MENU
MENU
Call Us
How Long Does it Last?
When you move into a new home, it’s difficult to imagine when that new smell finally dissipates and all those shiny, new appliances begin to wear out. But as anyone who’s lived in one can tell you, older homes are works-in-progress. That shouldn’t alarm you. After all, everything wears out, eventually. (Have you visited the Grand Canyon lately?)
Depending on the item in question, many factors can affect its longevity. For example, what’s it made of? How has it been maintained? Does it just lie there or does it have a lot of moving parts? Concrete, brick, ceramic tile and stainless steel – properly cared for – can probably outlive us all. However, that wood deck that you keep forgetting to re-finish year after year may not hold up quite as long.
A few years back the National Association of Homebuilders commissioned a study on the life expectancy of home components. Here is a brief summary of what you can count on from the more important materials around your home. Keep in mind that these figures are intended only as guidelines and in no way should be perceived as a firm prediction or guarantee of longevity. Consult your Owner’s Manuals and warranties for specific information.
Check out the life expectancy of these items:
Bathroom Shower Enclosure: 50 years
Cabinets: 50 years
Clothes Dryer: 13 years
Countertop – Cultured Marble: 20 years
Countertop – Natural Stone: Lifetime
Compactor: 6 years
Decks: 20 years
Dishwasher: 9 years
Doors – Fiberglass: Lifetime
Doors – Steel: Lifetime
Doors – Wood: Lifetime
Doors – Vinyl: 20 years
Doors – Screen: 40 years
Faucet: 15 years
Flooring – Wood: 100 years
Flooring – Marble: 100 years
Flooring – Slate: 100 years
Flooring – Granite: 100 years
Flooring – Vinyl: 50 years
Flooring – Linoleum: 25 years
Flooring – Carpet: 8-10 years
French Doors: 30-50 years
Garage Doors: 10-15 years
Garbage Disposer: 12 years
Gas or Electric Range: 15 years
HVAC – Furnaces: 15-20 years
HVAC – Heat Pumps: 16 years
HVAC – Air Conditioning: 10-15 years
Microwave Oven: 9 years
Paint, Caulk and Adhesives: 15 years
Refrigerator: 13 years
Roofing – Slate: 50 years
Roofing – Copper: 50 years
Roofing – Clay: 50 years
Roofing – Concrete: 50 years
Roofing – Asphalt Shingles: 20 years
Roofing – Fiber Cement: 25 years
Roofing – Wood Shakes: 30 years
Sink – Enamel Steel: 10 years
Whirlpool Tubs: 20-50 years
Wiring – Copper: Lifetime
Windows – Aluminum: 15-20 years
Windows – Wood: 30 years
For tips on taking care of some of these household items, check out our Homeowner Tips at: http://www.davidweekleyhomes.com/home-help-center/homeowner-tips.
