No home is perfect, nor will remain perfect. It is just a fact of life that stuff breaks. Many factors may affect the useful life of the various systems and components of your home. Obviously, quality (and more expensive) components will usually last longer and give better service than cheaper ones. The quality of the installation is also key to long lived house systems. Finally, proper care and regular maintenance will lengthen the useful life of any home item. The following is some guidelines based upon average quality and maintenance (unless otherwise noted) and are adapted to the Northern Illinois areas weather conditions
Please, do not hesitate to call, even if we did not do your inspection, if you have questions with special cirumstances.
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Roof Systems |
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Slate |
60 to 100 years |
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Clay Tile |
50 to 70 years, depends on quality of tile, installation |
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Metal |
30 to 60 years, depends on gauge and coating |
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Cedar Shake |
30 to 50 years |
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Asphalt Shingles |
12 to 30 years (NOTE: 2nd layer voids warranty) |
| Low slope Asphalt Shingles | 10 to 15 years |
| Asphalt Roll Roofing | 5 to 10 years |
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4 Ply built-up roofing (flat) |
10 to 20 years |
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Gutters and Downspouts |
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Copper |
40 to 90 years |
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Galvanized |
20 to 25 years |
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Aluminum |
20 to 25 years |
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Plastic / Vinyl |
3 to 50 years, varies on quality, installation |
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| Windows | |
| Window glazing | 20 years |
| Wood Casement | 20 to 50 years |
| Aluminum Casement | 10 to 20 years |
| Vinyl Replacement | 25 to 50 years |
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Siding |
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Brick / Masonry |
100+ years |
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Stucco |
100+ years |
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Cement – asbestos |
40 to 100 years |
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Vinyl, (not damaged, properly installed and supported) |
25 to 40 years |
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Aluminum |
20 to 40 years |
| Steel or Copper | 50 to 100+ years |
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Wood |
20 to 40 years |
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Exterior paint |
2 to 5 years |
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Outside Components |
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Asphalt driveway (Properly maintained and sealed reguarly) |
10 to 20 years |
| Concrete | 20 to 30 years |
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Wooden deck (Properly maintained and water sealed) |
10 to 15 years |
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Exterior doors |
12 to 15 years |
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Garage door opener |
8 to 12 years |
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Plumbing |
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Plastic (PVC) pipe |
unknown |
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Copper supply and drain pipes |
100 – 200+ years |
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Cast iron pipe |
50 to 90 years |
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Galvanized or Lead supply and drain pipes |
45 to 55 years |
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Septic system field tiles |
25 to 30 years |
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Water heater |
8 to 15 years |
| Sump or ejector pump | 2 – 7 years |
| Well Pump | 10 – 15 years |
| Whirlpool Bath pump | 15 – 20 years |
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HVAC |
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Furnace – Gas (Newer, high efficiency furnaces require annual cleaning / maintenance) |
20 to 25 years |
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Boiler |
20 to 25 years |
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Cast iron boiler |
30+ years |
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Fans |
15 to 30 years |
| A/C Compressor | 12 to 17 years |
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Pumps |
10 to 20 years |
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Appliances |
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Range |
18 to 20 years |
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Refrigerator |
10 to 20 years |
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Dishwasher |
10 to 12 years |
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Garbage Disposer / Trash Compactor |
10 years |
| Trash compactor | 8 to 12 years |
| Clothes Washer | 10 to 15 years |
| Clothes Dryer | 12 to 15 years |
| Countertops | |
| Laminate | 10 to 20 years |
| Ceramic Tile (Superior grade installation and maintenance) | Lifetime |
| Wood / Butcher Block | 20+ years |
| Granite / Marble (NOTE: Must be disinfected and sealed monthly) | 20+ years |