Laws now prohibit using lead in making brass, so the newer brass is more brittle than the older brass, but still way more durable than the plastic used in many faucets.

The older shingles become, the more brittle they become. 

The wood has been hot from the fire place and is likely dry and brittle.

CPVC seemed to have a short lifespan, and for good reason, it's very brittle and easy to shatter if bent slightly. 

Hi, A structural engineer will definitely help, the evidence of a fire in the attic is not an issue unless the wood is brittle, now those repairs in the foundation could be the issues to your cracks. the supporting post are ok.

We have had pipes burst in the summertime because they are PVC and over 30 years old and so they are brittle.

Also a clogged chimney will make the iron brittle and break.

ABS is too brittle in my opinion.

When caulk is old, it get brittle and hard to clean.Maintaining a house costs hundred if no thousands of dollars a year.

Brick foundation is brittle and has no anchor bolts.