List of a home’s components estimated life expectancy

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Internachi Florida Life Expectancy Chart

Internachi Florida Life Expectancy Chart

The following chart details the predicted life expectancy of appliances, products, materials, systems and components for homes in the state of Florida. (It may also be applicable to states in the nearby coastal region with similar climate and weather conditions on a typical basis.)

While many components and systems in homes located in Florida and the surrounding area have service life expectancies that are comparable to those anywhere else in the U.S., those items that are regularly exposed to saltwater, wind, sun and heat are particularly vulnerable to premature failure compared to items installed in homes located elsewhere. These guidelines attempt to address those differences.

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.

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Surface preparation and paint quality are the most important determinants of a paint’s life expectancy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can shorten life expectancy, especially in coastal regions that experience a lot of sunshine and heat, as well as wind-driven rain. Additionally, conditions of high humidity indoors or outdoors can affect the lifespan of these components, which is why they should be maintained seasonally.

ADHESIVES, CAULK & PAINTS		YEARS
Caulking (interior)		5 to 8
Caulking (exterior)		1 to 3
Construction Glue		10+
Paint (exterior)		5
Paint (interior)		8 to 12

ADHESIVES, CAULK & PAINTS		YEARS
Roofing Adhesives/Cements		8+
Sealants		5
Stains		2 to 6

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 (portable/window)		5 to 7
Compactors (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 (if used)
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 are larger and more elaborate, and together with the family room, modern kitchens 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		10
Composite		8 to 15
Structural Wood		5 to 20

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/weather stripping 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)		10
Sliding Glass/Patio (exterior)		10 (for roller wheel/track repair/replacement)
Vinyl (exterior)		10
Wood (exterior)		30+
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 Generator		12
Service Panel		60
Solar Panels		20 to 30
Solar System Batteries		3 to 12
Wind Turbine Generator		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 for humid and coastal environments to make educated judgments about the materials they inspect.
FASTENERS, CONNECTORS & STEEL		YEARS
Adjustable Steel Columns		50+
Fasteners (bright)		25 to 40
Fasteners (copper)		50 to 65
Fasteners (electro-galvanized)		10 to 30
Fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized)		15 to 60
Fasteners (stainless)		100
Steel Beams		50 to 100+
Steel Columns		100+
Steel Plates		35 to 75

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		30
Bituminous-Coating Waterproofing		6
Concrete Block		75+
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)		80
Post and Pier		15 to 45
Post and Tensioned Slab on Grade		80+
Poured-Concrete Footings and Foundation		80+
Slab on Grade (concrete)		75
Wood Foundation		5 to 20
Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF; treated)		50 to 75

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		75+
Poured-Concrete Systems		80+
Steel		75+
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)		75+
Timber Frame		80+

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

GARAGES		YEARS
Garage Doors		10 to 30
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		35
Home Automation System		5 to 50
Intercoms		20
Security System		5 to 20
Smoke/Heat Detectors*		less than 10
Wireless Home Network		5 to ?

• 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)		5 to 12
  Air Exchanger		15
  Attic Fan		15 to 25
  Boiler		40 (if installed)
  Burner		10+
  Ceiling Fan		5 to 10
  Condenser		5 to 7 (for coastal areas, or 15 to 20 inland)
  Dampers		20+
  Dehumidifier		8
  Diffusers, Grilles and Registers		25
  Ducting		60 to 100
  Electric Radiant Heating		40
  Evaporative Cooler		15 to 25 (if installed)
  Furnace		15 to 25 (if installed)
  Gas Fireplace		15 to 25
  Handler Coil		1 to 3
  Heat Exchanger		10 to 15
  Heat Pump		10 to 15
  Heat-Recovery Ventilator		20
  Hot-Water and Steam-Radiant Boilers		40
  Humidifiers		12 (if installed)
  Induction and Fan-Coil Units		10 to 15
  Chimney Cap (concrete)		50+
  Chimney Cap (metal)		8 to 10

  Chimney Cap (mortar)	10+
  Chimney Flue Tile	20+
  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		75+
  Insulated Concrete Forms (hybrid block)		75+
  Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs)		75+
  Man-Made Stone		15
  Masonry Sealant		2 to 10
  Stone		75+
  Stucco/EIFS		25+
  Veneer		75+

  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 (interior)		100+
  Stair Parts (interior)		100+
  Stairs (interior)		100+

  The lifetime of any interior 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)		40
  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 Bib		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 mineral/other deposits)
  Soapstone Kitchen Sink		100+
  Sump Pump		7
  Toilet Tank Components		5
  Toilets, Bidets and Urinals		100+ (if not cracked)
  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
  Well Pump		15
  Water Softener		20
  Whirlpool Tub		20 to 50

  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		2 to 6
  Asbestos Shakes		30 to 50+
  Asphalt Shingles (3-tab)		10 to 12
  Asphalt (architectural)		15 to 20
  BUR (built-up roofing)		5 to 15
  Clay/Concrete		80+
  Coal and Tar		18
  Copper		50+
  EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber		10 to 15
  Fiber Cement		18
  Green (vegetation-covered)		5 to 20
  Metal		17 to 20
  Modified Bitumen		10
  Simulated Slate		10 to 25
  Slate		50+
  TPO		10 to 12
  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 Siding		20 to 35
  Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit and Fascia		15 to 35+
  Asbestos Shingle		20
  Brick		80+
  Cementitious		80+
  Copper Downspouts		80
  Copper Gutters		40+
  Engineered Wood		80+
  Fiber Cement		75+
  Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts		15
  Manufactured Stone		80+
  Stone		80+
  Stucco/EIFS		25+
  Trim		18
  Vinyl Siding		50
  Vinyl Gutters and Downspouts		20+
  Wood/Exterior Shutters		15

  Site and landscaping elements have life expectancies that vary dramatically.

  SITE & LANDSCAPING		YEARS
  American Red Clay		75+
  Asphalt Driveway		10 to 15
  Brick and Concrete Patio		8 to18
  Clay Paving		75+
  Concrete Walks		30+
  Controllers		12
  Gravel Walks		4 to 6
  Mulch		1 to 2
  Polyvinyl Fencing		75+
  Sprinkler Heads		8 to 12
  Underground PVC Piping		50+
  Valves		12 to 15
  Wood Chips		1 to 5
  Wood Fencing		10

  Swimming pools are comprised of many systems and components, all with varying life expectancies, depending on their exposure to climatic and weather conditions. Also, proper maintenance is key, especially concerning the pool water’s chemical balance.

  SWIMMING POOLS		YEARS
  Chlorine Generator (salt water)		5
  Cover		3 to 5
  Deck Finish (acrylic)		5
  Diving Board		8 to 10
  Gas Heater		3 to 5
  Filter (sand)		5 to 10 (sand must be replaced every 3 years)
  Filter (cartridge)		2
  Filter Grid (DE)		5
  Heat Pump		5 to 8
  Interior Finish		10 to 20
  Motor*		5 to 8
  Vinyl Liner		8 to 10
  Pool Lights (fiber optic)		3 to 5
  Pool Lights (incandescent)		3
  Pool Lights (LED)		5 to 7
  Pool Water Heater		5
  PVC Ball Valve		up to 2
  Shell (concrete)		20+
  Shell (fiberglass)		20+
  Solar Heater		10 to 20
  Waterline Tile		10+

• Replacement motors tend to last half the lifespan of their original counterparts.

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

WINDOWS		YEARS
Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad		10 to 15
Double-Pane		5 to 15
Skylights		5 to 15
Jalousie		30 to 40
Window Glazing		8+
Vinyl/Fiberglass Windows		10 to 30
Wood		15+

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.