How Long Will Your Home Live?

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Summary: Criterium Engineers, a nationwide network of registered professional engineers who specialize in building inspections, recently published the results of a study which estimate the typical life expectancy for many common building components. How long your home lasts depends a great deal on the conditions to which it is subjected, including use, climate and temperature.

Estimating the life expectancy of a home is about as tough as estimating the average life expectancy of a human being.

We know that American men and women are now living, on average, into their 70s. A well-built home can last for centuries, though some of its components will have to be replaced from time-to-time.

Criterium Engineers, a nationwide network of registered professional engineers who specialize in building inspections, recently published the results of a study which estimate the typical life expectancy for many common building components.

How long something lasts depends a great deal on the conditions to which it is subjected, including use, climate and temperature.

For example, a central air conditioner in a house located in the northern half of the U.S. might last fifteen years. In a southern half, where it would presumably be used year-round, it might last only 10 to 15 years. A gas/oil water heater might last 25 years in a northern U.S. house, while lasting only 15 years in a southern U.S. house.

While each home's systems and components may last longer than these estimates, they're useful when inspecting a home you're thinking about purchasing.

Use these numbers as a guide and check them against the report from your home inspector. If the inspector tells you the hot water heater is 8 years old but in good condition, you might be able to assume another 5 to 8 years of usability before it needs to be replaced.

Remember, this list is no substitute for having your home professionally inspected.

Mechanical Systems Cast iron boiler - 30 years Steel boiler - 20 years Hot air furnace - 20 years (northern); 10 to 20 years (southern) Heat pump (compressor) - 10 to 15 years Central air conditioner - 15 years (northern); 10 to 15 years (southern) Electric water heater - 15 years gas/oil water heater - 25 years (northern); 15 years (southern) submersible water pump - 25 years (northern); 15 years (southern) Non-submersible water pump - 15 years (northern); 10 years (southern);

Foundation Concrete block foundation - 50 (northern); 25-50 (southern) Poured concrete foundation - 100 years;

Siding Cedar/redwood - 50 years (northern); 20 years (southern) Hardboard - 10 years (northern); 10 to 20 (southern) plywood siding - 20 years brick - 40 to 50 years

Roof Fiberglass shingle - 25 years (northern); 15 years (southern) Asphalt shingle - 20 years (northern); 10 years (southern&) Slate - 50 years (northern); 25 years (southern) Clay tile - 50 years (northern); 25 years (southern) Wood shingle - 40 years (northern); 25 years (southern) Standing seam metal - 40 to 50 years

Windows Quality double glazed - 30 years Average double glazed - 15 to 20 years Average single glazed - 15 year

Interior Hollow core doors - 20 years Solid core doors - 40 years Average appliances - 15 years.

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