As homes age, they require upkeep and maintenance.  Sometimes that’s replacing older appliances or updating interior décor, and other times that can mean larger updates like replacing your roof or heating system.

Knowing how long these items generally last can allow you to budget and plan these more costly upgrades so that you can avoid sudden, unpleasant, surprises. 

Here’s how long parts of your home generally last and what you can expect those upgrades to cost!

Roof (20-30 Years)

The life of your roof can be impacted by a number of things, including the type of roof you have.  Major roof shingle brands will list an estimated age rating for guidance (most commonly 20 or 30 years), but that’s not the only factor that can impact the life expectancy of your roof.

Branches falling from nearby trees can cause wear and damage to your roof shingles and roofing structure, over-insulated attics can trap heat and cause your shingles to “bake”, and improper or damaged gutters can encourage ice dams.  All these things can dramatically reduce the overall life expectancy of your roof.

Average cost of a new roof: $ 10,000 – $ 15,000

Windows (15-30 Years)

Window technology has improved significantly over the years, with newer windows being better designed to hold in heat and to weather the elements.  With Northeastern Pennsylvania having a large number of older homes, it’s not uncommon to find older, single-pane, windows still in use today.  While window replacement is sometimes necessitated by damage or moisture intrusion, most often windows are replaced to take advantage of newer window technologies.

Upgrading windows can not only increase the energy efficiency of your home, but it can prevent leaks and storm damage! 

Average cost of new windows: $150 – $ 300 per window

Carpet (8-10 Years)

Over time, foot traffic and wear and tear does begin to show on carpeting and, sometimes more prominently, the padding beneath.  Visible indications of carpeting that is past its prime are frayed carpet fibers, broken loop or weave, and noticeable indentations in traffic areas.

New carpeting can be a great opportunity to update an entire room, allowing you to change color schemes and update the entire space.  Updating one room at a time is a great way to create smaller, manageable, projects that you can complete room by room instead of all at once.

Average cost of new carpet: $400 – $ 1,000 per room

Driveway (15-20 Years)

While rarely thought about, driveways do require regular maintenance in order to keep them in good condition and to prevent deterioration.  Cracking, crumbling, and rutting are generally the first signs that your driveway needs a little TLC, but if these issues are not addressed timely serious repairs may become necessary.  As driveways deteriorate, you can ultimately have large pot holes and even weeds and grass encroaching into your driveway and parking areas. 

While regular maintenance generally involves applying a sealant or filling cracks, larger repairs are sometimes necessary and may include patching potholes, releveling the driveway, or adjusting drainage systems.

Average cost of a driveway repairs: $ 1,000 – $ 4,000

Decks & Porches (10-15 Years)

We’re fortunate to enjoy all of the seasons in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but this can take a toll on our homes, particularly our decks and porches.  Cold temperatures, ice, and snow can result in winter damage such as warping, cracking, and water damage, while our summers see harsh sun that can weather and dull paints and stains and even dry out wood decking and structural members!  What this means is that we do need to make sure to maintain our decks and porches to avoid potentially serious (and costly) repairs.

While regular maintenance like applying a new coat of stain on a wood deck can prevent seasonal damage, over time, you will find little things that will need to be addressed, such as a warping hand rail or deteriorating spindles.  Long term, you may find that decking and even structural supports may need to be replaced or repaired to address more serious damage.

Average cost of a new deck / porch: $ 3,000 – $ 10,000

About Disaster Blaster

Disaster Blaster is an indoor environmental firm serving the Northeastern PA Area.  We have been providing our local area with unparalleled water damage mitigation, basement waterproofing, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, radon mitigation, and fire / smoke restoration services for decades, and are proud to have been named The World’s Greatest Indoor Environmental Firm.  For more about Disaster Blaster, as well as more helpful tips, please visit our website at: www.disasterblaster.com or call our office at (570) 963-1123.