Surface preparation and paint quality are the most important determinants of a paint's life expectancy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays via sunshine can shorten life expectancy.  Additionally, conditions of high humidity indoors or outdoors can affect the lifespan of these components, which is why they should be inspected and maintained seasonally.

Caulking (interior & exterior)	5 - 10 years
Construction Glue	20+ years
Paint (exterior)	7 - 10 years
Paint (interior)	10 - 15 years
Roofing Adhesives/Cements	15+ years
Sealants	8 years
Stains	3 - 8 years

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.

Air Conditioner (window)	5 - 7 years
Compactor (trash)	6 years
Dehumidifier	8 years
Dishwasher	9 years
Disposal (food waste)	12 years
Dryer Vent (plastic)	5 years
Dryer Vent (steel)	20 years
Dryer (clothes)	13 years
Exhaust Fnas	10 years
Freezer	10 - 20 years
Gas Oven	10 - 18 years
Hand Dryer	10 -12 years
Humidifier (portable)	8 years
Microwave Oven	9 years
Range/Oven Hood	14 years
Electric Range	13 - 15 years
Gas Range	15 - 17 years
Refrigerator	9 - 13 years
Swamp Cooler	5 - 15 years
Washing Machine	5 - 15 years
Whole-House Vacuum System	20 years

Modern kitchens today are larger and more elaborate. Together with the family room, they now form the “great room.”

Bathroom Cabinets	50+ years
Closet Shelves	100+ years
Entertainment Center/Home Office	10 years
Garage/Laundry Cabinets	70+ years
Kitchen Cabinets	50 years
Medicine Cabinet	25+ years
Modular (stock manufacturing-type	50 years

Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home.

Acoustical Tile Ceiling	40+ years (older than 25 years may contain asbestos)
Ceramic Tile	70+ years
Concrete	75+ years
Gypsum	75 years
Wood Paneling	20 - 50 years
Suspended Ceiling	25+ years

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.

Concrete	50 years
Cultured Marble	20 years
Natural Stone	100+ years
Laminate	20 - 30 years
Resin	10+ years
Tile	100+ years
Wood	100+ years

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.  

Deck Planks	15 years
Composite	8 - 25 years
Structural Wood	10 - 30 years

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/weatherstripping of exterior doors may have to be replaced every five to eight years.  

Closet (interior)	100+ years
Fiberglass (exterior)	100+ years
Fire-rated Steel (exterior)	100+ years
French (interior)	30 - 50 years
Screen (exterior)	30 years
Sliding Glass/Patio (exterior)	20 years (for roller wheel/track repair/replacement)
Vinyl (exterior)	20 years
Wood (exterior)	100+ years
Wood (hollow-core interior)	20 - 30 years
Wood (solid core interior)	30 - 100+ years

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.  

Accessories	10+ years
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)	30 years
Bare Copper	100+ years
Bulbs (compact fluorescent)	8,000 - 10,000 hours
Bulbs (halogen)	4,000 - 8,000 hours
Bulbs (incandescent)	1,000 - 2,000 hours
Bulbs (LED)	30,000 - 50,000 hours
Copper-Clad Aluminum	100+ years
Copper-Plated	100+ years
Fixtures	40 years
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)	up to 30 years
Lighting Controls	30+ years
Residential Propane Backup Generators	12 years
Service Panel	60 years
Solar Panels	20 - 30 years
Solar System Batteries	3 - 12 years
Wind Turbine Generators	20 years

Floor and roof trusses and laminated strand lumber are durable household components, and engineered trim may last 30 years.  

Engineered Joists	80+ years
Laminated Strand Lumber	100+ years
Laminated Veneer Lumber	80+ years
Trusses	100+ years

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 to make educated judgments about the materials they inspect.  

Adjustable Steel Columns	50+ years
Fasteners (bright)	25 - 60 years
Fasteners (copper)	65 - 80+ years
Fasteners (galvanized)	10+ years
Fasteners (electro-galvanized)	15-45 years
Fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized)	35 - 60 years
Fasteners (stainless)	65 - 100+ years
Steel Beams	200+ years
Steel Columns	100+ years
Steel Plates	100+ years

Flooring life is dependent on maintenance and the amount of foot traffic the floor endures.  

All Wood Floors	100+ years
Bamboo	100+ years
Brick Pavers	100+ years
Carpet	8 - 10 years
Concrete	50+ years
Engineered Wood	50+ years
Exotic Wood	100+ years
Granite	100+ years
Laminate	15 - 25 years
Linoleum	25 years
Marble	100+ years
Other Domestic Wood	100+ years
Slate	100 years
Terrazzo	75+ years
Tile	75 - 100 years
Vinyl	25 years

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.  

Baseboard Waterproofing System	50 years
Bituminous Coating Waterproofing	10 years
Concrete Block	100+ years
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)	100 years
Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF; treated)	75 years
Post & Pier	20 - 65 years
Post and Tension Slab on Grade	100+ years
Poured-Concrete Footings & Foundation	100+ years
Slab on Grade (concrete)	100 years
Wood Foundation	5 - 40 years

Framing and structural systems have extended longevities; poured-concrete systems, timber-frame houses, and structural insulated panels will all last a lifetime.  

Log	80 - 200 years
Poured-Concrete Systems	100+ years
Steel	100+ years
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)	100 years
Timber Frame	100+ years

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

Garage Doors	20 - 25 years
Garage Door Openers	10 - 15 years

Home technology systems have diverse life expectancies and may have to be upgraded due to evolution in technology.  

Built-In Audio	20 years
Carbon Monoxide Detectors*	5 years
Doorbells	45 years
Home Automation System	5 - 50 years
Intercoms	20 years
Security System	5 - 20 years
Smoke/Heat Detectors*	less than 10 years
Wireless Home Network	5+ years

*Batteries should be changed at least annually.

Thermostats may last 35 years but they are usually replaced before they fail due to technological improvements.  

Air Conditioner (central)	7 - 15 years
Air Exchanger	15 years
Attic Fan	15 -25 years
Boiler	10+ years
Burner	10+ years
Ceiling Fan	5 - 10 years
Chimney Cap (concrete)	100+ years
Chimney Cap (metal)	10 - 20 years
Chimney Cap (mortar)	15 years
Chimney Flue Tile	40 - 120 years
Condenser	8 - 20 years
Dampers	20+ years
Dehumidifier	8 years
Diffusers, Grilles, & Registers	25 years
Ducting	60 - 100 years
Electric Radiant Heater	40 years
Evaporative Cooler	15 - 25 years
Furnace	15 - 25 years
Gas Fireplace	15 - 25 years
Heat Exchanger	10 - 15 years
Heat Pump	10 - 15 years
Heat-Recovery Ventilator	20 years
Hot-Water & Steam-Radiant Boiler	40 years
Humidifier	12 years
Induction & Fan-Coil Units	10 - 15 years
Thermostats	35 years
Ventilator	7 years

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.  

Batts/Rolls	100+ years
Black Paper (felt paper)	15 - 30 years
Cellulose	100+ years
Fiberglass	100+ years
Foamboard	100+ years
Housewrap	80+ years
Liquid-Applied Membrane	50 years
Loose-Fill	100+ years
Rockwool	100+ years
Wrap Tape	80+ years

Masonry is one of the most enduring household components. Fireplaces, chimneys and brick veneers can last the lifetime of the home.  

Brick	100+ years
Insulated Concrete Forms (hybrid block)	100+ years
Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs)	100+ years
Man-Made Stone	25 years
Masonry Sealant	2 - 20 years
Stone	100+ years
Stucco/EIFS	50+ years
Veneer	100+ years

Custom millwork and stair parts will last a lifetime and are typically only upgraded for aesthetic reasons.  

Attic Stairs (pull-down)	50 years
Custom Millwork	100+ years
Pre-Built Stairs	100+ years
Stair Parts	100+ years
Stairs	100+ years

The lifetime of any wood product depends heavily on moisture intrusion.  

Flooring Underlayment	25 years
Hardboard	40 years
Particleboard	60 years
Plywood	100 years
Softwood	30 years
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)	60 years
Wall Panels	100+ years

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.  

ABS & PVC Waste Pipe	50 - 80 years
Accessible/ADA Handles	100+ years
Acrylic Kitchen Sink	50 years
Cast-Iron Bathtub	100 years
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (below ground)	50 - 60 years
Concrete Waste Pipe (below ground)	100+ years
Copper Water Lines	70 years
Enameled Steel Kitchen Sink	5 - 10+ years
Faucets & Spray Hose	15 - 20 years
Fiberglass Bathtub & Shower	20 years
Gas Lines (black steel)	75 years
Gas Lines (flex)	30 years
Hose Bibs	20 - 30 years
Instant (on-demand) Water Heater	10 years
PEX	40 years
Plastic Water Lines	75 years
Saunas/Steam Room	15 - 20 years
Sewer Grinder Pump	10 years
Shower Enclosure/Module	50 years
Shower Doors	20 years
Showerheads	100+ years (if not clogged by minerals or other deposits)
Soapstone Kitchen Sink	100+ years
Sump Pump	7 years
Toilet Tank Components	5 years
Vent Fan (ceiling)	5 - 10 years
Vessel Sink (stone, glass, porcelain, copper)	15 - 20 years
Water Heater (conventional)	6 - 12 years
Water Line (copper)	50 years
Water Line (plastic)	50 years
Water Softener	20 years
Well Pump	15 years
Whirlpool Tub	20 - 50 years

Radon mitigation systems have but one moving part: the radon fan.  

Air Exchanger	15 years
Barometric Backdraft Damper/Fresh-Air Intake	20 years
Caulking	5-10 years
Labeling	25 years
Manometer	15 years
Piping	50+ years
Radon Fan	5 - 8 years

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.  

Aluminum Coating	3 - 7 years
Asphalt (architectural)	30 years
Asphalt Shingles (3-tab)	20 years
BUR (built-up roofing)	30 years
Clay/Concrete	100+ years
Coal & Tar	30 years
Copper	70+ years
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber	15 - 25 years
Fiber Cement	25 years
Green (vegetation-covered)	5 - 40 years
Metal	40 - 80 years
Modified Bitumen	20 years
Simulated Slate	10 - 35 years
Slate	60 - 150 years
TPO	7 - 20 years
Wood	25 years

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.  

Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit & Fascia	20 - 40+ years
Aluminum Siding	25 - 40+ years
Asbestos Shingle	100 years
Brick	100+ years
Cementitious	100+ years
Copper Downspouts	100 years
Copper Gutters	50+ years
Engineered Wood	100+ years
Fiber Cement	100+ years
Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts	20 years
Manufactured Stone	100+ years
Stone	100+ years
Stucco/EIFS	50+ years
Trim	25 years
Vinyl Gutters & Downspouts	25+ years
Vinyl Siding	25+ years
Wood/Exterior Shutters	20 years

Site and landscaping elements have life expectancies that vary dramatically.  

American Red Clay	100+ years
Asphalt Driveway	15 - 20 years
Brick & Concrete Patio	15 - 25 years
Clay Paving	100+ years
Concrete Walks	40 - 50 years
Controllers	15 years
Gravel Walks	4 - 6 years
Mulch	1 - 2 years
Polyvinyl Fencing	100+ years
Sprinkler Heads	10 - 14 years
Underground PVC Piping	60+ years
Valves 20	20 years
Wood Chips	1 - 5 years
Wood Fencing	20 years

Swimming pools are composed of many systems and components, all with varying life expectancies.  

Concrete Shell	25+ years
Cover	7 years
Diving Board	10 years
Filter & Pump	10 years
Interior Finish	10 - 35 years
Pool Water Heater	8 years
Vinyl Liner	10 years
Waterline Tile	15+ years

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

Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad	15 - 20 years
Double-Pane	8 - 20 years
Skylights	10 - 20 years
Vinyl/Fiberglass Windows	20 - 40 years
Window Glazing	10+ years
Wood	30+ years