Life Expectancy for Home Systems- Part 1: Exterior

When purchasing a property, either as a personal residence or investment property, it is important to have a good understanding of the life expectancy of the various systems that make up your property. Knowing how long these systems will last will help you plan accordingly for their replacement. Whether these systems are at the beginning, middle or end of their life will greatly influence the amount of money you need to set aside for their replacement each month and can have a huge impact on your bottom line. Also, knowing when to repair vs replace is important and can save you time and money in the long run.

For a printable version of this checklist, leave a comment and we will send you one. Also, stay tuned for our interior systems checklist.

DECKS

*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, which can effect their life expectancy and maintenance requirements*

Deck Planks 15

Composite 8 to 25

Structural Wood 10 to 30

DOORS

Fiberglass, Fire-Rated Steel and Wood doors (exterior) 100+

Screen (exterior) 30

Sliding Glass/Patio (exterior) 20 (for roller wheel/track repair/replacement)

Vinyl (exterior) 20

Gaskets and Weatherstripping 5-8

FASTENERS, CONNECTORS & STEEL

*Due to varying climates, environments, location of installation around the home and type of material on which they are installed, fastener manufacturers do not give lifespans for their products. Home Inspectors can, however, use the guidelines below and visual assessments to make educated judgments about the projected remaining lifespan of fasteners on a home.*

Adjustable Steel Columns 50+

Fasteners (bright) 25 to 60

Fasteners (copper) 65 to 80+

Fasteners (galvanized) 10+

Fasteners (electro-galvanized) 15 to 45

Fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized) 35 to 60

Fasteners (stainless) 65 to 100+

Steel Beams 200+

Steel Columns 100+

Steel Plates 100+

GARAGES

Garage Doors 20 to 25

Garage Door Openers 10 to 15

MASONRY & CONCRETE

Brick 100+

Insulated Concrete Forms (hybrid block) 100+

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) 100+

Man-Made Stone 25

Masonry Sealant 2 to 20

Stone 100+

Stucco/EIFS 50+

Veneer 100+

ROOFING

*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, which can effect their life expectancy and maintenance requirements*

Aluminum Coating 3 to 7

Asphalt (architectural) 30

Asphalt Shingles (3-tab) 20

BUR (built-up roofing) 30

Clay/Concrete 100+

Coal and Tar 30

Copper 70+

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber 15 to 25

Fiber Cement 25

Metal 40 to 80

Modified Bitumen 20

Simulated Slate 10 to 35

Slate 60 to 150

TPO 7 to 20

Wood 25

SIDINGS, FLASHING & ACCESSORIES

*Although most exterior siding materials typically last a lifetime, some may require protection through paints or sealants and regular maintenance. Well-maintained and undamaged flashing can last a long time but their connections have a tendency to fail so seasonal inspection and maintenance are strongly recommended.*

Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit and Fascia 20 to 40+

Aluminum Siding 25 to 40+

Asbestos Shingle 100

Brick 100+

Cementitious 100+

Copper Downspouts 100

Copper Gutters 50+

Engineered Wood 100+

Fiber Cement 100+

Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts 20

Manufactured Stone 100+

Stone 100+

Stucco/EIFS 50+

Trim 25

Vinyl Gutters and Downspouts 25+

Vinyl Siding 60

Wood/Exterior Shutters 20

SITE & LANDSCAPING

Asphalt Driveway 15 to 20

Brick and Concrete Patio 15 to 25

Clay Paving 100+

Concrete Walks 40 to 50

Gravel Walks 4 to 6

Mulch 1 to 2

Sprinkler Heads 10 to 14

Underground PVC Piping 60+

Wood Chips 1 to 5

FENCING

Wood Fences 10 to 20

Chain Link Fences 15 to 20

Vinyl Fences 25+

Aluminum Fences 25+

SWIMMING POOLS

Concrete Shell 25+

Cover 7

Diving Board 10

Filter and Pump 10

Interior Finish 10 to 35

Pool Water Heater 8

Vinyl Liner 10

Waterline Tile 15+

WINDOWS

Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad 15 to 20

Double-Pane 8 to 20

Skylights 10 to 20

Vinyl/Fiberglass Windows 20 to 40

Window Glazing 10+

Wood 30+