How Long Do Parts of a House Last?
It pays to regularly inspect the home components for signs of degradation to avoid unexpected breakdowns, damages, and costly expenses.
A home consists of several components and each has an average life expectancy. Knowing how long different elements of a home will last helps homeowners prepare for repairs and replacements and choose the appropriate material and parts while remodeling or renovating.
While some home components last a lifetime, others may require repair and replacement more often. Some factors that may impact the lifespan and usability of a home’s components include weather, usage, maintenance, material quality, installation, and durability. It pays to regularly inspect the home components for signs of degradation to avoid unexpected breakdowns, damages, and costly expenses.
Whether planning to purchase a new house or remodel, keep reading for information on the average lifespan of different home parts.
Roofs
Several factors affect a roof’s life expectancy, including the building design, material, maintenance, and local weather conditions. There are different roofing materials available today. Asphalt roofing shingles have a life expectancy of 20 years, fiber cement 25 years, wood shakes 30 years, and slate, clay, copper, and metal roofing lasts over 50 years.
Siding and gutters
Siding, like the roof, is a part of the home’s exterior that needs to be durable to endure the elements. While stone and brick siding can easily last over 100 years, vinyl siding has a lifespan of 20 and 40 years. Aluminum siding can last more than 30 years. Likewise, copper gutters can last more than 50 years, copper downspouts 100 years, while aluminum gutters and downspouts last 20 years and 30 years, respectively.
Frame
A frame is the home’s skeleton. Well-built, durable framing will prevent the home from collapsing. Conversely, poorly framed homes cause safety issues and can cause squeaky floors. Houses with timber frames and poured concrete slabs typically last a lifetime. Softwood and plywood have a life of 30 years, while particleboard ones perform optimally for 60 years.
Doors and windows
Doors made from steel, wood, and fiberglass can last for a lifetime. Vinyl and screen doors come with a life expectancy between 20 and 40 years. French doors come with a life of 30 to 50 years.
Aluminum windows last between 10 and 20 years, wood windows for more than 30 years, and vinyl windows for about 20 to 40 years. Consider replacing single pane-pane windows with modern and more efficient double or triple-pane windows for energy savings.
Kitchen
The kitchen is among the most popular remodeling projects homeowners undertake as it adds significant value to the home. Kitchen cabinets can last over 50 years. Homeowners can remodel the whole kitchen or a few parts. Consider longevity and durability before choosing any material.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another popular room for remodeling. A bathroom has faucets, fixtures, cabinets, and a toilet with different lifespans.
Paint
Interior and exterior paint can last over 15 years. However, consider painting more often to change the overall look and feel of the house.
Flooring
Flooring made from wood, marble, slate, and granite often last at least 100 years. Vinyl floors usually wear out in 50 years, and laminate 15 to 25 years. Carpets have the shortest lifespan at 8 to 10 years.
When in doubt, contact a home service and remodeling contractor. They can guide a homeowner in repair and maintenance of existing appliances and suggest the best materials for a home destined for renovation.
Clover Valley Handyman Service offers reliable service in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, baseboard and crown molding, sprinkler repair, fence repair or replacement, yard work and cleanup, and fire defense space preparation services. Our work is guaranteed. Call (916) 742-3141 today!
