Owens Corning
How Long Will it Last?
Typical or normal life expectancies are hard to define. How long something should last depends a great deal on the conditions to which it is subjected. The life of a roof, for example, is very dependent on climate and temperature. The same applies to siding and most other exterior materials. Interior materials are more likely to be affected by the way they are used and the maintenance they receive.

Only some mechanical components (heating, air conditioning, well pumps, for example) can begin to have a predictable normal life, which actually occurs in most cases. The following is our best estimate for the typical life for many common building components. Keep in mind that this can vary significantly, depending on the conditions to which the component is subjected, how well it was originally installed, and how it is used and maintained.

Northern Southern

MECHANICAL

cast iron boiler 30 30(1)

steel boiler 20 20(1)

hot air furnace 20 10-20

heat pump (compressor) 12 10-15

air conditioner (central) 15 10-15

electric water heater 15 15

gas/oil heater 25 15

submersible water pump 25 15

non-submersible water pump 15 10

FOUNDATION

concrete block foundation 50(2) 25-50(2)

poured concrete foundation 100 100(1)

wood foundation (APA) 25(2) 30(1,2)

SIDING

cedar/redwood siding 50(3) 20(3)

hardwood siding 10(3) 10-20(3)

plywood siding 20(3) 20(3)

brick veneer 50 40

ROOF

fiberglass shingle 25(4) 15(4)

asphalt shingle 20(4) 10(4)

slate roof 50+ 25(1)

clay tile roof 50(2) 25

wood shingle 40 25

standing seam metal roof 50 40

WINDOWS

quality, double glazed 30 30(1)

average, double glazed 15 20(1)

average, single glazed 15(1) 15

INTERIOR

hollow core doors 20 20

solid core doors 40 40

average appliances 15 15

high quality appliances 20 20

MISCELLANEOUS

gunite/concrete pool 30 30

vinyl lined pool 15 10

WASTE WATER DISPOSAL

septic system 25(2) 15(2)

NOTES:

(1) not common in this area

(2) depends on many variables

(3) assumes good maintenance

(4) assumes adequate roof ventilation

These are averages based on the practical experience of having examined more than 300,000 homes nationwide. They do not necessarily coincide with manufacturer's predicted life, warranties, or other standards.

Further, these only represent typical performance. Actual performance in any given situation can vary significantly based on the quality of the material chosen, the skill with which it was installed and the specific conditions to which it is subjected.

Reprinted with permission from Criterium Engineers
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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