Some of us are the kinds of people who will replace things around the house just because we can and just because we’re bored, while others of us will try to go as long as possible without replacing things, even when they really do need changing.
So, to make both types of people better at getting it right, let’s take a look at when some key things around the home really do need to be replaced.
- The Roof Over Your Head: A Shingle’s Life Journey
Let’s start at the top—literally. Your roof is like the hair on your head, except you can’t change it every season unless you’re a millionaire. How long do roofs last? The lifespan of your roof depends on what it’s made of: asphalt shingles can hang tight for about 20 years, while metal roofs might stick around for 50 years or more, looking sleek and shiny up there. So, unless you enjoy indoor showers courtesy of a leaky roof, keep tabs on its birthday.
- Hot Stuff: Your Water Heater’s Mid-Life Crisis
Your water heater is the neglected hero of your household. It keeps your showers comfortably scalding and your hand-washing sessions bearable. But after 8 to 12 years, it might start to give you the cold shoulder. That’s your cue to start shopping around—unless you’re into unexpected cold showers!
- Chill Zone: The Fridge
Remember the avocado green fridge at grandma’s house that seemed like it survived the dinosaurs? Well, fridges nowadays don’t have quite the same lifespan. Modern refrigerators usually need to be swapped every 10 to 13 years. Keep an ear out for strange noises or if it starts sweating more than a nervous teenager on a first date—those are signs it’s working too hard.
- Smoke Alarms: Silent Guardian, or Just Silent?
Here’s a fun game: check your smoke alarm’s expiry date! Surprised? Yes, they expire—usually after about 10 years. If your smoke alarm is older than the last hit sitcom, it’s time for a replacement, unless you’re oddly attached to a potentially non-working piece of plastic on your ceiling.
- The Throne Room: Your Toilet
Toilets are generally low-maintenance loyalists, but even porcelain thrones need an update every 25 years or so. However, if you start noticing frequent clogs or if it starts rocking like a boat in a storm, it might be time to upgrade to a newer model. Plus, new toilets are more water-efficient, so your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
- Window to the Soul (of Your Home)
Windows are great until they aren’t. If your energy bills are creeping up or you feel a breeze when everything is closed, your windows might be telling you it’s time for a change. Typically, windows last about 15 to 20 years. But if they start looking foggy even on a clear day, it’s time for them to go.
- Paint Because Walls Get Tired Too
Lastly, let’s talk paint. Exterior paint jobs should get a refresh every 5 to 10 years, depending on the wrath of Mother Nature. Inside, it depends on your lifestyle. Have kids? You might be repainting more often—unless abstract crayon scribbles are your thing.
Remember, timing is everything—except when it’s not, and then you just have to wing it. Happy replacing!
