How this calculator depreciates
It uses straight-line depreciation — age divided by expected life — capped at the percentage you pick. Real estimates may adjust for condition, use different life expectancies or leave some items undepreciated, so treat the output as a planning figure, not the carrier’s exact number.
Life spans that often appear in Pennsylvania estimates
| Item | Common range |
|---|---|
| Architectural asphalt shingles | 25–30 years |
| Modified-bitumen flat roof | 15–20 years |
| Natural slate | 75 years or more |
| Interior paint | 8–12 years |
| Carpet | 8–12 years |
| Water heater | 10–15 years |
Ranges vary by product and estimating platform; these are general reference points.
Getting the holdback released
Most replacement cost policies release recoverable depreciation after repairs are finished within a stated period. Send final invoices and completion photos, and set a reminder in the claim deadline calendar so the window doesn’t close on you.
Questions about this calculator
Should labor be depreciated?
Practices differ by policy, carrier and court decisions. Ask the carrier to explain in writing how labor is treated in your estimate.
What happens if I don’t repair?
Under most replacement cost policies you keep the actual cash value payment but may not collect the held-back depreciation.