Average Life Span of a Property

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.

• Caulking (interior & exterior) 5 to 10 Years
• Construction Glue 20+ Years
• Paint (exterior) 7 to 10 Years
• Paint (interior) 10 to 15 Years
• Roofing Adhesives/Cements 15+ Years
• Sealants 8 Years
• Stains 3 to 8 Years

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.

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

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

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

Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home.

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

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.

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

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.

• Deck Planks 15 Years
• Composite 8 to 25 Years
• Structural Wood 10 to 30 Years

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.

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

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.

• Accessories 10+ Years
• Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) 30 Years
• Bare Copper 100+ Years
• 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+ Years
• Copper-Plated 100+ Years
• Fixtures 40 Years
• Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) up to 30 Years
• Lighting Controls 30+ Years
• Residential Propane Backup Generators 12 Years
• Service Panel 60 Years
• Solar Panels 20 to 30 Years
• Solar System Batteries 3 to 12 Years
• Wind Turbine Generators 20 Years

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

• Engineered Joists 80+ Years
• Laminated Strand Lumber 100+ Years
• Laminated Veneer Lumber 80+ Years
• Trusses 100+ Years

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.

• Adjustable Steel Columns 50+ Years
• Fasteners (bright) 25 to 60 Years
• Fasteners (copper) 65 to 80+ Years
• Fasteners (galvanized) 10+ Years
• Fasteners (electro-galvanized) 15 to 45 Years
• Fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized) 35 to 60 Years
• Fasteners (stainless) 65 to 100+ Years
• Steel Beams 200+ Years
• Steel Columns 100+ Years
• Steel Plates 100+ Years

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

• Garage Doors 20 to 25 Years
• Garage Door Openers 10 to 15 Years

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

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

* Batteries should be changed at least annually.

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

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

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, housewrap or batts/rolls.

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

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

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

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

• Attic Stairs (pull-down) 50 Years
• Custom Millwork 100+ Years
• Pre-Built Stairs 100+ Years
• Stair Parts 100+ Years
• Stairs 100+ Years

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Site and landscaping elements have life expectancies that vary dramatically.

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

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

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

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

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