Taking Care of your Home Sweet Home
Inspect roof for curling or missing shingles every spring and fall
Clear snow and ice buildup to help provent leaks
Clean woodstove chimneys and fireplaces yearly to reduce fire risk
Ensure chimney caps and roof vents are securely attached to keep out critters
Keep eavestroughs clear of leaves and debris
How long should my roof last?
- 10-20 years: Asphalt shingles
- 30-50 years: Cedar shakes or shingles
- 50 years: Metal
- 50+ years: Concrete or clay tile
- 100+ years: Slate tiles
Make sure furniture is not blocking heating vents
Save on water bills by replacing faucet washers and ensuring the flapper inside your toilet tank is properly aligned
Clean exhaust fan filter thoroughly every three or four months
How long should my appliances last?
- 9 years: Microwave
- 9 years: Dishwasher
- 10 years: Washing machine
- 13 years: Dryer
- 13 years: Refrigerator
- 13 years: Stove
Empty lint trap after each load and vacuum out ductwork yearly to avoid dryer fires
Locate shut-off valve for outside faucet(s) and turn off in the fall before freeze-up
Clean ducts in new or renovated houses and have them inspected every 7 to 10 years
Replace furnace and air conditioner filters at least every 3 months
Treat or re-stain wooden decks yearly
Repair loose railings and stair treads without delay
Check weatherstripping around all outside doors and inspect caulking around windows for signs of wear
Reseal asphalt driveways every year or two and repave every 15 to 20 years
Garage door-openers usually last 10 to 15 years
For more tips and tools to help you reach your financial goals, visit sunlife.ca
Life’s brighter under the sun
Sun Life Financial
Data for this infographic was sourced from the National Association of Home Builders / Bank of American Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, MakeItRight.ca, GALTtech.com, ConsumerReports.org, NAHB.com and The Toronto Star article “Is duct cleaning worth it” (March 31, 2013).
© Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2016
