How Long Should It Last…

Replacing a homes window's appliances or roofing can be pricey; so knowing how long before the refrigerator is likely to stop working or a roof might spring a leak can have value to buyers and home owners.

Buyers want to know replacement costs for aging components beforee making an offer and homeowners can use the information to decide whether to replace it before a move.

A new study by the National Association of Home Builders provides some insight that can help estimate the average useful life of more than 100 household appliances and building materials. The true longevity of anything depends on maintenance, use and quality of installation as well as climate conditions.

Here are just a few:

100 years or more
Brick siding: Lifetime of home
All wooden floors: Lifetime of home
Cellulose insulation material: 100 plus years

50 – 100 years
Slate, copper, clay and concrete roofs:50 plus years
Copper gutters: 50 plus years
Kitchen Cabinets: up to 50 years
Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years
Vinyl Floors: 50 years

30-50 years
Thermostats: 35 years
Wooden Windows: 30 years
Wood shake Roofs: 30 years
French Interior Doors:30to 50 years

10-20 years
Built-in Audio system: 20 years
Aluminum Windows: 15-20 years
Asphalt Shingle roofs: 20 years
Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
Gas ranges: 15 years
Cultured marble counter tops: 20 years
Dryers and refrigerators: 13 years
Air conditioning units : 10-15 years
Lighting controls: 10+years
Interior and exterior paints: 15+years
electric or gas water heaters: 10 years
Air conditioners: 10-15 years
Furnaces: 10- 15 years

5-10 years

Security systems: 5-10 years
heat and smoke detectors: 5-10 years
dishwashers: 9 years
Microwave ovens: 9 years
Carpet 8-10 years