How Long Should the Components of a House Last?

The National Association of Home Builders published the following list. The represents that maximum number of years you can reasonably expect various components of your home to last, as determined by a comprehensive survey of manufacturers, trade associations and researchers. Life expectancy may vary greatly depending on quality of materials, installation, maintenance, environmental factors and use. Inspectors only reports on conditions at the time of the inspection and does not warrant the life expectancy of homes or their components with the exception of roof life.

 

Dishwashers 10 Microwave 11 Gas range 19 Electric range 17 Cast iron bath tub 50 Fiberglass tub 10-15 Electric water heater 14 Gas water heater 11-13 Ceramic tile countertop 10-15 Laminated countertop 10-15 Exterior door with overhang 80-100 Garage door opener 10 Waterproofing sealer 1-5 Waterproofing silicone 1-5 Waterproofing waxes 1-5 Wall and trim paint 5-10 Exterior paint 7-10 Washer 13 Dryer 14 Refrigerator 17 Wallpaper 7 Carpet 11 Galvanized ducts 30

Plastic ducts 15 Wood decks 15 Swimming pool 18 Brick wall 100+ Stone wall 100+ Gravel walk 4 Concrete walk 24 Asphalt shingle roof 15-30 Shake roof 15-30 Slate roof 50-100 Gutters 30 Vinyl siding 50 Aluminum siding 20-50 Wood siding 10-100 Drywall 30-70 Boilers 30 Gas/oil fired furnace 18 Heat pump 15 Central air conditioning 15 Pumps, sumps and well 10 Concrete block foundation 100 Poured concrete foundation 200