How much thought do you give to the big things in your home? Many of us barely consider our home’s roof or windows, unless there’s a problem. But these things don’t last forever. Knowing how long the big things last can help you budget for their replacements.
Roofs
You’ll be pleased to hear that, in general, roofs do last a long time. However, what type of roof you have and how well it’s maintained will greatly affect its lifespan.
Slate and clay tile roofs typically last 50+ years, while concrete tile roofs can last 40+ years. Flat roofs, on the other hand, tend to last 20+ years. A roof can last longer if it’s checked annually and is maintained regularly. This includes getting slipped tiles fixed and clearing gutters every six months.
Render
Render also plays a key role in keeping homes weather-proof, but it’s another big part of the home that we don’t tend to give much thought to. However, over time, render can deteriorate, especially if your home is exposed to the elements.
As a rule, you can expect render to last 20 to 30 years, although silicone, acrylic and traditional lime renders tend to last longer than cement-based renders. Again, weather conditions can affect the lifespan of render and if you notice signs of cracking and bulging or heavy staining, it may already be time to replace it.
When it’s time to re-render your home, you can find a local tradesman using MyJobQuote or similar platforms. Rendering a whole house isn’t (typically) a DIY job, so make sure to compare local renderers to find someone that’s a good fit for the job.
Boilers
For many of us, boilers are essential for providing heating and hot water, but they’re not cheap to replace. Therefore, it’s important to understand how long they last, so you’re prepared when the time comes.
Around 23 million UK homes have a gas boiler. The best brands tend to last 10 to 15 years while budget brands tend to last 7 to 10 years. Whatever brand or model you have, the lifespan can be affected by how well you look after it. Obviously, the more use it gets, the more wear and tear it will have but annual servicing and taking care of your heating system does have a positive impact.
What about other boiler types? Well, oil-fired boilers have a similar lifespan to gas boilers. Electric boilers, on the other hand, don’t have as many mechanical parts, so you can expect them to last 15 to 25 years. It’s wise not to wait until a boiler completely stops working before you decide to replace it. If you notice your boiler is breaking down regularly or parts are becoming hard for your heating engineer to source, it’s best to look at replacing it. Again, you should always call in a Gas Safe Registered engineer and don’t attempt any DIY boiler work.
Windows
If you’re wondering how long your windows will last, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Windows typically last for 15 to 20 years, but some materials, like timber and aluminium, can last much longer with the right maintenance. So, in theory, you could expect your windows to last for three or four decades.
However, there is a catch, as it’s not just the frames you need to consider. Windows aren’t as energy efficient when the seals start to go and condensation appears between the panes. So, rooms can be colder and draughts more noticeable. Furthermore, hinges and handles can suffer wear and tear. This can make windows harder to open and close and it does impact the security of your home. Therefore, you need to use your judgment on when it’s time to replace them.
Bathrooms
One of the most important and expensive rooms in the home is the bathroom. Therefore, you need to understand what the typical lifespan is in order to budget for its replacement.
Bathrooms typically last between 10 and 15 years, depending on how much use they get. That might not seem all that long, but there are ways in which you can extend the lifespan of a bathroom. Making sure you have adequate ventilation and resolve plumbing issues promptly will help to protect your investment. You could also consider choosing a neutral suite and tiles and good quality fittings to ensure it doesn’t date or wear too quickly. Although you might need to replace things like seals, grouting, toilet seats and showerheads, your bathroom could last 20+ years.
Article written by Jack Spencer
