Many in the industry refer to “The Brittleness Test” as a method by which the reparability of an asphalt composition shingle roof can be assessed.
However there is no ASTM, ANSI, HAAG, or other industry-accepted, peer-reviewed method to determine or quantify shingle brittleness.
The test is needed when the adjusters or the appraisers are agreed upon the damage on the roof, but yet questioning about the partial roof shingles reparability.
Lifting the shingle 6 inches
Some inspectors refer to “The Brittleness Test” as un-bonding a field shingle and lifting the end of the shingle until it is 6 inches above the roof surface.
We often come across inspectors that will specify the lift dimension as a dimension equal or greater to 6 inches. In looking at a proper shingle installation, typical nail locations for a three-tab shingle are 5-5/8 inches and for some laminated shingles can be less than 6 inches.
Bending the shingle to 90 degrees
Some inspectors refer to “The Brittleness Test” as un-bonding a field shingle and bending it to 90 degrees. However, the lifting force is not specified and rarely is the lift angle justified. Further, rarely is care given to the radius of curvature of the shingle. Some inspectors still prefer to 90 degree bending without seeing any cracks on the shingle edge for 'Brittleness test'.
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