By Joe Rizzo
President, Tiger Home Inspection
Back to Information for Home Buyers
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Chimneys. Your longest-lived chimney system is generally masonry construction with a clay liner, which can last from 60 to 100 years. Without a liner, the life expectancy is between 30 and 50 years. Metal chimneys are comparatively short-lived, usually between 10 and 20 years. "Pointing up" a chimney, or repairing joints, can add 10 to 20 years to its life. Gutters. Some homeowners prefer the wooden gutters to seamless aluminum, although both are fairly good investments. Aluminum gutters last 15 to 25 years, whereas wooden gutters can be expected to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Porches. Treated wooden porches can last up to 30 years, whereas untreated wooden structures are probably good for anywhere from 5 to 7 years. Siding. Wood panel and wood board siding has a life expectancy of anywhere from 30 years to the life of the building. Wood shingles generally last 20 to 40 years, whereas asbestos-cement shingles are usually good for the life of the building. Windows and doors. Double-hung wooden windows can last 40-50 years; and steel casements and jalousies, 30-40 years. Interior doors are good for about 10 years, and garage doors last 20-30 years. Driveways. Asphalt driveways last 10-15 years; concrete 20-30 years and gravel, 10-20 years. What is used in constructing the components of a home is a matter of personal taste, and availability. Wooden gutters aren't necessarily superior to aluminum ones (although they generally require more maintenance!). It really comes down to a matter of taste. As a prospective homeowner, however, you should know as much as possible about what maintenance and replacement will likely be required on the home you are purchasing. Help keep the house of your dreams from becoming a nightmare! If you have additional questions on what to look for in a home, or what's involved in a home inspection, please call us at 1-800-628-4437.
Roofs. After the winter we've had, don't be surprised to see roofing contractors working overtime this spring and summer! There are a number of different type coverings used on roofs in New England. Asphalt shingles, a fairly popular option, are usually good for 15-25 years. Wooden shingles are good for 10 to 20 years, whereas wood shakes last from 20-40 years. The truly long-lived roofing materials include metal roofing, which is good for 20 to 60 years, and slate shingles, which can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
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969 Washington St Braintree, MA 02184 - 1-800-62-TIGER or 1-800-628-4437
Tiger Home Inspection is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m