BUILDING MATERIAL CHEAT SHEET
Plumbing Material
Type
Copper
Galvanized
Cast Iron
PVC
Polybutylene Piping
Lead
CPVC
PEX
Avg. Life Span
50+ years
20-50 years
75-100 years
50-80 years
25 to 30 years
100 years early
ABS
50-80 years
50-80 years
40 years
Years Used
1935-Present
1900-1950s
1900 - 1980s
Late 1960s to Present
1970 - early 1990s
Early 1900s - 1940
1985 - Present
1980s - Present
1990s - Present
Common Problems
Pitting corrosion is the most common failure in copper pipes. It is the non-uniform localized attack of the wall of copper tube, pipe, or fittings initiated on the inside surface of copper water pipes.
As galvanized pipes age, the zinc coating erodes and pipes corrode. Lead, a dangerous toxin, may build when the pipes corrode. In addition to posing a health hazard, corrosion can reduce water pressure, which can lead to costly repairs if not fixed quickly.
Cast iron pipe is extremely strong and durable, but is quite brittle and if accidentally knocked will easily break.
Excessive sunlight, improper installation practices, and too much water pressure.
Class action lawsuit. Prone to failure at the fittings. Grey in color.
Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. Lead can enter water when service pipes contain lead.
Excessive sunlight, improper installation practices, and too much water pressure.
ABS can warp when exposed to uneven heat from exposure to sunlight.
The pipe can fail when overexposed to sunlight before installation. Additionally, there have been problems with leaking from dezincification of fittings and chemical leaching/odor.
Roofing
Type
Asphalt Shingles (3-tab)
Asphalt (architectural)
Copper
Metal
Slate
Clay/Concrete
Wood
Avg. Life Span
30+ years
20 - 30 years
50-80 years
50-80 years
50-80 years
40 years
The life expectancy of a roof can vary based on several factors such as weather conditions, material storage, maintenance, and/or the location of the structure. Warmer climates can significantly reduce the life of asphalt shingle.
Electrical
Type
Avg. Life Span
Bare Copper
100+ years
Copper-Clad Aluminum
Copper-Plated
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
100+ years
100+ years
Up to 30 years
Service Panel
30 years
60 years
Copper-plated wiring, copper-clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime. Electrical accessories and lighting controls, such as dimmer switches, may need to be replaced before or after 10 years. GFCIs and AFCIs could last 30 years, but much less if tripped regularly.
70+ years