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.

Roof Systems

 

Slate

60 to 100 years

Clay Tile

50 to 70 years, depends on quality of tile, installation

Metal

30 to 60 years, depends on gauge and coating

Cedar Shake

30 to 50 years

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

4 Ply built-up roofing (flat)

10 to 20 years

 

 

Gutters and Downspouts

 

Copper

40 to 90 years

Galvanized

20 to 25 years

Aluminum

20 to 25 years

Plastic / Vinyl

3 to 50 years, varies on quality, installation

 

 

Windows  
Window glazing 20 years
Wood Casement 20 to 50 years
Aluminum Casement 10 to 20 years
Vinyl Replacement 25 to 50 years
   

Siding

 

Brick / Masonry

100+ years

Stucco

100+ years

Cement – asbestos

40 to 100 years

Vinyl, (not damaged, properly installed and supported)

25 to 40 years

Aluminum

20 to 40 years

Steel or Copper 50 to 100+ years

Wood

20 to 40 years

Exterior paint

2 to 5 years

 

 

Outside Components

 

Asphalt driveway (Properly maintained and sealed reguarly)

10 to 20 years

Concrete 20 to 30 years

Wooden deck (Properly maintained and water sealed)

10 to 15 years

Exterior doors

12 to 15 years

Garage door opener

8 to 12 years

 

 

Plumbing

 

Plastic (PVC) pipe

unknown

Copper supply and drain pipes

100 – 200+ years

Cast iron pipe

50 to 90 years

Galvanized or Lead supply and drain pipes

45 to 55 years

Septic system field tiles

25 to 30 years

Water heater

8 to 15 years

Sump or ejector pump 2 – 7 years
Well Pump 10 – 15 years
Whirlpool Bath pump 15 – 20 years

 

 

HVAC

 

Furnace – Gas (Newer, high efficiency furnaces require annual cleaning / maintenance)

20 to 25 years

Boiler

20 to 25 years

Cast iron boiler

30+ years

Fans

15 to 30 years

A/C Compressor 12 to 17 years

Pumps

10 to 20 years

 

 

Appliances

 

Range

18 to 20 years

Refrigerator

10 to 20 years

Dishwasher

10 to 12 years

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