It will all fall apart, but until then . . .
How long will your roof last? When will your kitchen appliances need to be replaced? Will your furnace make it through another heating season?
Knowing the life expectancy of your home’s building components can help you determine how to deal with the inevitable.
The National Assn. of Home Builders together with Bank of America Home Equity recently released a study that outlines the longevity of housing components. Here are some of the findings and tips for prolonging all your home’s parts:
* Appliances. According to the study, you can expect your gas range to last 15 years; clothes dryers and refrigerators should last about 13; microwave ovens and dishwashers nine; and trash compactors about six years.
Keeping appliances clean will help them operate more efficiently. Keeping your refrigerator’s coils and door gasket clean will make for a better seal, cut down on energy loss and prevent wear and tear on the motor. When it comes to the dishwasher, the more regularly you use it, the longer it is likely to operate. Infrequent use causes gaskets to dry out and results in leaks.
* Concrete and masonry. Masonry is one of the most durable components of a home. Chimneys, fireplaces and brick veneers can last a lifetime, and brick walls can last more than 100 years.
You can extend the life of your fireplace and chimney by burning only seasoned, dry hardwood. Have a chimney sweep inspect it once annually or after burning a cord of wood, whichever comes first. Seal brick, concrete and masonry with a high-quality concrete and masonry sealer.
* Decks. The life expectancy of a wooden deck can vary dramatically, depending on such factors as climate, sun exposure, construction and finish. Studies show a deck has a life expectancy of about 20 years under ideal conditions.
Remember that the lowest portion of the deck framing should be no fewer than 8 inches above the ground to prevent rot and pest damage. Keep the deck clean and add new finish every three to five years.
* Doors. Although the builders’ association study found that exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors will last as long as the house, fiberglass is the most stable and won’t expand and contract like steel or crack like wood. Whatever the material, it’s best to keep the door clean and give it a fresh coat of paint or finish occasionally.
* Flooring. Wood, marble, granite and slate are the most durable floor finishes, with projected life expectancies of 100 years or more. The study found that vinyl and linoleum floors will last about 50 and 25 years, respectively.
Average quality carpet is rated to have a life of eight to 10 years. The better the grade, the longer it will last.
* Heating and air conditioning. These systems typically last 15 to 25 years. Efficiency advancements can make replacement after 10 to 15 years a smart decision.
Keep the system in peak operating condition by changing filters every one to three months, cleaning burners and keeping shrubbery trimmed around the condensing unit.
* Roofs. If you have a slate, copper, clay or concrete roof, chances are good it will last 50 to 100 years. However, if you are among the 70% of American homeowners who have a roof made of asphalt shingles, be prepared to replace it after about 20 years, more or less.
Cleanliness is the key to longevity. Trim overhanging trees, and keep valleys free of debris. Equally important is good attic ventilation. It helps lower your utility bill and prevents roofing damage from summer heat.
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For more home improvement tips and information, go to onthehouse.com.
