Home Systems Life Expectancies
How long can you expect it to last?
You may be planning major improvements to your home or simply be curious about how long you can expect various things to last. It´s useful information, especially if you want to make sure you get your money´s worth.
Many house parts are fully functional for years; others give it up after just a few. A cast iron tub can work as well today as it did when it was first installed in 1888, though it may require refinishing. If maintained, brick and stonework can last centuries.
The following tables show average life expectancies for mechanical systems as well as interior and exterior materials. These have been taken from a wide range of sources including various professional building speciality websites and consumer resources, and are intended only as an estimate. Care and maintenance as well as quality and proper installation also play big roles in performance and longevity.
Mechanical systems
| Mechanical Systems | Expected life in years |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning compressor | 15-20 |
| Forced air furnace, heat pump | 15 |
| Baseboard electric heat systems | 20 |
| Plumbing, waste piping | 75 |
| Hot-Water Boiler | 20-30 |
| Water Pump |
7 – 10 |
| Water Softener | 20 |
Interior materials
| Materials | Expected life in years |
|---|---|
| Carpeting |
11 |
| Interior Paint | 7 – 10 |
| Vinyl Floor |
20 – 30 |
| Wood Floor |
100+ |
| Bathroom fixtures, porcelain and cast iron | 50 |
| Fiberglass tub/showers | 10-15 |
| Kitchen cabinets (particle board and laminates) | 15-20 |
| Kitchen cabinets, solid wood and plywood construction | 20-50 |
| Counters, Tile | 50+ |
| Counters, Laminate | 10-15 |
| Counters, Wood | 20+ |
| Counters, Granite | 20+ |
Exterior materials
| Materials | Expected life in years |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Siding |
20 – 50 |
| Exterior Deck | 15 |
| Exterior Paint | 7 – 10 |
| Garage Door | 20 – 50 |
| Garage Door Opener | 10 |
| Roofing, Composition | 15-30 |
| Roofing, wood shingles | 20-30 |
| Roofing, Tile | 50 |
| Veneer (Brick, Stone) |
100+ |
| Vinyl Siding |
50 |
| Wood Siding | 10 – 100 |
Related topics
- Appliance Life Expectancy. Find out how long your appliances will hold up.
For a professional contractor in your area, contact UpdateRenovate.com.
