Appliances
The life expectancy of a typical appliance depends to a great extent on the use it receives.
Moreover, appliances are often replaced long before they are worn out because changes in styling,technology and consumer preferences make newer products more desirable. Of the major appliancesin a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers(9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).
Cabinetry and Storage
Kitchens are becoming larger and more elaborate, and together with the family room modern kitchens now form the “great room.” Great rooms are not only a place to cook, but also a space where people gather to read, eat, do homework, surf the Internet and pay bills. Kitchen cabinets are expected to last up to 50 years, medicine cabinets for 20+ years, and garage/laundry cabinets for 100+ years. Closet shelves are expected to last for a lifetime.
Concrete and Masonry
Masonry is one of the most durable components of a home. Chimneys, fireplaces, and brick veneers can last a lifetime, and brick walls have an average life expectancy of more than100 years.
Countertops
Natural stone countertops, which are less expensive than a few years ago, are gaining in popularity and are expected to last a lifetime. Cultured marble countertops have a life expectancy of about 20 years.
Decks
Because they are subject to a wide range of conditions in different climates, the life expectancy of wooden decks can vary significantly. Under ideal conditions, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years.
Doors
Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors will last as long as the house exists, while vinyl and screen doors have a life expectancy of 20 and 40 years, respectively. Closet doors are expectedto last a lifetime, and French doors have an average life of 30 to 50 years.
Electrical and Lighting
Copper plated wiring, copper clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime, whereas electrical accessories and lighting controls are expected to last 10+ years.
Engineered Lumber
Floor and roof trusses and laminated strand lumber are expected to last a lifetime, and engineered trim is expected to last 30 years.
Faucets and Fixtures
Kitchen sinks made of modified acrylic will last 50 years, while kitchen faucets will work properly for about 15 years. The average life of bathroom shower enclosures is 50 years.
Showerheads last a lifetime, while shower doors will last about 20 years. Bath cabinets and toilets have an unlimited lifespan, but the components inside the toilet tank do require some maintenance. Whirlpool tubs will function properly for 20 to 50 years, depending on use.
Flooring
All natural wood floorings have a life expectancy of 100 years or more. Marble, slate, and granite are also expected to last for about 100 years, but can last less due to a lack of maintenance.
Vinyl floors last up to 50 years, linoleum about 25 years, and carpet between 8 and 10 years (with appropriate maintenance and normal traffic).
Footings and Foundations
Poured as well as concrete block footings and foundations last a lifetime, assuming they were properly built. Termite proofing of foundations will last about 12 years if the chemical barriers put in place during construction are left intact. Waterproofing with bituminous coating lasts 10 years, but if it cracks it is immediately damaged. Concrete or cast iron waste pipes are expected to last 100 years or more.
Framing and Other Structural Systems
Framing and structural systems have extended longevities: poured-concrete systems, timber frame houses and structural insulated panels will all last a lifetime. Wall panels and roof and floor trusses will similarly last a lifetime. Softwood, hardboard, and plywood last an average of 30 years,while OSB and particleboard are expected to function properly for 60 years.
Garages
Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years, and light inserts for 20 years.
Home Technology
Home technology systems have various life expectancies. While a built-in audio system will last 20 years, security systems and heat/smoke detectors have life expectancies of 5 to 10 years. Wireless home networks and home automation systems are expected to work properly formore than 50 years.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems require proper and regular maintenance inorder to work efficiently, but even in the best case scenarios most components of such systems only last 15 to 25 years. Furnaces on average last 15-20 years, heat pumps 16 years, and air conditioning units 10-15 years. Tankless water heaters last more than 20 years, while an electric or gas water heater has a life expectancy of about 10 years. Thermostats usually are replaced before the end of their 35-year lifespan due to technological improvements.
Insulation and Infiltration Barriers
As long as they are not punctured, cut, or burned and are kept dry and away from UV rays, the cellulose, fiberglass, and foam used in insulation materials will last a lifetime. This is true whether the insulation was applied as loose fill, house wrap, or batts/rolls.
Jobsite Equipment
Ladders are expected to last a lifetime, and life expectancy of lifts is about 8 to 10 years.
Molding and Millwork
Custom millwork will last a lifetime, and all stairs – circular and spiral stairs, prebuilt stairs and attic stairs – are expected to last a lifetime.
Paint, Caulks and Adhesives
Both interior and exterior paints can last for 15 years or longer, however home owners often paint more frequently.
Panels
Hardboard panels and softwood panels are expected to last 30 years, while oriented strandboard and particleboard have a life expectancy of 60 years. Wall panels are expected to last a lifetime.
Roofing
The life of a roof depends on local weather conditions, proper building and design,material quality, and adequate maintenance. Slate, copper, and clay/concrete roofs have the longest life expectancy – over 50 years. Roofs made of asphalt shingles last for about 20 years while roofs made of fiber cement shingles have a life expectancy of about 25 years, and roofs made of wood shakes can be expected to last for about 30 years.
Siding and Accessories
Outside materials typically last a lifetime. Brick, manufactured), and fiber cement will last as long the house exists. Exterior wood shutters are expected to last 20 years, depending on weather conditions. Gutters have a life expectancy of more than 50 years if made of copper and for 20 years if made of aluminum. Copper downspouts last 100 years or more, while aluminum ones will last 30 years.
Site and Landscaping
Most landscaping elements have a life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. Sprinklers and valves last about 20 years, while underground PVC piping has a lifespan of 25 years.
Polyvinyl fences are designed to last a lifetime, and asphalt driveways should last between 15 and 20 years.
Tennis courts can last a lifetime if recoated; most coatings last 12 to 15 years. The concrete shell of a swimming pool is expected to last over 25 years, but the interior plaster and tile have life expectancies of about 10 to 25 years.
Walls, Ceilings and Finishes
Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home.
Windows and Skylights
Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years while wooden windows should last upwards of 30 years.
Life inYears
APPLIANCES
Exhaust Fan 10
Compactors 6
Dishwashers 9
Disposers, Food Waste 12
Dryers, Electric 13
Dryers, Gas 13
Freezers 11
Microwave Ovens 9
Ranges, Electric 13
Ranges, Gas 15
Range/Oven Hoods 14
Refrigerators, Compact 9
Refrigerators, Standard 13
Washers 10
Water Heaters, Electric 11
Water Heaters, Gas 10
Air-Conditioners, Room 10
Air-Conditioners, Unitary 15
Boilers, Electric 13
Boilers, Gas 21
Dehumidifiers 8
Furnaces, Warm-Air, Electric 15
Furnaces, Warm-Air, Gas 18
Furnaces, Warm-Air, Oil 20
Heat Pumps 16
Humidifiers 8
Note: Life expectancy is based on first-owner use.
CABINETRY & STORAGE
Cabinet Lines
Bath Cabinets Lifetime
Entertainment Centers/Home Office 10
Garage/Laundry Cabinets 100+
Kitchen Cabinets 50
Medicine Cabinets 20+
Manufacturing Types
Modular/Stock 50
Closet systems
Closet Shelves Lifetime
Source: Appliance Magazine, Sep 2005 issue, Grainger
Source: Wellborn Cabinet, Zaca, Timberlake Cabinet Co., Wellborn Cabinet, Moduline, Canyon Creek Cabinet Co.,
Easyclosets.com, Wellborn Cabinet
CONCRETE & MASONRY
Brick 100+
Veneer Lifetime
Caulking (for sealer) 2-20
COUNTERTOPS
Cultured Marble 20
Natural Stone Lifetime
Tile Lifetime
Wood Lifetime
DECKS
Wood 20 Dry areas last 20-25,
Deck Planks 25
South 10-15, North 20-30. DOORS
Exterior Doors
Fiberglass Lifetime
Screen 40 Pine 20 yrs, Cedar 40 yrs, Mahogany 60 yrs
Steel, Fire-Rated Lifetime
Vinyl 20
Wood Lifetime
Interior Doors
French 30 to 50
Closet Lifetime
Source: Fiberframe, Neoporte, Timeline Vinyl Products/Timeline Vinyl Windows, Victoriana East, Coppa
Woodworking Inc., Marvin Windows and Doors, Kestrel
Source: General Shale Brick, NHACP and NCSG, Sashco Sealants
Source: Rynone, Buffalo stone, Architectural Products by Outwater, Formica Corp, Gibco Services, Florida Tile
Industries, United States Ceramic Tile Co., National Hardwood Flooring & Moulding
Source: Decks.com, Timbertech
ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING
Accessories 10+
Lighting Controls 10+
Copper Wiring
Copper Plated Lifetime If used in a non-corrosive environment.
Copper Clad Aluminum Lifetime
Bare Copper Lifetime
ENGINEERED LUMBER
Engineered Trim 30
Laminated Strand Lumber Lifetime
Laminated Veneer Lumber 30+
Trusses, Floor Lifetime
Trusses, Roof Lifetime
FAUCETS & FIXTURES
Accessible/ADA Products Lifetime
Faucets, Bar/Hospitality 15
Faucets , Kitchen Sinks 15
Faucets, Lavatory 20+
Faucets, Tub/Shower 20+
Faucets, Toilets/Bidets 10 Wear issues depending on use, new cartridges or seals.
Saunas/Steam Rooms 15-20
Shower Doors 20+
Shower Enclosures/Modules 50
Showerheads Lifetime
Toilets/Bidets Lifetime The components inside toilet tank and valves that operate bidet will require occasional maintenance.
Whirlpool Tubs 20-50 Lifespan of the rotating engine depends on the use made of the tub.Sinks: Kitchen & others
Enamel Steel 5-10
Modified Acrylic 50
Soapstone 100+
Source: Lutron Electronics, Lighting Controls Association, Copper Development Assoc.
Source: Delta Faucet Co., Grohe, Kohler Co., Moen, Plexicor (part of Karran), Toto USA, Acquinox, Alumax, Alsons,
Karran, Green Mountain Soapstone Corp., Saunastore
Source: Engineered Wood Association, Georgia Pacific Corp., Georgia Pacific Corp., Lumber Specialties.
FLOORING
All Wooden Floors Lifetime
Bamboo Lifetime
Brick Pavers 100+
Carpet 8-10
Concrete 50+
Engineered Wood 50+
Exotic Wood Lifetime
Granite 100+
Laminate 15-25
Linoleum 25
Marble 100+
Slate 100
Tile 75-100
Vinyl 50
Other Domestic Wood Lifetime
Terrazo 75+
FOOTINGS & FOUNDATIONS
Poured Footings and Foundations Lifetime
Concrete Block Lifetime Properly built foundations last indefinitely.
Termite Proofing 12 "Pre-treatment during construction: longevity of treatment depends on disturbance or not of the chemical barriers in place."
Bituminous Coating Waterproofing 10 If it cracks
Pargeting with Ionite 20-30 It's not typical in a residential setting. Its downfall is when it cracks.
Baseboard System 50
Plumbing
Concrete Waste Pipe 100
Cast Iron Water
FRAMING &OTHER STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
Pipe 100Poured-Concrete Systems Lifetime
Structural Insulated Panels Lifetime
Timber Frame Homes Lifetime
Source: Dry Up Basement, Unexco, Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, American Concrete Pipe Association, National Ready
Mixed Concrete Assoc, Quikrete
Source: ConForm Pacific, NGS Materials, Post & Beam Factory
Source:Marble Institute of America, Berg & Berg, Dal-Tile Corp, Floortec, National Wood Flooring Association, General
Shale Brick, Masland Carpets, Beaulieu of America, Concrete Designs, Formica Corp, Linoleumstore.com, DePaoli
Mosaic, Monarch Ceramic Tile
INSULATION & INFILTRATION BARRIERS
Insulation Material
Cellulose 100+
Fiberglass Lifetime
Foam Lifetime
Insulation Type
Batts/Rolls Lifetime
House Wrap Lifetime
Loose Fill Lifetime
JOBSITE EQUIPMENT
Ladders Lifetime
Lifts 8-10
MOLDING & MILLWORK
Custom Millwork Lifetime
Stair Parts Lifetime
Stairs, Circular & Spiral Lifetime
Stairs, Prebuilt Lifetime
Stairs, Attic Lifetime
PAINTS, CAULKS, & ADHESIVES
Adhesives
Roofing 7
Paints & Stains
Paint, Exterior 15+
Paint, Interior 15+ Depends
on whether or not it is washable paint.Source: York Spiral StairAzek, Authentic Pine Floors, Century Architectural Specialties, StairWorld, National Hardwood
Source: The Sherwin-Williams Co.,Slate Savers, Tamko Roofing Products, Dutch Boy Paints
Source: DuPont, National Fiber, Johns Manville, RHH Foam Systems, No. American Insulation Manufacturer Association
Source: Putnam Rolling Ladder Co., Genie Industries
PANELS
Hardboard 30
Oriented-Strand Board
Particleboard 60
Plywood
Softwood 30
Underlayment, Flooring 25
Wall Panels Lifetime
ROOFING
Material
Aluminium Roof Coating 3-7
Fiber Cement 25
Asphalt 20
Modified Bitumen 20
Copper Lifetime
Simulated Slate 50
Wood 30
Clay/Concrete Lifetime
Slate 50+
Coal and Tar 30
Source: Gardner-Gibson, Maxitile, National Roofing Contractors Association, GAF Material Corp., Asphalt Roofing
Manufacturer's Association, Johns Manville, Metal Roof Specialties, Nycore, Authentic roof, 208 Shake&Shingle, The
Northern Roof Tile Sales Co., Universal Marble & Granite, Slate Savers, Koppers, Northern Elastomeric, EcoStar,
Metals USA, GAF Material Corp.
Source: Georgia Pacific Corp., NGS Materials, Weyerhaeuser, James Hardie Building Products
SIDING & ACCESSORIES
Material
Brick Lifetime
Engineered Wood Lifetime
Fiber Cement Lifetime
Manufactured Stone Lifetime
Stone Lifetime
Stucco 50-100
Vinyl Lifetime
Related Accessories
Soffits/Fascias 50 This time period applies for fascia in fiber-cement only.
Trim 25
Shutters
Wood/Exterior 20
Wood/Interior 15+
Aluminium/Interior 10+ Sun can cause the strings to break
Gutters and Downspouts
Copper 50+
Aluminium 20
Galvanized Steel 20
Downspouts (Aluminum) 30
Downspouts (Copper) 100
SITE & LANDSCAPING
Asphalt Driveway 15-20
Polyvinyl Fences Lifetime
Clay Paving Lifetime
Underground PVC Piping 25
Valves 20
Sprinklers 20 Usually
Controllers 15 Lifespan given for areas not prone to lighting strikes.
Tennis Court
Fast-Dry Green Lifetime
Source: Boral Bricks, APA, GAF Material Corp., James Hardie Building Products, Boulder Creek Stone and Brick,
Owens Corning, Genstone Enterprises, El Rey Stucco, Heartland Building Products, Azek, James Hardie Building Products, Blinds.com, Vixen Hill Mfg. Co., Yost Mfg. & Supply, Berger Building Products, Guttersupply.com, (Rain Trade Corp. division)
Asphalt with Acrylic Coating 12-15 Age before requiring major work. Requires recoating every 5-7 years.
Asphalt with Acrylic Cushion 12-15 Age before requiring major work. Requires recoating every 5-7 years.
American Red Clay Lifetime
Fast-Dry with Subsurface Lifetime Maintenance: average 10 minutes a day per court.
Swimming pool
General Lifetime
Concrete Shell 25+
Interior Finish/Plaster 10-15
Interior Finish/Pebble-tec 25-35
Interior Finish/Tile 15-25
Cleaning Equipment 7-10
Decking 15
Waterline Tile 10
WALLS, CEILINGS, & FINISHES
Accoustical Ceiling Lifetime Moisture or movement can affect lifespan
Ceiling Suspension Lifetime
Ceramic Tile Lifetime
Standard Gypsum Lifetime
WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS, & GLASS
Glass & Glazing Materials
Window Glazing 10+
Windows
Aluminum/Aluminus Clad 15-20
Wood 30+ Some parts of the window may have to be replaced, so lifespan may vary.
Source: Polygal, Gallina USA, LLC, Allied Window
Source: Interceramicusa, United States Gypsum Co., Messmers Inc., DAP
Source: Paddock Pools, Patios & Spas, Boral Bricks, Accurate Tennis, Aquatic Technology, Huyser, Digger Specialties,
Inc., Aquatech Pools - Society of Professional Builders, Inyo Pool Products, Omega Pool Structures, Inc.
GARAGES
Garage Door Openers 10-15
Light Inserts 20
HOME TECHNOLOGY
Audio, Built-in 20
Heat/Smoke Detectors National Fire Alarm Code requires
Home Automation Systems Lifetime
Home Networks, Wireless 50+
Security Systems 5-10
HVAC
Air Conditioners 10-15
Air Quality Systems 15
Boilers 13-21
Dehumidifiers 8
Ducting 10
Furnaces 15-20
Heat Pumps 16
Heat Recovery Ventilators 20+
Thermostats 35
Ventilators 7
Water Heaters, Tankless 20+
Electric Radiant Heater 40
Hot Water or Steam Radiant Heater 15+
Diffusers, Grilles, and Registers 25
Induction and Fan-Coil Units 10-15
Dampers 20+
DX, Water, or Steam 20
Electric 15
Shell-and-Tube 20
Molded Insulation Lifetime Not usually used residentially.
Burners <10 Oil burners need more maintenance than gas burners.
Source: LiteTouchHome Director, ADT and Slomin's Home Security, Home Director, Home Seer
Source: CenterPoint Energy and Trane Residential system Group, Smarter Way Inc., CenterPoint Energy, Air Quality
Engineering, CenterPoint Energy and Luxaire Unitary Products Group, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers,
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Econar, Lomanco, Honeywell, American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, EWC Controls, Fantech, No. American Insulation
Manufacturers Assoc.US Dept. of Energy, Radiant Electric Heat, Radiantec, Radiantec, American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Power Flame Inc., Appliance Magazine
Source: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
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