Be Advised
Consumers and inspectors and other professionals advising their clients should note that 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.
| Masonry and Concrete | Years |
|---|---|
| Brick | 75+ |
| Insulated Concrete Forms (hybrid block) | 75+ |
| Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) | 75+ |
| Man-Made Stone | 15 |
| Masonry Sealant | 2 to 10 |
| Stone | 75+ |
| Stucco/EIFS | 25+ |
| Veneer | 75+ |
Masonry is one of the most enduring household components. Fireplaces, chimneys and brick veneers can last the lifetime of a home.
| Molding, Millwork and Trim | Years |
|---|---|
| Attic Stairs (pull-down) | 50 |
| Custom Millwork | 100+ |
| Pre-Built Stairs (interior) | 100+ |
| Stair Parts (interior) | 100+ |
| Stairs (interior) | 100+ |
Custom millwork and stair parts will last a lifetime and are typically only upgraded for aesthetic reasons.
| Panels | Years |
|---|---|
| Flooring Underlayment | 25 |
| Hardboard | 40 |
| Particleboard | 60 |
| Plywood | 100 |
| Softwood | 30 |
| Oriented Strand Board (OSB) | 60 |
| Wall Panels | 100+ |
The lifetime of any interior wood product depends heavily on moisture intrusion.
| Plumbing, Fixtures and 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) | 40 |
| 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 Bib | 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+ (if not cracked) |
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
Radon systems have but one moving part: the radon fan.
| Roofing | Years |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Coating | 2 to 6 |
| Asbestos Shakes | 30 to 50+ |
| Asphalt Shingles (3-tab) | 12 to 17 |
| Asphalt (architectural) | 18 to 22 |
| BUR (built-up roofing) | 5 to 15 |
| Cellulose Fiber | 10 |
| Clay/Concrete | 80+ |
| Coal and Tar | 18 |
| Copper | 50+ |
| EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber | 10 to 15 |
| Fiber Cement | 18 |
| Green (vegetation-covered) | 5 to 20 |
| Metal | 50+ |
| Modified Bitumen | 10 |
| Simulated Slate | 10 to 25 |
| Slate | 50+ |
| TPO | 10 to 12 |
| Wood | 10 |
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.
| Sidings, Flashing and Accessories | Years |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Siding | 20 to 35 |
| Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit and Fascia | 15 to 35+ |
| Asbestos Shingle | 20 |
| Brick | 80+ |
| Cementitious | 80+ |
| Copper Downspouts | 80 |
| Copper Gutters | 40+ |
| Engineered Wood | 80+ |
| Fiber Cement | 75+ |
| Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts | 15 |
| Manufactured Stone | 80+ |
| Stone | 80+ |
| Stucco/EIFS | 25+ |
| Trim | 18 |
| Vinyl Siding | 50 |
| Vinyl Gutters and Downspouts | 20+ |
| Wood/Exterior Shutters | 15+ |
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.
| Site and Landscaping | Years |
|---|---|
| American Red Clay | 75+ |
| Asphalt Driveway | 10 to 15 |
| Brick and Concrete Patio | 8 to 18 |
| Clay Paving | 75+ |
| Concrete Walks | 30+ |
| Controllers | 12 |
| Gravel Walks | 4 to 6 |
| Mulch | 1 to 2 |
| Polyvinyl Fencing | 75+ |
| Sprinkler Heads | 8 to 12 |
| Underground PVC Piping | 50+ |
| Valves | 12 to 15 |
| Wood Chips | 1 to 5 |
| Wood Fencing | 10 |
Site and landscaping elements have life expectancies that vary dramatically.
| Swimming Pools | Years |
|---|---|
| Chlorine Generator (salt water) | 5 |
| Cover | 3 to 5 |
| Deck Finish (acrylic) | 5 |
| Diving Board | 8 to 10 |
| Gas Heater | 3 to 5 |
| Filter (sand) | 5 to 10 (sand must be replaced every 3 years) |
| Filter (cartridge) | 2 |
| Filter Grid (DE) | 5 |
| Heat Pump | 5 to 8 |
| Interior Finish | 10 to 20 |
| Motor* | 5 to 8 |
| Vinyl Liner | 8 to 10 |
| Pool Lights (fiber optic) | 3 to 5 |
| Pool Lights (incandescent) | 3 |
| Pool Lights (LED) | 5 to 7 |
| Pool Water Heater | 5 |
| PVC Ball Valve | Up to 2 |
| Shell (concrete) | 20+ |
| Shell (fiberglass) | 20+ |
| Solar Heater | 10 to 20 |
| Waterline Tile | 10+ |
Swimming pools are comprised of many systems and components, all with varying life expectancies, depending on their exposure to climatic and weather conditions. Also, proper maintenance is key, especially concerning the pool water's chemical balance. *Replacement motors tend to last half the lifespan of their original counterparts.
| Windows | Years |
|---|---|
| Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad | 10 to 15 |
| Double-Pane | 5 to 15 |
| Skylights | 5 to 15 |
| Window Glazing | 8+ |
| Vinyl Windows | 10 to 30 |
| Wood | 15+ |
Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, while wooden windows should last nearly 30 years.