How Long Do Things Last?

When buying a home, you want to have a general idea about how long appliances may continue to work so that you can budget for replacement(s) if necessary. When selling a home, you want to make sure that you provide a home warranty that covers the appliances so that you will not have to worry about appliances breaking down and being contacted by the buyer. This is a general list of appliances and major structural components of homes. It is intended to be used as a guideline only. Make sure you check with a licensed home inspector or appliance manufactures to get written information on these matters.

The general expectancy of properly installed and maintained products and materials in the home:

Dishwasher - 10-12 years (keep drains clear of debris by pre-rinsing dishes)
Range - 19 years gas, 17 years electric, (keep area directly below range lined with foil)
Garbage Disposal - 6-15 years (Avoid contact with hard objects; use cold water)
Bathtub – 50 years cast iron, 10-15 years fiberglass
Water Heater – 14 years electric, 11-13 years gas (drain 3-4 gallons from tank each year)
Wood Deck – 15 years (paint or preservative each two years)
Roof – 15-30 years asphalt, wood shingles and shakes (shakes preserved every 5-7 years), 50-100 years slate and tile, 5-15 years rolled, 10-20 years tar and gravel
Siding - 50 years vinyl, 20-50 aluminum, 10-100 years wood (depending on moisture)
Sink – 8-10 years enamel steel; 25-30 years enamel cast iron or porcelain
Counter Top – 10-15 years laminate, lifetime ceramic tile
Exterior door with protected overhang – 80-100 years
Garage door opener – 10 years
Cooper wiring – 100 years
Sealer, silicone and waxes – 1-5 years
Paint – 5-10 years wall and trim, 7 years exterior
Ducts – 30 years galvanized, 15 years plastic
Swimming Pool – 18 years
Trash Compactor – 8-15 years
Wallpaper – 7 years
Carpet – 11 years
Brick, Stone Wall – 100 years
Gravel Walk – 4 years
Concrete Walk – 24 years
Drywall –30-70 years
Microwave – 11 years