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How long should major home items last?

July 11, 2018 by John B. Wright Insurance Leave a Comment

It’s a fact that items in your home break before you are ready to replace them.

Plan and save ahead of time by knowing how old items are and their average lifespan.

Your roof

The life expectancy of your roof will depend on where you live, the design of the building, the roofing materials used, and how diligent you are about maintenance. In general, the materials used are the biggest factor in coming up with an expected lifespan. Copper, tile, and slate usually last over 50 years, wood shingles around 30, and fiber cement about 25. Asphalt shingles—the most popular type of roofing shingle—has the shortest expected lifespan of 20 years.

Your HVAC system

Your HVAC system is key to keeping your home comfortable all year round. The good news is that these systems have a pretty long lifespan compared to other appliances in the home, lasting 15 to 25 years but are costly and time-consuming to replace.

Your plumbing

Most piping materials will last between 40 and 70 years, with PVC piping having no limit on its lifespan. If you purchased your home new, you may never need to replace your plumbing, but an older home could be near the end of its lifespan. While costly, new methods at least make re-plumbing your home easier than in the past.

Your refrigerator

Most problems with a refrigerator can be easily repaired, but there will be a point where the costs of those repairs are so high as to justify purchasing a new appliance. High-end refrigerators can last about 15 to 20 years, while those on the lower end may need to be replaced after just six.

Your dishwasher

The majority of dishwashers have a lifespan of about 10 years, no matter the manufacturer. However, proper maintenance does extend their period of viability.

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