Copper wire conductors in NM sheathed cable or in rigid metal or PVC plastic conduit has been the norm since the mid-1970s, and there are currently no new innovations in the wiring materials themselves.Most houses I have issues are from the 1950s old rag wire with no ground the cloth is brittle from heating of the current over the years.Lots of flippers will cobble together a house, install new wire where they are forced too leave old rag wire to rot away.

Spend the money on a decent tray or they get brittle and wear out.

My understanding is that over time, it becomes very brittle (& then breaks, obviously!)

Keep in mind that it's easier to see this stuff on a typical 3-tab shingle than on an architectural shingle.A roof that just has a few torn tabs but is otherwise not super brittle and functioning properly?

The water will be flooding.And the walls, carpet, other surface features will have a smoke smell, and possible mold smell.Chimney may be cracked from the fire suppression and heat with water.Tile becomes brittle from the heat.Demo can be real expensive because roofing, flooring, walls, all can have asbestos. 

After 20 years the pipe became brittle, leading to homeowners having to replace all of their plumbing.

It is brittle and the fibers are what's harmful.

The material lasts forever, but it is very brittle and is susceptible to damage if disturbed.

So far, insurance companies have weathered some pretty serious disasters in hurricane areas.Most wood-framed houses in California fair pretty well during most quakes because they're engineered to roll with the shakes, instead of crumble like a brittle brick house.

Still in the very nice original box with the cord coil held with a long-since brittle rubber band.