Shelf-life
Shelf-life is similar to lifespan, more commonly used for products, particularly consumables that deteriorate over time, such as food stuffs in general or adhesives for example in construction. It refers to a recommended time during which products remain effective, deterioration free, or acceptable, in certain conditions when used or the period of time that products can be stored, unused or shelved before their performance when used will be reduced.
For example the length of time a pot of paint can be stored or how long a battery can retain its charge or ability to be recharged.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
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