Component Life Expectancy

Typical life expectancies for most components found in homes are listed below. These life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather (or other) conditions, neglect, over-use, or abuse.  Therefore, they should be used as guidelines only, and not relied upon as guarantees or warranties. 

Surface preparation and paint quality are the most important determinants of a paint’s life expectancy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays via sunshine can shorten life expectancy.  Additionally, conditions of high humidity indoors or outdoors can affect the lifespan of these components, which is why they should be inspected and maintained seasonally.

ADHESIVES, CAULK & PAINTS	YEARS
Caulking (interior & exterior)	5 to 10
Construction Glue	20+
Paint (exterior)	7 to 10
Paint (interior)	10 to 15
Roofing Adhesives/Cements	15+
Sealants	8
Stains	3 to 8

Appliance life expectancy depends to a great extent on the use it receives. Furthermore, consumers often replace appliances long before they become worn out due to changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences.

APPLIANCES	YEARS
Air Conditioner (window)	5 to 7
Compactor (trash)	6
Dehumidifier	8
Dishwasher	9
Disposal (food waste)	12
Dryer Vent  (plastic)	5
Dryer Vent  (steel)	20
Dryer (clothes)	13
Exhaust Fans	10
Freezer	10 to 20
Gas Oven	10 to 18
Hand Dryer	10 to 12
Humidifier (portable)	8
Microwave Oven	9
Range/Oven Hood	14
Electric Range	13 to 15
Gas Range	15 to 17
Refrigerator	9 to 13
Swamp Cooler	5 to 15
Washing Machine	5 to 15
Whole-House Vacuum System	20

Modern kitchens today are larger and more elaborate.  Together with the family room, they now form the “great room.”

CABINETRY & STORAGE	YEARS
Bathroom Cabinets	50+
Closet Shelves	100+
Entertainment Center/Home Office	10
Garage/Laundry Cabinets	70+
Kitchen Cabinets	50
Medicine Cabinet	25+
Modular (stock manufacturing-type)	50

Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home.

CEILINGS & WALLS	YEARS
Acoustical Tile Ceiling	40+ (older than 25 years may contain asbestos)
Ceramic Tile	70+
Concrete	75+
Gypsum	75
Wood Paneling	20 to 50
Suspended Ceiling	25+

Natural stone countertops, which are less expensive than they were just a few years ago, are becoming more popular, and one can expect them to last a lifetime. Cultured marble countertops have a shorter life expectancy, however.

COUNTERTOPS	YEARS
Concrete	50
Cultured Marble	20
Natural Stone	100+
Laminate	20 to 30
Resin	10+
Tile	100+
Wood	100+

Decks are exposed to a wide range of conditions in different climates, from wind and hail in some areas, to relatively consistent, dry weather in others. See FASTENERS & STEEL section for fasteners.

DECKS	YEARS
Deck Planks	15
Composite	8 to 25
Structural Wood	10 to 30

Exterior fiberglass, steel, and wood doors will last as long as the house, while vinyl and screen doors have a shorter life expectancy. The gaskets/weatherstripping of exterior doors may have to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.

DOORS	YEARS
Closet (interior)	100+
Fiberglass (exterior)	100+
Fire-Rated Steel (exterior)	100+
French (interior)	30 to 50
Screen (exterior)	30
Sliding Glass/Patio (exterior)	20 (for roller wheel/track repair/replacement)
Vinyl (exterior)	20
Wood (exterior)	100+
Wood (hollow-core interior)	20 to 30
Wood (solid-core interior)	30 to 100+

Copper-plated wiring, copper-clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime, whereas electrical accessories and lighting controls, such as dimmer switches, may need to be replaced after 10 years.  GFCIs could last 30 years, but much less if tripped regularly.

Remember that faulty, damaged or overloaded electrical circuits or equipment are the leading cause of house fires, so they should be inspected regularly and repaired or updated as needed.

ELECTRICAL	YEARS
Accessories	10+
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)	30
Bare Copper	100+
Bulbs (compact fluorescent)	8,000 to 10,000+ hours
Bulbs (halogen)	4,000 to 8,000+ hours
Bulbs (incandescent)	1,000 to 2,000+ hours
Bulbs (LED)	30,000 to 50,000+ hours
Copper-Clad Aluminum	100+
Copper-Plated	100+
Fixtures	40
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)	up to 30
Lighting Controls	30+
Residential Propane Backup Generators	12
Service Panel	60
Solar Panels	20 to 30
Solar System Batteries	3 to 12
Wind Turbine Generators	20

Floor and roof trusses and laminated strand lumber are durable household components, and engineered trim may last 30 years.

ENGINEERED LUMBER	YEARS
Engineered Joists	80+
Laminated Strand Lumber	100+
Laminated Veneer Lumber	80+
Trusses	100+

Fastener manufacturers do not give lifespans for their products because they vary too much based on where the fasteners are installed in a home, the materials in which they’re installed, and the local climate and environment.  However, inspectors can use the guidelines below to make educated judgments about the materials they inspect.

FASTENERS, CONNECTORS & STEEL	YEARS
Adjustable Steel Columns	50+
Fasteners (bright)	25 to 60
Fasteners (copper)	65 to 80+
Fasteners (galvanized)	10+
Fasteners (electro-galvanized)	15 to 45
Fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized)	35 to 60
Fasteners (stainless)	65 to 100+
Steel Beams	200+
Steel Columns	100+
Steel Plates	100+

Flooring life is dependent on maintenance and the amount of foot traffic the floor endures.

FLOORING	YEARS
All Wood Floors	100+
Bamboo	100+
Brick Pavers	100+
Carpet	8 to 10
Concrete	50+
Engineered Wood	50+
Exotic Wood	100+
Granite	100+
Laminate	15 to 25
Linoleum	25
Marble	100+
Other Domestic Wood	100+
Slate	100
Terrazzo	75+
Tile	75 to 100
Vinyl	25

Concrete and poured-block footings and foundations will last a lifetime, assuming they were properly built.  Waterproofing with bituminous coating lasts 10 years, but if it cracks, it is immediately damaged.

FOUNDATIONS	YEARS
Baseboard Waterproofing System	50
Bituminous-Coating Waterproofing	10
Concrete Block	100+
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)	100
Post and Pier	20 to 65
Post and Tensioned Slab on Grade	100+
Poured-Concrete Footings and Foundation	100+
Slab on Grade (concrete)	100
Wood Foundation	5 to 40
Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF; treated)	75

Framing and structural systems have extended longevities; poured-concrete systems, timber frame houses and structural insulated panels will all last a lifetime.

FRAMING	YEARS
Log	80 to 200
Poured-Concrete Systems	100+
Steel	100+
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)	100+
Timber Frame	100+

The quality and frequency of use will affect the longevity of garage doors and openers.

GARAGES	YEARS
Garage Doors	20 to 25
Garage Door Openers	10 to 15

Home technology systems have diverse life expectancies and may have to be upgraded due to evolution in technology.

HOME TECHNOLOGY	YEARS
Built-In Audio	20
Carbon Monoxide Detectors*	5
Door Bells	45
Home Automation System	5 to 50
Intercoms	20
Security System	5 to 20
Smoke/Heat Detectors*	less than 10
Wireless Home Networks	5+

* Batteries should be changed at least annually.

Thermostats may last 35 years but they are usually replaced before they fail due to technological improvements.

HVAC	YEARS
Air Conditioner (central)	7 to 15
Air Exchanger	15
Attic Fan	15 to 25
Boiler	40
Burner	10+
Ceiling Fan	5 to 10
Condenser	8 to 20
Dampers	20+
Dehumidifier	8
Diffusers, Grilles and Registers	25
Ducting	60 to 100
Electric Radiant Heater	40
Evaporator Cooler	15 to 25
Furnace	15 to 25
Gas Fireplace	15 to 25
Heat Exchanger	10 to 15
Heat Pump	10 to 15
Heat-Recovery Ventilator	20
Hot-Water and Steam-Radiant Boiler	40
Humidifier	12
Induction and Fan-Coil Units	10 to 15
Chimney Cap (concrete)	100+
Chimney Cap (metal)	10 to 20
Chimney Cap (mortar)	15
Chimney Flue Tile	40 to 120
Thermostats	35
Ventilator	7

As long as they are not punctured, cut or burned and are kept dry and away from UV rays, cellulose, fiberglass, and foam insulation materials will last a lifetime. This is true regardless of whether they were installed as loose-fill, house wrap or batts/rolls.

INSULATION & INFILTRATION BARRIERS	YEARS
Batts/Rolls	100+
Black Paper (felt paper)	15 to 30
Cellulose	100+
Fiberglass	100+
Foamboard	100+
Housewrap	80+
Liquid-Applied Membrane	50
Loose-Fill	100+
Rock Wool	100+
Wrap Tape	80+

Masonry is one of the most enduring household components. Fireplaces, chimneys and brick veneers can last the lifetime of a home.

MASONRY & CONCRETE	YEARS
Brick	100+
Insulated Concrete Forms (hybrid block)	100+
Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs)	100+
Man-Made Stone	25
Masonry Sealant	2 to 20
Stone	100+
Stucco/EIFS	50+
Veneer	100+

Custom millwork and stair parts will last a lifetime and are typically only upgraded for aesthetic reasons.

MOLDING, MILLWORK & TRIM	YEARS
Attic Stairs (pull-down)	50
Custom Millwork	100+
Pre-Built Stairs	100+
Stair Parts	100+
Stairs	100+

The lifetime of any wood product depends heavily on moisture intrusion.

PANELS	YEARS
Flooring Underlayment	25
Hardboard	40
Particleboard	60
Plywood	100
Softwood	30
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)	60
Wall Panels	100+

The quality of plumbing fixtures varies dramatically.  The mineral content of water can shorten the life expectancy of water heaters and clog showerheads.  Also, some finishes may require special maintenance with approved cleaning agents per the manufacturers in order to last their expected service lives.

PLUMBING, FIXTURES & FAUCETS	YEARS
ABS and PVC Waste Pipe	50 to 80
Accessible/ADA Handles	100+
Acrylic Kitchen Sink	50
Cast-Iron Bathtub	100
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (above ground)	60
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (below ground)	50 to 60
Concrete Waste Pipe	100+
Copper Water Lines	70
Enameled Steel Kitchen Sink	5 to 10+
Faucets and Spray Hose	15 to 20
Fiberglass Bathtub and Shower	20
Gas Lines (black steel)	75
Gas Lines (flex)	30
Hose Bibs	20 to 30
Instant (on-demand) Water Heater	10
PEX	40
Plastic Water Lines	75
Saunas/Steam Room	15 to 20
Sewer Grinder Pump	10
Shower Enclosure/Module	50
Shower Doors	20
Showerheads	100+ (if not clogged by mineral/other deposits)
Soapstone Kitchen Sink	100+
Sump Pump	7
Toilet Tank Components	5
Toilets, Bidets and Urinals	100+
Vent Fan (ceiling)	5 to 10
Vessel Sink (stone, glass, porcelain, copper)	5 to 20+
Water Heater (conventional)	6 to 12
Water Line (copper)	50
Water Line (plastic)	50
Well Pump	15
Water Softener	20
Whirlpool Tub	20 to 50

Radon systems have but one moving part:  the radon fan.

RADON SYSTEMS	YEARS
Air Exchanger	15
Barometric Backdraft Damper/Fresh-Air Intake	20
Caulking	5 to 10
Labeling	25
Manometer	15
Piping	50+
Radon Fan	5 to 8

The life of a roof depends on local weather conditions, building and design, material quality, and adequate maintenance.  Hot climates drastically reduce asphalt shingle life.  Roofs in areas that experience severe weather, such as hail, tornadoes and/or hurricanes may also experience a shorter-than-normal lifespan overall or may incur isolated damage that requires repair in order to ensure the service life of the surrounding roofing materials.

ROOFING	YEARS
Aluminum Coating	3 to 7
Asphalt Shingles (3-tab)	20
Asphalt (architectural)	30
BUR (built-up roofing)	30
Clay/Concrete	100+
Coal and Tar	30
Copper	70+
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber	15 to 25
Fiber Cement	25
Green (vegetation-covered)	5 to 40
Metal	40 to 80
Modified Bitumen	20
Simulated Slate	10 to 35
Slate	60 to 150
TPO	7 to 20
Wood	25

Outside siding materials typically last a lifetime.  Some exterior components may require protection through appropriate paints or sealants, as well as regular maintenance.  Also, while well-maintained and undamaged flashing can last a long time, it is their connections that tend to fail, so seasonal inspection and maintenance are strongly recommended.

SIDINGS, FLASHING & ACCESSORIES	YEARS
Aluminum Siding	25 to 40+
Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit and Fascia	20 to 40+
Asbestos Shingle	100
Brick	100+
Cementitious	100+
Copper Downspouts	100
Copper Gutters	50+
Engineered Wood	100+
Fiber Cement	100+
Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts	20
Manufactured Stone	100+
Stone	100+
Stucco/EIFS	50+
Trim	25
Vinyl Siding	60
Vinyl Gutters and Downspouts	25+
Wood/Exterior Shutters	20

Site and landscaping elements have life expectancies that vary dramatically.

SITE & LANDSCAPING	YEARS
American Red Clay	100+
Asphalt Driveway	15 to 20
Brick and Concrete Patio	15 to 25
Clay Paving	100+
Concrete Walks	40 to 50
Controllers	15
Gravel Walks	4 to 6
Mulch	1 to 2
Polyvinyl Fencing	100+
Sprinkler Heads	10 to 14
Underground PVC Piping	60+
Valves	20
Wood Chips	1 to 5
Wood Fencing	20

Swimming pools are composed of many systems and components, all with varying life expectancies.

SWIMMING POOLS	YEARS
Concrete Shell	25+
Cover	7
Diving Board	10
Filter and Pump	10
Interior Finish	10 to 35
Vinyl Liner	10
Pool Water Heater	8
Waterline Tile	15+

Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, while wooden windows should last nearly 30 years.

WINDOWS	YEARS
Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad	15 to 20
Double-Pane	8 to 20
Skylights	10 to 20
Window Glazing	10+
Vinyl/Fiberglass Windows	20 to 40
Wood	30+

Note: Life expectancy varies with usage, weather, installation, maintenance and quality of materials.  This list should be used only as a general guideline and not as a guarantee or warranty regarding the performance or life expectancy of any appliance, product, system or component.