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How long things last around the house

The Old House Web

LEGEND

What to do:
inspect.gif (192 bytes)
Inspect		 clean.gif (205 bytes)
Clean		 paint.gif (322 bytes)
Paint		 pro.gif (197 bytes)
Pro

When to do it:
spring.gif (1526 bytes) summer.gif (313 bytes) fall.gif (1569 bytes) winter.gif (1900 bytes)
Spring Summer Fall Winter
System Normal Life* (years) When What Homeowner Action
Concrete Block/ Foundation

100+

 spring.gif (1526 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes) Check for cracks or surface deterioration. Consult a professional if you have any leaking or severe cracking. Check for termite tubes on foundation.
Exposed concrete slabs 25 spring.gif (1526 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Inspect for cracking. Seal to prevent water penetration.
Siding (Lifespan depends on Type) 10 - 100 spring.gif (1526 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Clean all types of siding. Paint or seal if you have wood siding. (See exterior paints & stains.)
Drywall 30 - 70 inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Inspect, clean and paint for aesthetic purposes.
Roofing 15 - 30 spring.gif (1526 bytes)
fall.gif (1569 bytes)		 inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)		 Inspect for missing or deteriorated shingles. Clean to remove mold buildup.**
Gutters and Down Spouts 30 spring.gif (1526 bytes)
fall.gif (1569 bytes)
winter.gif (1900 bytes)		 inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)		 Remove debris.
Insulation 100+ fall.gif (1569 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes) Inspect blown insulation in attic and check floor insulation (crawlspace) to assure that it is in place.
Windows 20 - 50 spring.gif (1526 bytes)
fall.gif (1569 bytes)		 inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)		 Inspect and repair weather stripping. Inspect for broken seals in insulated glass. Clean exterior window frames.**
Exterior Doors 25- 50 spring.gif (1526 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Clean and refinish when necessary. (See exterior paints & stains.)
Garage Doors 20 - 50 spring.gif (1526 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Clean garage door. Lubricate moving parts. Paint or seal as necessary.**
Exterior Paints & Stains 7 -10 spring.gif (1526 bytes) inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Clean and inspect. Repaint and caulk if needed. **
Wood Floors 100+ inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Clean and wax.
Carpeting 11 inspect.gif (1926 bytes)
clean.gif (1572 bytes)
paint.gif (2567 bytes)		 Clean annually.
* All numbers are excerpted and condensed from: NAHB Life Expectancy Survey from "Housing, Facts, Figures"

** Use care if power washing. The high-pressure water can cause more harm than help if not used cautiously.

*** Leaks account for 15 to 20 percent of total indoor water use.

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