How Long Will it Last?

How long will various building materials, appliances and components of your home last? Here are life expectancies (in years) of some products and materials in the home, according to a 1993 survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders. Information was drawn from industry trade associations.

Life Expectancy

Appliances
Refridgerator	17
Range
Gas	19
Electric	17
Freezer
Standard	16
Compact	12
Dryer	14
Washer	13
Microwave Oven	11
Disposal	10
Dishwasher	10
Compacter	10
Plumbing
Sinks
Porcelain	25-30
Enamel cast iron	25-30
Enamel steel	5-10
Faucets
High quality	15-20
Low quality	13-15
Cast iron bathtub	50
Fiberglass bathtub	10-15
Fiberglass shower	10-15
Toilet	50
Paints and Stains
Exterior pain on wood, brick and aluminum	7-10
Interior
Wall paint	5-10
Trim and door	5-10
Wallpaper	7

Roofing
Slate	50-100
Tile	50
Sheet metal	20-50+
Asphalt overlay	25-35
Shingles and Shakes
Asphalt	15-30
Wood	15-30
Built-up roofing
Coat and Tar	12-30
Asphalt	12-25
Floors
Marble	Lifetime+
Terrazzo	Lifetime+
Ceramic tile	Lifetime+
Oak or pine	Lifetime+
Slate flagstone	Lifetime+
Vinyl sheet or tile	20-30
Carpeting	11
Landscaping
Swimming pool	18
Wooden deck	15
Sprinkler	12
Asphalt driveway	10
Home Security
Intrusion system	14
Smoke detector	12
Smoke/fire/intrusion system	10

Heating and Air Conditioning
Air conditioning
Central unit	15
Window unit	10
Compressor	15
Heat pump	15
Water heater
Electric	14
Gas	11-13
Doors
Exterior	80-100
Protected	25-30
Interior
Hollow	less than 30-life
Solid core wood	30-life
Folding	30-life
Screen	25-30
Shower door	25
Garage door	20-50
Garage door opener	10
Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinets	15-20
Medicine cabinet	20
Counter Tops
Ceramic tile	lifetime
Granite	20+
Laminate