevation UV exposure causes asphalt oxidation over years. This permanently breaks down the asphalt binder, reducing flexibility at all temperatures.

Volatile loss: Fresh asphalt contains oils and volatiles that maintain flexibility. As these evaporate over 10-20+ years, the asphalt becomes progressively stiffer.

Thermal cycling: Colorado Springs’ dramatic temperature swings—freezing nights to warm days—cause repeated expansion and contraction that gradually stresses shingles.

Granule loss exposing asphalt: As granules wear away, the underlying asphalt experiences direct UV exposure, accelerating degradation.

Abnormal Causes (Potentially Warrantable)

Manufacturing defects: Some shingle batches have inadequate asphalt saturation or improper formulation, leading to premature brittleness. This may be covered under manufacturer warranties—but requires laboratory analysis to prove.

Inadequate ventilation: Poor attic airflow allows excessive heat buildup (120-160°F in summer), accelerating asphalt degradation. Roofs with ventilation deficiencies can become prematurely brittle.

Installation defects: Improper installation (overdriven nails, inadequate starter course) can create stress points that accelerate localized aging.

Storm Acceleration

Hail impact effects: Severe hail can fracture granules and cause micro-fractures in the mat, exposing more asphalt to UV and creating stress points. This can accelerate aging—but doesn’t cause instant brittleness.

Important distinction: Storm damage and brittleness are related but separate. A storm may accelerate aging over subsequent years, but field brittle testing can’t definitively attribute brittleness to a specific storm event.

My Approach to Field Brittle Testing

Given the inherent limitations and lack of standardization, my approach prioritizes accuracy, documentation, and acknowledgment of constraints.

My Testing Philosophy

Conservative methodology: I use the minimum force and angle necessary to assess repair feasibility, acknowledging that aggressive testing can damage any shingle.

Temperature discipline: I refuse to conduct field brittle testing below 40°F, even if a homeowner requests urgent assessment. I explain that cold-weather testing produces unreliable results that could harm their claim.

Comprehensive documentation: Every test includes temperature reading, before/during/after photos, complete video, and documentation of which shingles were tested on each slope.

Honest limitations: I explain to homeowners that field brittle testing is subjective and informal—not standardized or scientific. For disputed claims, I recommend laboratory analysis for definitive answers.

Unbiased reporting: I document what I find regardless of whether it supports expectations. My reputation depends on accuracy, not advocacy for predetermined outcomes.

What Colorado Springs Homeowners Can Expect

When I assess shingle condition on your roof:

Weather-appropriate scheduling: I only conduct testing when conditions are appropriate (40°F+ ambient temperature, preferably 50°F+, during afternoon hours).

Clear explanation: Before testing, I explain what the test can and cannot determine, its limitations, and how results may affect your claim.

Comprehensive inspection: Beyond brittle testing, I document all storm damage indicators, aging factors, granule condition, and other elements affecting roof serviceability.

Detailed reporting: You receive a complete report with temperature documentation, multiple photos/videos, specific findings for each tested area, and my professional opinion.

Claim support: If appropriate, I can provide documentation to support your claim or challenge inappropriate test results from insurance inspectors.

Common Questions About Field Brittle Testing

Is there an official ASTM standard for field brittle testing?

No. Haag Engineering’s Dr. Carlos Lopez, Ph.D., P.E. states: “There is no ASTM, ANSI, Haag, or other industry-accepted, peer-reviewed method to determine or quantify shingle brittleness.” While ASTM standards exist for laboratory testing of asphalt pliability (like ASTM D3462 for new shingles during manufacturing), there is no ASTM standard for field testing of installed, aged asphalt shingles. This is why the practice remains subjective and controversial.

What temperature is too cold for accurate testing?

Most manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, Malarkey) establish 40°F as the minimum safe threshold for handling asphalt shingles. IKO uses a more conservative 50°F threshold. Below 40°F, the asphalt binder loses ductility and becomes temporarily brittle due to normal material properties—not defect or excessive aging. For most reliable results, testing should occur when temperatures are 50°F or higher, preferably during afternoon hours when shingles have warmed from sun exposure.

Can cold-weather testing invalidate results?

Yes. Testing below 40°F produces unreliable results because it assesses temperature-dependent brittleness rather than permanent material condition. Any brittle test result obtained in cold conditions should be challenged and re-tested under appropriate temperatures. The fact that shingles crack at 35°F tells you nothing about their condition at normal operating temperatures of 50-90°F.

Why does Haag Engineering caution against field brittle testing?

Haag Engineering cautions against field brittle testing because: (1) it can damage even brand-new shingles if performed improperly, as demonstrated in their published photographs, and (2) without standardized methodology, results lack “specificity, procedure, consistency, and repeatability” leading to “biased results.” Haag recommends actual shingle removal/replacement testing or careful lift-and-release testing as alternatives—both with property owner permission.

If there’s no standard, how can I challenge unfavorable results?

Challenge results by documenting: (1) temperature conditions below 40°F, (2) lack of comprehensive photo/video documentation, (3) excessive force, speed, or bending angles, (4) statistically insufficient or biased sampling, (5) testing completed unrealistically quickly. Request independent re-testing under proper conditions with full documentation. For high-value disputes, request laboratory analysis following actual ASTM standards which eliminates field testing subjectivity.

Can a roof pass field testing and still need replacement?

Absolutely. Field brittle testing assesses only one narrow aspect: whether shingles can be handled during repairs without cracking. A roof might have flexible shingles but still require replacement due to extensive hail damage, severe granule loss exposing the mat, wind damage that removed many shingles, compromised seal strips, or damaged decking/underlayment. Conversely, brittle shingles might still be providing adequate weather protection and not require immediate replacement if no storm damage occurred.

What if my insurance adjuster and my independent inspector reach opposite conclusions?

This is common given the subjective nature of field testing. Key factors to resolve disputes: (1) temperature documentation for both tests, (2) quality of documentation (video, photos, methodology description), (3) sample size and selection bias, (4) expertise and credentials of each inspector. For definitive resolution, laboratory testing following ASTM standards provides objective evidence. You can also invoke policy appraisal clauses to resolve valuation disputes.

Related Insurance Claim Terms

[LINK TO YOUR ASPHALT SHINGLES POST] Asphalt Shingles – Understanding shingle composition and how asphalt loses ductility over time helps explain flexibility testing.

[LINK TO YOUR WIND DAMAGE POST] Wind Damage – Field brittle testing often determines whether wind-damaged shingles can be repaired or require broader work.

[LINK TO YOUR HAIL DAMAGE POST] Hail Damage – When hail impact counts are borderline, shingle flexibility may influence repair vs. replacement decisions.

Storm Damage Documentation – Comprehensive damage documentation works alongside flexibility assessment to establish coverage.

Granule Loss – Excessive granule loss exposes asphalt to UV, accelerating brittleness and requiring different assessment.

Thermal Cycling – Colorado’s temperature extremes affect both temporary and permanent shingle flexibility.

Manufacturer Warranty – Some brittleness issues stem from manufacturing defects potentially covered by warranty.

ASTM Standards – Understanding the difference between field practices and laboratory standards following ASTM protocols.

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Need Expert Assessment of Shingle Condition?

If you’re facing questionable brittle test results, need properly documented testing under appropriate conditions, or require expert analysis for a disputed insurance claim, I can help.

As a Colorado Springs roof consultant with extensive experience in insurance claim documentation, I understand both the practical value and the significant limitations of field brittle testing. My assessments acknowledge the subjective nature of field testing, use conservative methodology, and provide comprehensive documentation that withstands scrutiny.

For high-value disputes, I can coordinate laboratory analysis following actual ASTM standards—providing the scientific evidence that field testing cannot deliver.

Whether you need independent testing to challenge improper results, expert testimony for appraisal proceedings, or comprehensive roof condition assessment that goes beyond simple flexibility testing, I provide honest, well-documented expertise.

📞 Call for a consultation: (719) 210-8699
📧 Email: gerald@winik.io

Schedule Your Independent Roof Inspection

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