A well-built home can last for hundreds of years, but many of its parts must be replaced or renovated regularly. Here’s a sampling of life expectancies for different products and materials used in the home, as listed in a report titled “National Association of Home Builders/ Bank of America Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components” published by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) based in Washington, D.C.
In the summer of 2006, NAHB conducted a comprehensive telephone survey of manufacturers, trade associations and researchers to develop information about the longevity of housing components. Many of the people interviewed emphasized that the life expectancy of housing components is greatly affected by the quality of maintenance. They also noted that changing consumer preferences can result in products being replaced long before — or after — the end of their practical life expectancy.
Component Life Expectancy
Compactors 6
Dishwashers 9
Disposers, Food Waste 12
Dryers, Electric 13
Dryers, Gas 13
Freezers 11
Microwave Ovens 9
Ranges, Electric 13
Ranges, Gas 15
Range/Oven Hoods 14
Refrigerators, Compact 9
Refrigerators, Standard 13
Washers 10
Water Heaters, Electric 11
Water Heaters, Gas 10
Air-Conditioners, Room 10
Air-Conditioners, Unitary 15
Boilers, Electric 13
Boilers, Gas 21
Dehumidifiers 8
Furnaces, Warm-Air, Electric 15
Furnaces, Warm-Air, Gas 18
Furnaces, Warm-Air, Oil 20
Heat Pumps 16
Humidifiers 8
Note: Life expectancy is based on first-owner use.
Entertainment Centers/Home Office 10
Garage/Laundry Cabinets 100+
Kitchen Cabinets 50
Medicine Cabinets 20+
Manufacturing Types
Modular/Stock 50
Closet systems
Closet Shelves Lifetime
Source: Appliance Magazine, Sep 2005 issue, Grainger
Source: Wellborn Cabinet, Zaca, Timberlake Cabinet Co., Wellborn Cabinet, Moduline, Canyon Creek Cabinet Co.,
Easyclosets.com, Wellborn Cabinet
Veneer Lifetime
Caulking (for sealer) 2-20
Natural Stone Lifetime
Tile Lifetime
Wood Lifetime
Dry areas last 20-25,
South 10-15,
North 20-30.
Deck Planks 25
Fiberglass Lifetime
Screen 40 Pine 20 yrs, Cedar 40 yrs, Mahogany 60 yrs
Steel, Fire-Rated Lifetime
Vinyl 20
Wood Lifetime
Interior Doors
French 30 to 50
Closet Lifetime
Source: Fiberframe, Neoporte, Timeline Vinyl Products/Timeline Vinyl Windows, Victoriana East, Coppa
Woodworking Inc., Marvin Windows and Doors, Kestrel
Source: General Shale Brick, NHACP and NCSG, Sashco Sealants
Source: Rynone, Buffalo stone, Architectural Products by Outwater, Formica Corp, Gibco Services, Florida Tile
Industries, United States Ceramic Tile Co., National Hardwood Flooring & Moulding
Source: Decks.com, Timbertech
Lighting Controls 10+
Copper Wiring
Copper Plated Lifetime If used in a non-corrosive environment.
Copper Clad Aluminum Lifetime
Bare Copper Lifetime
Laminated Strand Lumber Lifetime
Laminated Veneer Lumber 30+
Trusses, Floor Lifetime
Trusses, Roof Lifetime
Faucets, Bar/Hospitality 15
Faucets , Kitchen Sinks 15
Faucets, Lavatory 20+
Faucets, Tub/Shower 20+
Faucets, Toilets/Bidets 10 Wear issues depending on use, new cartridges or seals.
Saunas/Steam Rooms 15-20
Shower Doors 20+
Shower Enclosures/Modules 50
Showerheads Lifetime
Toilets/Bidets Lifetime The components inside toilet tank and valves that operate bidet will require occasional maintenance.
Whirlpool Tubs 20-50 Lifespan of the rotating engine depends on the use made of the tub.
Sinks: Kitchen & others
Enamel Steel 5-10
Modified Acrylic 50
Soapstone 100+
Source: Lutron Electronics, Lighting Controls Association, Copper Development Assoc.
Source: Delta Faucet Co., Grohe, Kohler Co., Moen, Plexicor (part of Karran), Toto USA, Acquinox, Alumax, Alsons,
Karran, Green Mountain Soapstone Corp., Saunastore
Source: Engineered Wood Association, Georgia Pacific Corp., Georgia Pacific Corp., Lumber Specialties
Bamboo Lifetime
Brick Pavers 100+
Carpet 8-10
Concrete 50+
Engineered Wood 50+
Exotic Wood Lifetime
Granite 100+
Laminate 15-25
Linoleum 25
Marble 100+
Slate 100
Tile 75-100
Vinyl 50
Other Domestic Wood Lifetime
Terrazo 75+
Concrete Block Lifetime Properly built foundations last indefinitely.
Termite Proofing 12 “Pre-treatment during construction: longevity of treatment depends on disturbance or not of the chemical barriers in place.”
Bituminous Coating Waterproofing 10 If it cracks, it is immediately damaged.
Pargeting with Ionite 20-30 It’s not typical in a residential setting. Its downfall is when it cracks.
Baseboard System 50
Plumbing
Concrete Waste Pipe 100
Cast Iron Waste Pipe 100
Structural Insulated Panels Lifetime
Timber Frame Homes Lifetime
Source: Dry Up Basement, Unexco, Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, American Concrete Pipe Association, National Ready
Mixed Concrete Assoc, Quikrete
Source: ConForm Pacific, NGS Materials, Post & Beam Factory
Source:Marble Institute of America, Berg & Berg, Dal-Tile Corp, Floortec, National Wood Flooring Association, General
Shale Brick, Masland Carpets, Beaulieu of America, Concrete Designs, Formica Corp, Linoleumstore.com, DePaoli
Mosaic, Monarch Ceramic Tile
Light Inserts 20
Heat/Smoke Detectors
Home Automation Systems Lifetime
Home Networks, Wireless 50+
Security Systems 5-10
Air Quality Systems 15
Boilers 13-21
Dehumidifiers 8
Ducting 10
Furnaces 15-20
Heat Pumps 16
Heat Recovery Ventilators 20+
Thermostats 35
Ventilators 7
Water Heaters, Tankless 20+
Electric Radiant Heater 40
Hot Water or Steam Radiant Heater 15+
Diffusers, Grilles, and Registers 25
Induction and Fan-Coil Units 10-15
Dampers 20+
DX, Water, or Steam 20
Electric 15
Shell-and-Tube 20
Molded Insulation Lifetime Not usually used residentially.
Burners
Source: LiteTouchHome Director, ADT and Slomin’s Home Security, Home Director, Home Seer
Source: CenterPoint Energy and Trane Residential system Group, Smarter Way Inc., CenterPoint Energy, Air Quality
Engineering, CenterPoint Energy and Luxaire Unitary Products Group, Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers,
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Econar, Lomanco, Honeywell, American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, EWC Controls, Fantech, No. American Insulation
Manufacturers Assoc.US Dept. of Energy, Radiant Electric Heat, Radiantec, Radiantec, American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Power Flame Inc., Appliance Magazine
Source: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
Cellulose 100+
Fiberglass Lifetime
Foam Lifetime
Insulation Type
Batts/Rolls Lifetime
House Wrap Lifetime
Loose Fill Lifetime
Lifts 8-10
Stair Parts Lifetime
Stairs, Circular & Spiral Lifetime
Stairs, Prebuilt Lifetime
Stairs, Attic Lifetime
Roofing 7
Paints & Stains
Paint, Exterior 15+
Paint, Interior 15+ Depends on whether or not it is washable paint.
Source: York Spiral StairAzek, Authentic Pine Floors, Century Architectural Specialties, StairWorld, National
Hardwood Flooring & Moulding
Source: The Sherwin-Williams Co.,Slate Savers, Tamko Roofing Products, Dutch Boy Paints
Source: DuPont, National Fiber, Johns Manville, RHH Foam Systems, No. American Insulation Manufacturer
Association
Source: Putnam Rolling Ladder Co., Genie Industries
Oriented-Strand Board 25-30
Particleboard 60
Plywood 60
Softwood 30
Underlayment, Flooring 25
Wall Panels Lifetime
Fiber Cement 25
Asphalt 20
Metal Roofing 50
Modified Bitumen 20
Copper Lifetime
Simulated Slate 50
Wood 30
Clay/Concrete Lifetime
Slate 50+
Coal and Tar 30
Source: Gardner-Gibson, Maxitile, National Roofing Contractors Association, GAF Material Corp., Asphalt Roofing
Manufacturer’s Association, Johns Manville, Metal Roof Specialties, Nycore, Authentic roof, 208 Shake&Shingle, The
Northern Roof Tile Sales Co., Universal Marble & Granite, Slate Savers, Koppers, Northern Elastomeric, EcoStar,
Metals USA, GAF Material Corp.
Source: Georgia Pacific Corp., NGS Materials, Weyerhaeuser, James Hardie Building Products
Hardboard Siding 30 ( not in the Pacific Northwest – unless vigorously maintained the life is 10-15)
Engineered Wood Lifetime
Fiber Cement Lifetime
Manufactured Stone Lifetime
Stone Lifetime
Stucco 50-100
Vinyl Lifetime
Related Accessories
Soffits/Fascias 50 This time period applies for fascia in fiber-cement only.
Trim 25
Shutters
Wood/Exterior 20
Wood/Interior 15+
Aluminium/Interior 10+ Sun can cause the strings to break.
Gutters and Downspouts
Copper 50+
Aluminium 20
Galvanized Steel 20
Downspouts (Aluminum) 30
Downspouts (Copper) 100
Polyvinyl Fences Lifetime
Clay Paving Lifetime
Underground PVC Piping 25
Valves 20
Sprinklers 20 Usually made obsolete by advances in technology.
Controllers 15 Lifespan given for areas not prone to lighting strikes.
Fast-Dry Green Lifetime
Source: Boral Bricks, APA, GAF Material Corp., James Hardie Building Products, Boulder Creek Stone and Brick,
Owens Corning, Genstone Enterprises, El Rey Stucco, Heartland Building Products, Azek, James Hardie Building
Products, Blinds.com, Vixen Hill Mfg. Co., Yost Mfg. & Supply, Berger Building Products, Guttersupply.com, (Rain
Trade Corp. division)
Asphalt with Acrylic Coating 12-15 Age before requiring major work. Requires recoating every 5-7 years.
Asphalt with Acrylic Cushion 12-15 Age before requiring major work. Requires recoating every
Coating 5-7 years.
American Red Clay Lifetime
Fast-Dry with Subsurface Lifetime Maintenance: average 10 minutes a day per court. Irrigation Red or Green
Swimming pool
General Lifetime
Concrete Shell 25+
Interior Finish/Plaster 10-15
Interior Finish/Pebble-tec 25-35
Interior Finish/Tile 15-25
Cleaning Equipment 7-10
Decking 15
Waterline Tile 10
Ceiling Suspension Lifetime
Ceramic Tile Lifetime
Standard Gypsum Lifetime
Window Glazing 10+
Windows
Aluminum/Aluminus Clad 15-20
Wood 30+ Some parts of the window may have to be replaced, so lifespan may vary.
Source: Polygal, Gallina USA, LLC, Allied Window
Source: Interceramicusa, United States Gypsum Co., Messmers Inc., DAP
Source: Paddock Pools, Patios & Spas, Boral Bricks, Accurate Tennis, Aquatic Technology, Huyser, Digger Specialties,
Inc., Aquatech Pools – Society of Professional Builders, Inyo Pool Products, Omega Pool Structures, Inc.
Note: This report should be used as a general guideline only. None of the information in this report should be interpreted as a representation, warranty or guarantee regarding the life expectancy or performance of any individual product or product line.
Readers should not make buying decisions and/or product selections based solely on the information contained in this report.
Component Costs
| Install conventional asphalt shingles over existing shingles | $1.25 – $2 / sq. ft. |
| Strip and re-shingle with conventional shingles | $2 – $3 / sq. ft |
| Strip and re-roof with cedar shingles | $5 – $7 per sq. ft. |
| Strip and replace built-up tar and gravel roof | $4 – $6 / sq. ft. |
| Strip and replace single-ply membrane | $4 – 6 / sq. ft. |
| Reflash typical chimney | $300 – $500 |
| Reflash typical skylight | $300 – $500 |
| Rebuild typical chimney above roof line | $100-$200 / lin. ft. |
| Repoint typical chimney above roof line | $20-$30 / row |
| Exterior Install galvanized or aluminum gutters and downspouts | $3 – $5 / lin. ft. |
| Install aluminum soffits and fascia | $8 – $12 / lin. ft |
| Install aluminum or vinyl siding | $3 – $4.50 / sq. ft. |
| Repoint exterior wall (soft mortar) | $3 – 4.50 / sq. ft |
| Repoint exterior wall (hard mortar) | $6 – $8 / sq. ft. |
| Parge foundation walls | $3 – $4 / sq. ft. |
| Damp proof foundation walls and install weeping tile | $60-$120 / lin. ft. |
| Install a deck | $12- $20 / sq. ft. |
| Rebuild exterior basement stairwell | $3500 – $5000 |
| Build detached garage(single) | $8000 and up |
| Build detached garage (double) | $12000 and up |
| Build retaining wall (wood) | $20 – $25 /sq. ft. |
| Build retaining wall (concrete) | $30 – $40 / sq. ft. |
| Structure Underpin one corner of house | $3500 and up |
| Underpin or add foundations | $300 + /lin. ft. |
| Lower basement floor by underpinning and/or bench footings | $150-$300 / lin. ft. |
| Replace deteriorating sill beam with concrete | $60 and up/ lin. ft. |
| Install basement support post with proper foundation | $200 – $400 |
| Perform chemical treatment for termites | $500 and up |
| Repair minor crack in poured concrete foundation | $400 – $800 |
| Electrical Upgrade electrical service to 100 amps | $1200-1800 |
| Upgrade electrical service to 200 amps | $1500 – $2000 |
| Install new circuit breaker panel | $500 – $700 |
| Add 120 volt circuit | $150 – $250 |
| Add 240 volt circuit | $250 – $350 |
| Add conventional receptacle | $75 – $150 |
| Replace conventional receptacle with ground fault circuit receptacle | $60 – $90 |
| Rewire electrical outlet with reversed polarity (assuming electrician already there) |
$5 – $10 ea. |
| Install conventional alarm system fire- burg | $1000 and up |
| Heating install mid-efficiency forced-air furnace | $1700 – $2500 |
| Install high-efficiency forced-air furnace | $2500 – $3500 |
| Install drum-type humidifier | $200 – $300 |
| Install electronic air filter | $500 – $800 |
| Install mid-efficiency boiler | $2500 – $4000 |
| Install high-efficiency boiler | $5000 – $9000 |
| Rebuild firepot (refractory) on boiler | $500 – $800 |
| Install circulating pump | $400 – $600 |
| Install chimney liner | $300 – $700 |
| Install set-back thermostat | $100 – $300 |
| Remove oil tank from basement | $200 – $400 |
| Remove abandoned underground oil tank | $3500 and up |
| Replace radiator valve | $75 – $150 |
| Add electric baseboard heater | $150 – $250 |
| Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (cape) | $8000 – $10000 |
| Convert from hot water heating to forced-air (two story) | $15000 – $20000 |
| Clean ductwork | $250 and up |
| Cooling/Heat Pumps Add central air conditioning on existing forced-air system | $2000-$3000 |
| Add heat pump to forced-air system | $3000-$4000 |
| Replace heat pump or air conditioning compressor | $800 – $1400 |
| Install independent air conditioning system | $8000 – $15000 |
| Insulation Insulate open attic to modern standards | $1 – $1.50 / sq. ft. |
| Blow insulation into flat roof, cathedral ceiling or wall cavity | $2 – $3.50 /sq. ft. |
| Improve attic ventilation | $40 – $50 per vent |
| Plumbing Replace galvanized piping with copper (2 story with one bathroom) | $2000 – $2500 |
| Replace water line to house | $1500 – $3500 |
| Replace toilet | $300 and up |
| Replace basin | $200 and up |
| Replace bathtub, including ceramic tile | $1500 and up |
| Install whirlpool bath | $3000 and up |
| Retile bathtub enclosure | $800 – $1200 |
| Replace leaking shower stall pan | $1000 – $1600 |
| Rebuild tile shower stall | $1500 – $2500 |
| Replace laundry tubs | $250 – $500 |
| Remodel four-piece bathroom completely | $6000 and up |
| Connect waste plumbing system to municipal sewers | $3000 and up |
| Install submersible pump | $800 and up |
| Install suction or jet pump | $400 – $600 |
| Install modest basement bathroom | $4000 and up |
| Sand and refinish hardwood floors | $1.50 – $3 /sq. ft. |
| Interior add drywall over plaster | $1.50-$2.50 /sq. ft |
| Install replacement windows | $200 – $400 ea |
| Install storm windows | $75 – $200 ea. |
| Install skylight | $500 and up |
| Remodel kitchen completely | $8000 and up |
| Painting (trim only) | $1500 – $2500 |
| Painting (trim and wall surfaces) | $3000 and up |
| Repoint chimney (2 story) | $700 and up |
| Convert coal-burning fireplace to wood-burning unit | $800 and up |
| Install masonry fireplace (if flue already roughed – in ) | $2000 and up |
| Install zero-clearance fireplace (including chimney) | $2500 and up |
| Install glass doors on fireplace | $300 and up |
| Install gas Incert into existing fireplace | $2500 and up |