Uncategorized (2)
Monday, 13 December 2010 20:19
Life expectancy of household materials and components
Written by AdminThe following chart details the predicted life expectancy of household materials and components.
Interior and exterior paints can last for 15 years or longer, however homeowners often paint more frequently. Surface preparation is likely the most important determiner of paint life expectancy.
|
ADHESIVES, CAULK AND PAINTS
|
YEAR
|
|---|---|
|
Caulking
|
5-10
|
|
Paint
|
7
|
|
Roofing Adhesives
|
15+
|
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. Of a home’s major appliances, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy.
|
APPLIANCES
|
YEARS
|
|
--> Air-Conditioners
|
8-15
|
|
Boilers
|
20-35 |
|
Compactors
|
6
|
|
Dehumidifiers
|
8 |
|
Dishwashers
|
9 |
|
Disposers, Food waste
|
12 |
|
Dryers
|
13
|
|
Exhaust Fans
|
10
|
|
Freezers
|
10-20 |
|
Furnaces
|
15-25
|
|
Gas Ovens
|
10-18
|
|
Heat Pumps
|
16
|
|
Humidifiers
|
8 |
|
Microwave Ovens
|
9
|
|
Range/Oven Hoods
|
14
|
|
Electric Ranges
|
13-15
|
|
Gas Ranges
|
15-17
|
|
Refrigerators
|
9-13
|
|
Washing Machine
|
5 -15
|
|
Water Heaters
|
10-11
|
|
BATHROOM
|
YEARS
|
|
Cast Iron Bathtub
|
50
|
|
Fiberglass Bathtub and Shower
|
10-15
|
|
Shower Door
|
25
|
|
Toilet
|
50
|
Kitchens are in the process of becoming larger and more elaborate, and together with the family room, modern kitchens now form the “great room.”
Great rooms are a place to cook as well as a space where people gather to read, talk, eat, do homework, surf the Internet, and pay bills.
|
CABINETRY & STORAGE
|
YEARS
|
|
Bath Cabinets
|
100+
|
| Closet Shelves | 100+ |
| Entertainment Centers/Home Office | 10 |
| Garage/Laundry Cabinets | 100+ |
| Kitchen Cabinets | 50 |
| Medicine Cabinets | 20+ |
|
Modular/Stock Manufacturing Type
|
50
|
Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home.
|
CEILINGS, WALLS & FINISHES
|
YEARS
|
|
Acoustical Ceiling
|
100+
|
|
Ceiling Suspension
|
100+
|
|
Ceramic Tile
|
100+
|
| Standard Gypsum |
100+
|
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
|
|
Cultured Marble
|
20
|
|
Natural Stone
|
100+
|
|
Laminate Countertops
|
20 - 30
|
|
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. Under ideal conditions, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years but they can fail much sooner.
|
DECKS
|
YEARS
|
|
Deck Planks
|
25
|
|
Wood
|
10-30
|
Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors will last as long as the house, while vinyl and screen doors have a shorter life expectancy. Closet doors may last a lifetime, but French doors will fail sooner.
|
DOORS
|
YEARS
|
|
Closet (Interior)
|
100+
|
|
Fiberglass (Exterior)
|
100+
|
|
Fire-Rated Steel (Exterior)
|
100+
|
|
French (Interior)
|
30-50 |
| Screen (Exterior) |
40
|
| Vinyl (Exterior) | 20 |
|
Wood (Exterior)
|
100+
|
|
Wood (Hollow Core Interior)
|
20 - 30
|
|
Wood (Solid Core Interior)
|
30 - 100+
|
Floor and roof trusses and laminated strand lumber are durable household components, and engineered trim may last 30 years.
|
ENGINEERED LUMBER
|
YEARS
|
|
Engineered Trim
|
30
|
|
Laminated Strand Lumber
|
100+
|
|
Laminated Veneer Lumber
|
80+
|
|
Trusses
|
100+
|
|
FIXTURES & FAUCETS
|
YEARS
|
|
Accessible/ADA Products
|
100+
|
|
Enamel Steel Kitchen Sinks
|
5-10
|
|
Faucets
|
15-20
|
|
Modified Acrylic Kitchen Sinks
|
50
|
| Saunas/Steam Rooms |
15-20
|
|
Shower Enclosures/Modules
|
50
|
| Shower heads |
100+
|
|
Soapstone Kitchen Sinks
|
100+
|
| Toilets/Bidets |
100+
|
|
Whirlpool Tubs
|
20-50
|
Natural wood floorings may las as long as the house. Marble, slate, and granite are also expected to last for about 100 years, but require more maintenance. Vinyl floors last up to 50 years, linoleum about 25 years, and carpet between 8 and 10 years (with appropriate maintenance and normal traffic).
|
FLOORING
|
YEARS
|
|
All Wooden Floors
|
100+
|
|
Bamboo
|
100+
|
|
Brick Pavers
|
100+
|
|
Carpet
|
8-10
|
|
Concrete
|
50+
|
|
Engineered Wood
|
50+
|
|
Exotic Wood
|
100+
|
|
Granite
|
100+
|
|
Laminate
|
15-25
|
|
Linoleum
|
25
|
|
Marble
|
100+
|
|
Other Domestic Wood
|
100+
|
|
Slate
|
100
|
|
Terrazo
|
75+
|
|
Tile
|
75-100
|
|
Vinyl
|
25
|
Concrete and poured block footings and foundations will last a lifetime, assuming they were properly built. Termite proofing of foundations will last about 12 years if the chemical barriers put in place during construction are left intact. Waterproofing with bituminous coating lasts 10 years, but if it cracks it is immediately damaged.
|
FOOTING & FOUNDATIONS
|
YEARS
|
|
Baseboard System
|
50
|
|
Bituminous Coating Waterproofing
|
10
|
| Cast Iron Waste Pipe (Above Ground) |
60+
|
|
Cast Iron Waste Pipe (Below ground)
|
50 - 60
|
| Concrete Block |
100+
|
|
Concrete Waste Pipe
|
100 |
|
Poured Footings and Foundations
|
100+
|
|
Pumps, Sumps, and Wells
|
5-12
|
|
Termite Proofing
|
12
|
Framing and structural systems have extended longevities; poured-concrete systems, timber frame houses and structural insulated panels will all last a lifetime. Wall panels and roof and floor trusses will also last a lifetime. Hardboard, softwood, and plywood last an average of 30 years, while OSB and particleboard are expected to last twice that long.
|
FRAMING & OTHER STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
|
YEARS
|
| Poured-Concrete Systems |
100+
|
|
Structural Insulated Panels
|
100+
|
|
Timber Frame Homes
|
100+
|
Garage door openers are expected to last 10 to 15 years, and light inserts will last slightly longer.
|
GARAGES
|
YEARS
|
|
Garage Doors
|
20-25
|
|
Garage Door Openers
|
10-15
|
|
Light Inserts
|
20
|
Home technology systems have diverse life expectancies. While a built-in audio system will last 20 years, security systems and heat/smoke detectors have life expectancies of 5 to 10 years. Wireless home networks and home automation systems are expected to work properly for more than 50 years.
|
HOME TECHNOLOGY
|
YEARS
|
|
Built-in Audio
|
20
|
|
Home Automation Systems
|
100+
|
| Security Systems |
5-10
|
|
Smoke/Heat Detectors
|
Less Than 10
|
|
Wireless Home Networks
|
50+
|
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems require regular maintenance in order to work properly, but even well-maintained systems only last 15 to 25 years. Furnaces, on average, last 15-20 years, heat pumps last 16 years, and air conditioning units last 10-15 years. Tankless water heaters last more than 20 years, while an electric or gas water heater has a life expectancy of about 10 years. Thermostats may last 35 years but they are usually replaced before they fail due to technological improvements.
|
HVAC
|
YEARS
|
|
Air Conditioners
|
10-15
|
|
Air Quality Systems
|
15
|
|
Attic Fans
|
15 - 25
|
|
Boilers
|
13-21
|
|
Burners
|
10+ |
|
Central Air Conditioning Unite
|
12-15
|
|
Dampers
|
20+ |
|
Dehumidifiers
|
8
|
|
Diffusers, Grilles, and Registers
|
25 |
|
Ducting
|
10 |
|
DX, Water, Or Steam
|
20 |
|
Electric
|
15 |
|
Electric Radiant Heater
|
40
|
|
Furnaces
|
15-20 |
|
Heat Exchangers, shell + tube
|
10-15
|
|
Heat Pumps
|
16 |
|
Heat Recovery Ventilators
|
20 |
|
Hot Water or Steam Radiant Heater
|
40 |
|
Induction and Fan-Coil Units
|
10-15 |
|
Molded Insulation
|
100+ |
|
Shell and Tube
|
20
|
|
Thermostats
|
35 |
| Ventilators | 7 |
|
Water Heaters
|
20+
|
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+
|
|
Cellulose
|
100+
|
|
Fiberglass
|
100+
|
| Foam |
100+
|
|
House Wrap
|
100+
|
|
Loose Fill
|
100+
|
Ladders are expected to last a lifetime, but life expectancy of lifts is significantly shorter.
|
JOB SITE EQUIPMENT
|
YEARS
|
|
Ladders
|
100+ |
| Lifts |
8-10
|
Copper plated wiring, copper clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime, whereas electrical accessories and lighting controls may need to be replaced after 10 years.
|
LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL
|
YEARS
|
| Accessories |
10+
|
| Bare Copper |
100+
|
|
Copper Clad Aluminum
|
100+
|
| Copper Plated |
100+
|
|
Lighting Controls
|
10+
|
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+
|
|
Sealer Caulking
|
2-20
|
|
Stone
|
100+
|
| Veneer |
100+
|
Custom millwork will last a lifetime, and all stairs – circular and spiral stairs, prebuilt stairs and attic stairs – are expected to last a lifetime.
|
MOLDING & MILLWORK
|
YEARS
|
|
Attic Stairs
|
100+
|
|
Custom Millwork
|
100+
|
|
Prebuilt Stairs
|
100+
|
|
Stair Parts
|
100+
|
| Stairs, Circular & Spiral |
100+
|
Lifetime of any wood product depend on level of moisture intrusion
|
PANELS
|
YEARS
|
|
Flooring Underlayment
|
25
|
|
Hardboard
|
30
|
| Particleboard |
60
|
|
Plywood
|
60
|
|
Softwood
|
30
|
|
Oriented-Strand Board
|
60
|
|
Wall Panels
|
100+
|
The life of a roof depends on local weather conditions, building and design, material quality, and adequate maintenance. Slate, copper, and clay/concrete roofs have the longest life expectancy while roofs made of asphalt shingles, fiber cement or wood shakes will fail sooner.
|
ROOFING
|
YEARS
|
|
Aluminum Coating
|
3-7
|
|
Asphalt Shingles (3 - tab)
|
20
|
| Asphalt (Architectural) |
30
|
|
BUR (Built-up Roof)
|
30
|
|
Clay/Concrete
|
100+ |
|
Coal and Tar
|
30
|
|
Copper
|
100+
|
|
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Rubber
|
15 - 25
|
|
Fiber Cement
|
25 |
|
Metal
|
40 - 50
|
|
Modified Bitumen
|
20
|
| Simulated Slate |
50
|
|
Slate
|
50+
|
| TPO |
7 - 20
|
|
Wood
|
30 |
Outside materials typically last a lifetime. Brick, vinyl, engineered wood, stone (both natural and manufactured), and fiber cement will last as long the house. Exterior wood shutters are expected to last 20 years, depending on weather conditions. Gutters have a life expectancy of more than 50 years if made of copper and for 20 years if made of aluminum. Copper downspouts last 100 years or more, while aluminum ones will last 30 years.
|
SIDING & ACCESSORIES
|
YEARS
|
|
Aluminum Downspouts
|
30
|
|
Aluminum Gutters
|
20
|
|
Aluminum/Interior Shutters
|
10+
|
|
Brick
|
100+
|
|
Copper Downspouts
|
100
|
|
Copper Gutters
|
50+
|
|
Engineered Wood
|
100+
|
|
Fiber Cement
|
100+
|
|
Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts
|
20
|
|
Manufactured Stone
|
100+
|
| Soffits/Fascias |
50
|
| Stone |
100+
|
| Stucco |
50 - 100
|
| Trim |
25
|
| Vinyl | 100+ |
| Wood/Exterior Shutters | 20 |
| Wood/Interior Shutters | 15+ |
Most landscaping elements have a life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. Sprinklers and valves last about 20 years, while underground PVC piping has a lifespan of 25 years. Polyvinyl fences are designed to last as long as the house, and asphalt driveways should last between 15 and 20 years. Tennis courts can last a lifetime if they are recoated; most coatings last 12 to 15 years. The concrete shell of a swimming pool is expected to last more than 25 years, but the interior plaster and tile have life expectancies of about 10 to 25 years.
|
SITE & LANDSCAPING
|
YEARS
|
|
American Red Clay
|
100+
|
|
Asphalt Driveway
|
15-20
|
|
Asphalt with Acrylic Coating or Cushion
|
12-15
|
|
Brick & Concrete Patios
|
15-25
|
|
Clay Paving
|
100+ |
|
Cleaning Equipment(Swimming Pool)
|
7-10 |
|
Coating
|
5-7 |
|
Concrete Shell (Swimming Pool)
|
25+ |
|
Concrete Walks
|
40- 50
|
|
Controllers
|
15
|
| Decking(Swimming Pool) |
15
|
| Fast-Dry Green Tennis Court | 100+ |
| Fast-Dry with Subsurface |
100+
|
|
Gravel Walks
|
4-6
|
|
Interior Finish( Swimming Pool)
|
10-35
|
| Polyvinyl Fences | 100+ |
| Sprinklers | 10-14 |
| Underground PVC Piping | 60+ |
|
Valves
|
20 |
|
Waterline Tile ( Swimming Pool)
|
10
|
Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years while wooden windows should last nearly 30 years.
|
SKYLIGHTS & WINDOWS
|
YEARS
|
|
Aluminum/Aluminum Clad
|
15-20
|
| Window Glazing | 10+ |
|
Vinyl Windows
|
20 - 40
|
|
Wood
|
30+
|
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While you can’t predict the lurking dangers in an unfamiliar home, its age offers clues about what you can expect to encounter. Older homes, especially those that have remained in the same hands for much (or all) of their lifetime, are often plagued by a common set of defects that InterNACHI inspectors and potential home buyers may want to learn about.
Some of the more prevalent issues of older homes are as follows.
- Lead is a toxic metal that was once commonly used in the manufacture of household paint and plumbing fixtures, and as an additive to gasoline. While it has long been prohibited in new construction, lead-based paint and plumbing that weren't removed may present a significant health hazard. Homes constructed prior to 1978 may contain lead paint, which can be ingested by small children or contaminate surrounding soil and vegetable gardens. It is easily identifiable by its alligator-like flaking pattern. Lead pipes, too, were used in homes up until the late 1940s, and they may allow lead to leach into drinking water. They can be identified by their dull gray color and the ease by which they can be scratched by keys or coins.
- Asbestos insulation, which can increase the chances of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma, was used in homes between 1930 and 1950. Asbestos insulation should be left undisturbed until it can be removed by a qualified professional, as its fibers can be inhaled when they are airborne, creating a significant health hazard.
- Older homes were not constructed to meet modern energy efficiency requirements. They may suffer thermal losses from single-pane windows, insufficient or compressed insulation, leaking ductwork, and inefficient heaters and other appliances. It should be noted, however, that older homes better capitalize on natural sources of lighting, heating and ventilation through the use of design features such as exterior shutters, shade trees, and thick, heat-retaining masonry walls.
- Buried oil tanks were often abandoned and forgotten after homes switched to newer fuel sources. Today, these tanks pose a safety hazard to homeowners and their neighbors, as their contents may leak into surrounding soil. Disposal guidelines vary and may call for removal of the tank or filling it with sand or gravel. Soil testing may be required to investigate whether an abandoned fuel tank has leaked underground.
- Obsolete electrical components pose a fire and safety hazard, such as:
- aluminum wiring. From about 1965 to 1973, single-strand aluminum wiring was sometimes used in place of copper branch-circuit wiring in residential electrical systems due to the escalating price of copper. After a decade of use by homeowners and electricians, weaknesses were discovered in the metal, which led to its disuse as a branch wiring material. Although properly maintained aluminum wiring is acceptable, aluminum will generally become defective faster than copper due to certain qualities inherent in the metal. It can be identified by its color or the labels “CO/ALR,” “aluminum” and “AL”;
- knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring. This was an early standardized method of electrical wiring in buildings from about 1880 to the 1940s. While codes do not require its removal, K&T wiring often suffers from unsafe modifications, old age, overheating, and lack of a ground wire. It can be identified by its characteristic porcelain insulating tubes;
- a lack of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Homes built before the 1970s may not have been equipped with GFCI protection, which guards against overloads, short circuits and ground faults; and
- a lack of grounded receptacles, which provide a safe path to ground for stray electrical current. Most major appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators and computers, have three-prong plugs and require three-slot or grounded receptacles. Homes in the U.S. built before 1962 were not constructed with three-slot receptacles.
- Wells, cesspools and septic tanks were commonly used before homes and buildings were connected to public sewer and water systems. If they were abandoned and not removed, these elements pose hazards related to their deterioration and collapse.
- Radon is a naturally occurring gas that has been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It usually enters the home through cracks in the foundation, a common problem found in vintage construction. Radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, so concerned homeowners should consult with their InterNACHI inspector about radon testing during their next scheduled inspection.
In summary, older construction often suffers from predictable defects and obsolete components. Homeowners may want to enlist the help of their InterNACHI inspector to explore essential upgrades that will eliminate health and safety hazards in their homes.
Article by Nick Gromicko and Rob London, republished with permission from InterNACHI
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