Life Expectancies of Home Components

 

No home is perfect, nor will remain perfect.  It is just a fact of life that stuff breaks.  Many factors may affect the useful life of the various systems and components of your home.  Obviously, quality (and more expensive) components will usually last longer and give better service than cheaper ones.  The quality of the installation also has a large affect.  Finally, better care and regular maintenance will lengthen the useful life of any home item.  The following is some guidelines based upon average quality and maintenance.

 

Roof Systems

 

Slate

60 to 100 years

Clay Tile

60 to 100 years

Metal

50 to 90 years

Cedar Shake

30 to 50 years

Asphalt Shingles

15 to 30 years

4 Ply built-up roofing (flat)

10 to 20 years

Roll roofing

5 to 10 years

 

 

Gutters and Downspouts

Copper

40 to 90 years

Galvanized

20 to 25 years

Aluminum

20 to 25 years

Plastic / Vinyl

Varies on quality, 3 to 50 years

 

 

Siding

 

Brick / Masonry

100+ years

Stucco

100+ years

Cement - asbestos

40 to 100 years

Vinyl

25 to 40 years

Aluminum

20 to 40 years

Wood

20 to 40 years

Exterior paint

2 to 5 years

 

 

Outside Components

 

Asphalt driveway

5 to 10 years

Wooden deck

10 to 15 years

Exterior doors

12 to 15 years

Garage door opener

8 to 12 years

 

 

Plumbing

 

Plastic (PVC) pipe

unknown

Copper pipe

70+ years

Cast iron pipe

50 to 90 years

Lead pipe

50 to 70 years

Septic system field tiles

25 to 30 years

Water heater

8 to 15 years

 

 

HVAC

 

Furnace - Gas

20 to 25 years

Boiler

20 to 25 years

Cast iron boiler

30+ years

Fans

15 to 30 years

Pumps

10 to 20 years

 

 

Appliances

 

Range

18 to 20 years

Refrigerator

10 to 20 years

Dishwasher

8 to 12 years

Garbage Disposer

8 to 12 years

Trash compactor 8 to 12 years
Clothes Washer 10 to 15 years
Clothes Dryer 12 to 15 years