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How Long Do Building Materials Last?!

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As Home Inspectors, we are routinely asked “How long until this roof fails?” or “Do we really need to paint these walls, or can it wait a year?”.  The answer to these questions is always, “It depends”.  Home Inspectors wield powerful skills to evaluate an insane number of systems and identify defects.  It’s true, not all hero’s wear capes.  We cannot (yet) however, predict the future.  If we did, we probably would be doing other things for a living.

The ultraviolet rays (UV rays) shorten the lifespan of numerous building components.  This is why routine maintenance and oversight is needed.  It is also why we must replace the materials periodically, to keep our building’s envelope intact.  As a guide, you can find the life expectancy ranges for various materials in our blog called How Long Do Building Materials Last?!  In this article, we discuss the timeframes for common building materials all around the home (and include a list specially developed for Florida).  We all know Florida always requires special treatment, particularly when it comes to embarrassment in the news.

So please use this guide as a resource, and don’t ask us to tell you if the windows will make it through Hurricane Season.  The answer, I will tell you right now, will be “It depends, on if we get a Hurricane”.

ADHESIVES, CAULK & PAINTS YEARS
Caulking (interior & exterior) 5 to 10
Construction Glue 20+
Paint (exterior) 7 to 10
Paint (interior) 10 to 15
Roofing Adhesives/Cements 15+
Sealants 8
Stains 3 to 8

 

Gauging the lifespan of an appliance is a bit of a moving target.  I grew up using the same refrigerator and washing machine my entire life, but see first hand that the ones I bought with computer chips and crazy features are being replaced in half a dozen years.  Use this as a guideline, but make sure you conduct independent research on the make/model of the device you’re buying:

APPLIANCES        YEARS
Air Conditioner (window) 5 to 7
Compactor (trash) 6
Dehumidifier 8
Dishwasher 9
Disposal (food waste) 12
Dryer Vent  (plastic) 5
Dryer Vent  (steel) 20
Dryer (clothes) 13
Exhaust Fans 10
Freezer 10 to 20
Gas Oven 10 to 18
Hand Dryer 10 to 12
Humidifier (portable) 8
Microwave Oven 9
Range/Oven Hood 14
Electric Range 13 to 15
Gas Range 15 to 17
Refrigerator 9 to 13
Swamp Cooler 5 to 15
Washing Machine 5 to 15
Whole-House Vacuum System 20

I hope to not set a trend, but I’m afraid cabinetry and millwork is also a bit tough to predict.  If kept free of moisture, most any of these materials will last the life of the structure.  They don’t, however, all respond as gracefully to incidental and more frequent wetting.

CABINETRY & STORAGE     YEARS
Bathroom Cabinets 50+
Closet Shelves 100+
Entertainment Center/Home Office 10
Garage/Laundry Cabinets 70+
Kitchen Cabinets 50
Medicine Cabinet 25+
Modular (stock manufacturing-type) 50

 

Walls and ceilings will also tend to last the life of the building (when kept free of water).  Adding water into the mix makes this component go south pretty quick.

CEILINGS & WALLS YEARS
Acoustical Tile Ceiling 40+ (older than 25 years may contain asbestos)
Ceramic Tile 70+
Concrete 75+
Gypsum 75
Wood Paneling 20 to 50
Suspended Ceiling 25+

 

Countertops get used more frequently than most surfaces within a home.  The constant putting things down, picking them up and sliding them around takes a toll on the surfaces over time.  Most should last the life of the structure, but chipping, breakage and the color no longer being trendy/popular are always pressing risks.

COUNTERTOPS YEARS
Concrete 50
Cultured Marble 20
Natural Stone 100+
Laminate 20 to 30
Resin 10+
Tile 100+
Wood 100+

 

Wood and other material built decks have a wide range of variability due to the means/methods in which they are built.  If they fail to leave 1/8” gap between plank boards, the deck will rot prematurely.  If built properly, these values below are solid estimations:

DECKS YEARS 
Deck Planks 15
Composite 8 to 25
Structural Wood 10 to 30

 

Modern doors come in several materials that last a very long time.  If kept painted and clean, they have a chance to last the life of the building.  If the gaskets/weatherstripping are not, however, rot should be expected in the doors that face the exterior elements (particularly without an awning).

DOORS YEARS
Closet (interior) 100+
Fiberglass (exterior) 100+
Fire-Rated Steel (exterior) 100+
French (interior) 30 to 50
Screen (exterior) 30
Sliding Glass/Patio (exterior) 20 (for roller wheel/track repair/replacement)
Vinyl (exterior) 20
Wood (exterior) 100+
Wood (hollow-core interior) 20 to 30
Wood (solid-core interior) 30 to 100+

 

The electrical wiring, when copper is used, lasts a lifetime.  Sadly, the electrical components that have moving parts, do not.  Overall, the electrical systems tend to have a pretty solid track record for longevity.

ELECTRICAL YEARS
Accessories 10+
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) 30
Bare Copper 100+
Bulbs (compact fluorescent) 8,000 to 10,000+ hours
Bulbs (halogen) 4,000 to 8,000+ hours
Bulbs (incandescent) 1,000 to 2,000+ hours
Bulbs (LED) 30,000 to 50,000+ hours
Copper-Clad Aluminum 100+
Copper-Plated 100+
Fixtures 40
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) up to 30
Lighting Controls 30+
Residential Propane Backup Generators 12
Service Panel 60
Solar Panels 20 to 30
Solar System Batteries 3 to 12
Wind Turbine Generators 20

Structural floor framing should be expected to last the lifetime of the structure, just keep it dry.

ENGINEERED LUMBER YEARS
Engineered Joists 80+
Laminated Strand Lumber 100+
Laminated Veneer Lumber 80+
Trusses 100+

 

One day, maybe fastener manufacturers will have to put lifespan estimates or warranties on their products.  Until then, you can use this list as a guideline.

FASTENERS, CONNECTORS & STEEL YEARS
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+

 

Flooring is a category where the decisions you make can certainly dictate how often you are replacing the floors.  Those decisions, obviously, are centric to if you decide to have kids or not.  We love our kids, but acknowledge that they are gross farm animals most of the time.

FLOORING YEARS
All Wood Floors 100+
Bamboo 100+
Brick Pavers 100+
Carpet 8 to 10
Concrete 50+
Engineered Wood 50+
Exotic Wood 100+
Granite 100+
Laminate 15 to 25
Linoleum 25
Marble 100+
Other Domestic Wood 100+
Slate 100
Terrazzo 75+
Tile 75 to 100
Vinyl 25

If you get that New Construction inspected and monitored by Red Flag Home Inspection, you can enjoy this type of longevity expectation:

FOUNDATIONS  YEARS
Baseboard Waterproofing System 50
Bituminous-Coating Waterproofing 10
Concrete Block 100+
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) 100
Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF; treated) 75
Post and Pier 20 to 65
Post and Tensioned Slab on Grade 100+
Poured-Concrete Footings and Foundation 100+
Slab on Grade (concrete) 100
Wood Foundation 5 to 40

 

Believe it or not, people still build Log Homes.  They actually make very solid structures.  I don’t know about you, but I grew up playing with Lincoln Logs, so I get it.  I could live in one, but I can’t shake the feeling that it would always feel like a hunting cabin (even if in the middle of a city).

FRAMING  YEARS
Log 80 to 200
Poured-Concrete Systems 100+
Steel 100+
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) 100+
Timber Frame 100+

 

Garage doors are pretty robust items, but the poor openers are doing all of the work.  It’s no surprise that you’ll be replacing it more often.  I miss Sears, they used to sell/install those things.  Bring it back!

GARAGES YEARS
Garage Doors 20 to 25
Garage Door Openers 10 to 15

 

Home Technology is constantly evolving.  Luckily, most has gone wireless.  Running wires for speakers and all of these little gadgets would probably be a deal breaker for most.  Luckily these smart little trinkets make that a non-issue.

HOME TECHNOLOGY YEARS
Built-In Audio 20
Carbon Monoxide Detectors* 5
Doorbells 45
Home Automation System 5 to 50
Intercoms 20
Security System 5 to 20
Smoke/Heat Detectors* less than 10
Wireless Home Network 5+

* Batteries should be changed at least annually.

 

You may have read our write-up on items NOT included in a typical home inspection. This category is littered with them (HVAC related).  If you are buying a home and the unit is not new or ancient (meaning you have easy decisions to make), consider hiring a HVAC expert to evaluate.

HVAC YEARS
Air Conditioner (central) 7 to 15
Air Exchanger 15
Attic Fan 15 to 25
Boiler 40
Burner 10+
Ceiling Fan 5 to 10
Chimney Cap (concrete) 100+
Chimney Cap (metal) 10 to 20
Chimney Cap (mortar) 15
Chimney Flue Tile 40 to 120
Condenser 8 to 20
Dampers 20+
Dehumidifier 8
Diffusers, Grilles and Registers 25
Ducting 60 to 100
Electric Radiant Heater 40
Evaporative Cooler 15 to 25
Furnace 15 to 25
Gas Fireplace 15 to 25
Heat Exchanger 10 to 15
Heat Pump 10 to 15
Heat-Recovery Ventilator 20
Hot-Water and Steam-Radiant Boiler 40
Humidifier 12
Induction and Fan-Coil Units 10 to 15
Thermostats 35
Ventilator 7

 

The most common thing that disrupts and damages insulation is water from a roof leak.  Keep the water out, and the stuff will do it’s job for a VERY long time.

INSULATION & INFILTRATION BARRIERS YEARS
Batts/Rolls 100+
Black Paper (felt paper) 15 to 30
Cellulose 100+
Fiberglass 100+
Foamboard 100+
Housewrap 80+
Liquid-Applied Membrane 50
Loose-Fill 100+
Rockwool 100+
Wrap Tape 80+

 

You can tell, we picked some solid materials to build our houses out of.  This stuff lasts!

MASONRY & CONCRETE     YEARS
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+

 

If you are still happy with those 3” baseboards, then you should be set for many years to come!  Seriously, they look great (don’t replace them).

MOLDING, MILLWORK & TRIM  YEARS
Attic Stairs (pull-down) 50
Custom Millwork 100+
Pre-Built Stairs 100+
Stair Parts 100+
Stairs 100+

 

Keep the wood free of wetting, and they will last a very long time.

PANELS YEARS
Flooring Underlayment 25
Hardboard 40
Particleboard 60
Plywood 100
Softwood 30
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) 60
Wall Panels 100+

 

Oh man, we have done some weird stuff with plumbing materials.  I know there were good reasons to start using Orangeburg pipe, but someone should have known that gluing together sawdust was going to fail.

PLUMBING, FIXTURES & FAUCETS YEARS
ABS and PVC Waste Pipe 50 to 80
Accessible/ADA Handles 100+
Acrylic Kitchen Sink 50
Cast-Iron Bathtub 100
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (above ground) 60
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (below ground) 50 to 60
Concrete Waste Pipe 100+
Copper Water Lines 70
Enameled Steel Kitchen Sink 5 to 10+
Faucets and Spray Hose 15 to 20
Fiberglass Bathtub and Shower 20
Gas Lines (black steel) 75
Gas Lines (flex) 30
Hose Bibs 20 to 30
Instant (on-demand) Water Heater 10
PEX 40
Plastic Water Lines 75
Saunas/Steam Room 15 to 20
Sewer Grinder Pump 10
Shower Enclosure/Module 50
Shower Doors 20
Showerheads 100+ (if not clogged by minerals or other deposits)
Soapstone Kitchen Sink 100+
Sump Pump 7
Toilet Tank Components 5
Toilets, Bidets and Urinals 100+
Vent Fan (ceiling) 5 to 10
Vessel Sink (stone, glass, porcelain, copper) 5 to 20+
Water Heater (conventional) 6 to 12
Water Line (copper) 50
Water Line (plastic) 50
Water Softener 20
Well Pump 15
Whirlpool Tub 20 to 50

 

This doesn’t pertain to Florida very much, but just in case you are in an area affected by Radon:

 

RADON SYSTEMS YEARS
Air Exchanger 15
Barometric Backdraft Damper/Fresh-Air Intake 20
Caulking 5 to 10
Labeling 25
Manometer 15
Piping 50+
Radon Fan 5 to 8

 

I probably should have put this way up top, I realize that most of you here are looking for this (sorry to keep you waiting, or was that intentional? You’ll never know):

ROOFING YEARS
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
Green (vegetation-covered) 5 to 40
Metal 40 to 80
Modified Bitumen 20
Simulated Slate 10 to 35
Slate 60 to 150
TPO 7 to 20
Wood 25

 

So many components lasting a “lifetime”!  If mother nature just knew that!

SIDINGS, FLASHING & ACCESSORIES YEARS
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

 

I’m not a fan of laying mulch.  I like to think I got more than 1 to 2 years out of that effort though.

SITE & LANDSCAPING YEARS
American Red Clay 100+
Asphalt Driveway 15 to 20
Brick and Concrete Patio 15 to 25
Clay Paving 100+
Concrete Walks 40 to 50
Controllers 15
Gravel Walks 4 to 6
Mulch 1 to 2
Polyvinyl Fencing 100+
Sprinkler Heads 10 to 14
Underground PVC Piping 60+
Valves 20
Wood Chips 1 to 5
Wood Fencing 20

 

Pools are great.  Hopefully your home came with one, because adding one nowadays is a fortune and it’s hard to get contractors to call you back.  Some of the ratings above apply, due to the materials used.

SWIMMING POOLS YEARS
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+

 

I have seen some aluminum windows that look like they should be in a museum.  When they get very old, and actually get used to open/close from time to time, it does not do great things to keep the rain out.  If you have a house older than 2000 with aluminum windows, make sure you are budgeting for new windows.

WINDOWS YEARS
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+

 

Summary

A word of caution.  All of these life expectancies vary with usage of the facility/item, the geographic area you are in (and the weather), the installation, the maintenance, and the quality of the materials.  This is meant to be a general guideline, and was derived from the Life Expectancy charts provided by InterNACHI website.

Florida based numbers can be found HERE.

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Brief Biography of Jeremy Millul

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The success of Jeremy Millul Inc. can be attributed not only to Millul’s artistic vision and philanthropy but also to his business acumen. As the owner and president of the company, he has steered it towards global recognition and success. Millul understands the importance of staying attuned to market trends and consumer preferences. He has cultivated strategic partnerships, collaborated with influential figures in the industry, and expanded the brand’s presence in key markets worldwide. Millul’s ability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the luxury jewelry industry has solidified his position as a leader and innovator.

Jeremy Millul’s creations have become synonymous with elegance, luxury, and sophistication. His designs have graced red carpets, adorned celebrities, and garnered international acclaim. From statement necklaces and exquisite rings to breathtaking earrings and bracelets, each piece is a testament to Millul’s artistic prowess and his unwavering dedication to creating jewelry that transcends trends and leaves a lasting impression.

As the world evolves, Jeremy Millul continues to push the boundaries of luxury jewelry. He seeks inspiration from diverse cultures, art forms, and natural beauty, infusing his designs with a sense of timelessness and relevance. By combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, Millul ensures that his brand remains at the forefront of the industry, capturing the hearts of jewelry connoisseurs and collectors around the world.

In conclusion, Jeremy Millul’s journey in the luxury jewelry industry is a testament to his artistic vision, commitment to craftsmanship, and philanthropic endeavors. Through his brand, he has redefined the concept of luxury, creating jewelry that transcends trends and becomes cherished heirlooms. With his unwavering dedication to excellence and his desire to make a positive impact, Jeremy Millul has truly become a beacon of brilliance in the world of luxury jewelry.

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Exploring the Recreational Delights: Unleashing the Potential of RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

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RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is a cannabis concentrate that has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits. While primarily used for medicinal purposes, some individuals also choose to consume RSO recreationally. This powerful oil extract offers a unique and potent experience, appealing to cannabis enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and intense high.

RSO is named after Rick Simpson, a renowned cannabis activist who claims to have used the oil to treat his own skin cancer. It is typically made by extracting essential compounds from high-THC cannabis strains using a solvent, such as ethanol. The resulting oil contains a high concentration of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant.

For those who use RSO recreationally, the high potency and full-spectrum nature of the oil provide a distinct experience compared to other cannabis products. The concentrated levels of THC in RSO can deliver a strong psychoactive effect, leading to intense euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory perception. Users often report a deep sense of relaxation and an elevated mood, making it an appealing choice for unwinding and enjoying leisure activities.

One of the advantages of RSO is its versatility in consumption methods. It can be taken orally, mixed with food or beverages, or even used topically. When taken orally, RSO is often placed under the tongue for faster absorption into the bloodstream. The effects of RSO typically take longer to manifest compared to smoking or vaping cannabis, but they tend to be longer-lasting and more pronounced.

Recreational users appreciate the potent effects of RSO, as it can provide a more intense and prolonged high compared to traditional consumption methods. However, it is important to note that due to its potency, beginners and those with low tolerance should exercise caution when using RSO recreationally. Starting with small doses and gradually increasing consumption is recommended to gauge individual tolerance and avoid overwhelming experiences.

In addition to its recreational benefits, RSO also holds potential for individuals seeking therapeutic effects. Some users report using RSO recreationally to help alleviate symptoms of chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and stress. The full-spectrum nature of RSO, with its wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, may contribute to the entourage effect, where these compounds work together synergistically to enhance their therapeutic potential.

It is crucial to remember that the legality of RSO varies from country to country and even within different regions or states. Before considering recreational use, individuals should thoroughly research the local laws and regulations regarding cannabis and its derivatives.

In conclusion, RSO, while primarily known for its medicinal applications, can also be used recreationally by cannabis enthusiasts seeking a potent and comprehensive high. With its concentrated levels of THC and full-spectrum nature, RSO offers a unique and intense experience. However, responsible usage, careful dosing, and knowledge of local laws are essential for those considering recreational use of RSO or any cannabis product.

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Texas Registered Agent Reviews

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In the Texas business world, one of the most important decisions you will make is who your registered agent is. This person is responsible for receiving service of process and other legal mail on behalf of your company.

If you are looking for a high-quality registered agent with excellent customer service, look no further than Northwest Registered Agent. They provide everything you need for an affordable price.

Business Formation

Business Formation is a company that offers Texas registered agent services for businesses and individuals. They also offer a range of legal services and consultations that help business owners understand complex compliance issues. They are a great option for small business owners who need help with compliance and need access to a qualified Texas registered agent.

Business Formation was founded in 2008 and has 250 employees. Their online platform makes it easy for businesses to create and sign a variety of legal documents. The company also offers a free trial period and customer support.

The company’s name availability search feature checks state databases to determine whether a business name is already in use. They also draft and file your LLC’s Articles of Organization. In addition, they provide a secure online portal for document storage. Their customer service representatives are available during business hours to answer questions. Business Formation’s pricing policy is different from other LLC services, in that it charges a monthly subscription rather than a one-time fee for any of its options.

Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance is one of the most reputable compliance experts in the industry and has top ratings on business owner review websites. Their registered agent services are straightforward with no hidden fees and they have bulk discount options that let businesses save a few dollars on annual service. They also offer a mobile-responsive online account dashboard that makes it easy to check documents and compliance status on the go.

The company’s prices are comparable to other competitors, but they stand out for their personalized customer service. Every new client gets an introductory call with a specialist who will walk them through the process. In addition, they offer the necessary publishing service that some states require to comply with state law.

Other benefits of using Harbor Compliance include same-day document delivery, annual report reminders, and pre-filled state forms. They also offer privacy protection with their Norton-approved website and free mail forwarding. However, they do not have any packages like the ones offered by their competitors.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a reliable service that is consistently top-ranked by customers on major review sites. Their online ordering system is simple and creates a transparent picture of costs, and their customer service team provides rapid responses and industry-leading guidance on all services offered—not just LLC formation.

Their $125 annual fee includes a Texas business address, scans and forwarding of ALL mail (not just service of process) to your online account, and alerts you about compliance deadlines and filing requirements. They are the only Texas registered agent on our list that also offers certified copy service for an additional $60.

They are the most expensive option on our list, but they have one of the best customer satisfaction ratings in the industry and provide personalized assistance for every order. They are a good choice for businesses that value privacy and convenience and do not require their registered agent to act as their legal counsel or provide other legal services.

ZenBusiness

If you are looking for a registered agent in Texas that offers comprehensive LLC services, ZenBusiness is a good option. Their service fees start at $0 and include state filing fees. You’ll find a few additional charges during checkout, but these are for services like compliance support, annual report reminders, and EIN service.

Their LLC formation packages also come with one year of free registered agent service, which is a nice touch. However, the company’s customer service is not up to par with other competitors like LegalZoom and Northwest Registered Agent.

ZenBusiness is a newer registered agent service that offers an excellent value for the price. They have a 60-day money back guarantee, which is far longer than the industry average. They also offer a variety of affordable LLC packages and can help you navigate the complex legal process of starting a business. They are our top pick for a comprehensive LLC service. The only downside is that their LLC packages automatically renew, which is a little confusing.

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