InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes

The following chart details the predicted life expectancy of appliances, products, materials, systems and components.  (For homes located in Florida and the surrounding coastal region, please refer to InterNACHI's Florida Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes.)

Consumers, inspectors, and professionals advising their clients should note that these life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather or other conditions, neglect, over-use or abuse.  Therefore, they should be used as guidelines only, and not relied upon as guarantees or warranties.  

 

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. 

ADHESIVES, CAULK & PAINTS

YEARS

Caulking (interior & exterior)

5 to 10

Construction Glue

20+

Paint (exterior)

7 to 10

Paint (interior)

10 to 15

Roofing Adhesives/Cements

15+

Sealants

8

Stains

3 to 8


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. 

APPLIANCES       

YEARS

Air Conditioner (window)

5 to 7

Compactor (trash)

6

Dehumidifier

8

Dishwasher

9

Disposal (food waste)

12

Dryer Vent  (plastic)

5

Dryer Vent  (steel)

20

Dryer (clothes)

13

Exhaust Fans

10

Freezer   

10 to 20

Gas Oven

10 to 18

Hand Dryer

10 to 12

Humidifier (portable)

8

Microwave Oven

9

Range/Oven Hood

14

Electric Range

13 to 15

Gas Range   

15 to 17

Refrigerator

9 to 13

Swamp Cooler

5 to 15

Washing Machine

5 to 15

Whole-House Vacuum System

20


 

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

CABINETRY & STORAGE    

YEARS

Bathroom Cabinets 

50+ 

Closet Shelves 

100+

Entertainment Center/Home Office

10

Garage/Laundry Cabinets

70+

Kitchen Cabinets

50

Medicine Cabinet

25+

Modular (stock manufacturing-type)

50 

  

Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home. 

CEILINGS & WALLS

YEARS

Acoustical Tile Ceiling

40+ (older than 25 years may contain asbestos)

Ceramic Tile   

70+

Concrete

75+

Gypsum

75

Wood Paneling

20 to 50

Suspended Ceiling

25+

 

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

Concrete

50

Cultured Marble   

20

Natural Stone

100+

Laminate

20 to 30

Resin

10+

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. See FASTENERS & STEEL section for fasteners.

DECKS

YEARS 

Deck Planks

15

Composite

8 to 25

Structural Wood

10 to 30

 

 

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 five to eight years.

DOORS

YEARS

Closet (interior) 

100+

Fiberglass (exterior) 

100+

Fire-Rated Steel (exterior)

100+

French (interior) 

30 to 50

Screen (exterior)

30

Sliding Glass/Patio (exterior)

20 (for roller wheel/track repair/replacement)

Vinyl (exterior)

20

Wood (exterior)

100+

Wood (hollow-core interior)

20 to 30

Wood (solid-core interior)

30 to 100+

 

 

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.

ELECTRICAL

YEARS

Accessories

10+

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

30

Bare Copper

100+

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+

Copper-Plated

100+

Fixtures

40

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

up to 30

Lighting Controls

30+

Residential Propane Backup Generators

12

Service Panel

60

Solar Panels

20 to 30

Solar System Batteries

3 to 12

Wind Turbine Generators

20

 

 

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

ENGINEERED LUMBER

YEARS

Engineered Joists

80+

Laminated Strand Lumber

100+

Laminated Veneer Lumber

80+

Trusses

100+



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.

FASTENERS, CONNECTORS & STEEL

YEARS

Adjustable Steel Columns

50+

Fasteners (bright)

25 to 60

Fasteners (copper)

65 to 80+

Fasteners (galvanized)

10+

Fasteners (electro-galvanized)

15 to 45

Fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized)

35 to 60

Fasteners (stainless)

65 to 100+

Steel Beams

200+

Steel Columns

100+

Steel Plates

100+

 


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

FLOORING

YEARS

All Wood Floors

100+

Bamboo

100+

Brick Pavers

100+

Carpet

8 to 10

Concrete

50+

Engineered Wood

50+

Exotic Wood

100+

Granite

100+

Laminate

15 to 25

Linoleum

25

Marble

100+

Other Domestic Wood

100+

Slate

100

Terrazzo

75+

Tile

75 to 100

Vinyl

25


 

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.

FOUNDATIONS 

YEARS

Baseboard Waterproofing System

50

Bituminous-Coating Waterproofing

10

Concrete Block

100+

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

100

Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF; treated)

75

Post and Pier

20 to 65

Post and Tensioned Slab on Grade

100+

Poured-Concrete Footings and Foundation

100+

Slab on Grade (concrete)

100

Wood Foundation

5 to 40


 

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

FRAMING 

YEARS

Log

80 to 200

Poured-Concrete Systems

100+

Steel

100+

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

100+

Timber Frame

100+

 

 

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

GARAGES

YEARS

Garage Doors

20 to 25

Garage Door Openers   

10 to 15

 

 

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

HOME TECHNOLOGY

YEARS

Built-In Audio

20

Carbon Monoxide Detectors*

5

Doorbells

45

Home Automation System

5 to 50

Intercoms

20

Security System

5 to 20

Smoke/Heat Detectors*

less than 10 

Wireless Home Network

5+

* Batteries should be changed at least annually.

 


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

HVAC

YEARS

Air Conditioner (central)

7 to 15

Air Exchanger

15

Attic Fan

15 to 25

Boiler

40

Burner

10+

Ceiling Fan

5 to 10

Chimney Cap (concrete)

100+

Chimney Cap (metal)

10 to 20

Chimney Cap (mortar)

15

Chimney Flue Tile

40 to 120

Condenser

8 to 20

Dampers

20+

Dehumidifier

8

Diffusers, Grilles and Registers

25

Ducting

60 to 100

Electric Radiant Heater

40

Evaporative Cooler

15 to 25

Furnace

15 to 25

Gas Fireplace

15 to 25

Heat Exchanger

10 to 15

Heat Pump

10 to 15

Heat-Recovery Ventilator

20

Hot-Water and Steam-Radiant Boiler

40

Humidifier

12

Induction and Fan-Coil Units

10 to 15

Thermostats

35

Ventilator

7

  


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.

INSULATION & INFILTRATION BARRIERS

YEARS

Batts/Rolls

100+

Black Paper (felt paper)

15 to 30

Cellulose

100+

Fiberglass

100+

Foamboard

100+

Housewrap

80+

Liquid-Applied Membrane

50

Loose-Fill

100+

Rockwool

100+

Wrap Tape

80+



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

MASONRY & CONCRETE    

YEARS

Brick

100+

Insulated Concrete Forms (hybrid block)

100+

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs)

100+

Man-Made Stone

25

Masonry Sealant

2 to 20

Stone

100+

Stucco/EIFS

50+

Veneer

100+

 

 

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

MOLDING, MILLWORK & TRIM 

YEARS

Attic Stairs (pull-down) 

50

Custom Millwork

100+

Pre-Built Stairs

100+

Stair Parts

100+

Stairs

100+


 

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

PANELS

YEARS

Flooring Underlayment 

25

Hardboard

40

Particleboard

60

Plywood

100

Softwood

30

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

60 

Wall Panels

100+

 


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 life.

PLUMBING, FIXTURES & FAUCETS

YEARS

ABS and PVC Waste Pipe

50 to 80

Accessible/ADA Handles

100+

Acrylic Kitchen Sink

50

Cast-Iron Bathtub

100

Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (above ground)

60

Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (below ground)

50 to 60

Concrete Waste Pipe

100+

Copper Water Lines

70

Enameled Steel Kitchen Sink

5 to 10+

Faucets and Spray Hose

15 to 20

Fiberglass Bathtub and Shower

20

Gas Lines (black steel)

75

Gas Lines (flex)

30

Hose Bibs

20 to 30

Instant (on-demand) Water Heater

10

PEX

40

Plastic Water Lines

75

Saunas/Steam Room

15 to 20

Sewer Grinder Pump

10

Shower Enclosure/Module

50

Shower Doors

20

Showerheads

100+ (if not clogged by minerals or other deposits)

Soapstone Kitchen Sink

100+

Sump Pump

7

Toilet Tank Components

5

Toilets, Bidets and Urinals

100+

Vent Fan (ceiling)

5 to 10

Vessel Sink (stone, glass, porcelain, copper)

5 to 20+

Water Heater (conventional)

6 to 12

Water Line (copper)

50

Water Line (plastic)

50

Water Softener

20

Well Pump

15

Whirlpool Tub

20 to 50



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

RADON SYSTEMS

YEARS

Air Exchanger

15

Barometric Backdraft Damper/Fresh-Air Intake

20

Caulking

5 to 10

Labeling

25

Manometer

15

Piping

50+

Radon Fan

5 to 8



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.

ROOFING

YEARS

Aluminum Coating

3 to 7

Asphalt (architectural) 

30

Asphalt Shingles (3-tab)

20

BUR (built-up roofing)

30

Clay/Concrete

100+

Coal and Tar

30

Copper

70+

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber

15 to 25

Fiber Cement

25

Green (vegetation-covered)

5 to 40

Metal

40 to 80

Modified Bitumen

20

Simulated Slate

10 to 35

Slate

60 to 150

TPO

7 to 20

Wood

25

 


Exterior 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. 

SIDINGS, FLASHING & ACCESSORIES

YEARS

Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit and Fascia

20 to 40+

Aluminum Siding

25 to 40+

Asbestos Shingle

100

Brick

100+

Cementitious

100+

Copper Downspouts

100

Copper Gutters

50+

Engineered Wood

100+

Fiber Cement

100+

Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts

20

Manufactured Stone

100+

Stone

100+

Stucco/EIFS

50+

Trim

25

Vinyl Gutters and Downspouts

25+

Vinyl Siding

60

Wood/Exterior Shutters

20

  


Site and landscaping elements have life expectancies that vary dramatically. 

SITE & LANDSCAPING

YEARS

American Red Clay

100+

Asphalt Driveway

15 to 20

Brick and Concrete Patio

15 to 25

Clay Paving

100+

Concrete Walks

40 to 50

Controllers

15

Gravel Walks

4 to 6

Mulch

1 to 2

Polyvinyl Fencing

100+

Sprinkler Heads

10 to 14

Underground PVC Piping

60+

Valves

20

Wood Chips

1 to 5

Wood Fencing

20

 


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

SWIMMING POOLS

YEARS

Concrete Shell

25+

Cover

7

Diving Board

10

Filter and Pump

10

Interior Finish

10 to 35

Pool Water Heater 

8

Vinyl Liner

10

Waterline Tile

15+

 


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

WINDOWS

YEARS

Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad

15 to 20

Double-Pane

8 to 20

Skylights

10 to 20

Vinyl/Fiberglass Windows

20 to 40

Window Glazing

10+

Wood

30+


Note: Life expectancy varies with usage, weather, installation, maintenance, and quality of materials.  This list should be used only as a general guideline and not as a guarantee or warranty regarding the performance or life expectancy of any appliance, product, system or component.