Lifespan of a House

How long is the life expectancy of a home? A home's lifespan largely depends on the components used during construction. While a brick exterior may last over a century, roofing materials generally need to be replaced every 20-50 years, and caulking work may need replacing every 2-10 years. It's a good idea to consider the durability of building materials when you're considering purchasing or constructing a home, or when you're deciding on upgrades and maintenance! Here are some stats collected from the National Association of Home Builders and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Exterior features last the longest as they are built to stand against the forces of nature! Several components will never need replacing, while others are a bit more sensitive to wear and tear.

• Roof: 20 to 50 years depending on materials
• Brick: 100 or more years
• Veneer: Lifetime of the home
• Caulking: 2 to 10 years
• Stucco: 50 to 100 years
• Wood decking: 10 to 30 years, depending on materials
• Doors: 20 years to a lifetime, depending on the materials
• Poured foundation: Lifetime
• Garage door openers: 10 to 15 years
• Paints and stains: 15 years
• Shutters: 10 to 20 years
• Gutters: 20 to 100 years, depending on materials
• Asphalt driveway: 15 to 20 years
• Windows: 10 to 30 years

Appliances usually have the shortest lifespan when considering all the features in house. It's important to keep an eye on your appliances and be aware that they won't last forever.

• Trash compactors: Six years
• Dishwashers: Nine years
• Washers: 10 years
• Dryers: 13 years
• Freezers: 11 years
• Refrigerators: Nine to 13 years
• Water heaters: 10 to 11 years
• Furnaces: 15 to 20 years
• Window air conditioners: Five to 7 years

Household systems vary in their lifespans. Usually you won't have to worry about your electrical system as they generally last for around 60 years, but other systems will need replacing sooner.

• Security: Five to 10 years
• Air conditioner: 10 to 15 years
• Smoke detectors: 10 years
• Thermostats: 35 years
• Air ducting: 10 years
• Solar panels: 20 to 30 years
• AFCI & GFCI circuit breakers: 30 years
• Electrical service panel: 60 years
• Propane generator: 12 years

Plumbing is built to last and will generally not wear out on you, depending on the type of fixtures installed and the materials used to construct them. For example, stoneware sinks will last decades longer than enamel steel sinks.

• Faucets: 10 to 20 years
• Toilets: Lifetime (not including components)
• Whirlpool tubs: 20 to 50 years
• Sinks: 5 to 100 years
• Showerheads: 100 years
• Well pumps: 15 years