Life Expectancies of Home Components

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