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 |