# How long does a wood shake roof last?

*Published 2026-05-31T09:00:00-07:00 · Updated 2026-07-18T09:00:00-07:00 · Best Roofing Answers*

## Answer

Cedar shake roofs typically last 25–40 years with regular maintenance, with premium taper-sawn Alaskan yellow cedar reaching the top of that range; treated shakes may be required for Class A or B fire rating in wildland-urban-interface zones per IRC R902 and local codes.

## Maintenance is not optional

Per NRCA and Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau guidance, wood shake roofs need debris cleaning and preservative treatment on a roughly 5–7 year cadence, and any moss growth must be removed before it lifts shakes. Skipping maintenance commonly cuts lifespan to 15–20 years.

In California, Oregon, Washington, and many mountain-west jurisdictions, unrated cedar shake is now prohibited in WUI zones; only Class A/B fire-rated pressure-treated shakes are code-compliant per local IRC amendments.

## Also asked as

- cedar shake roof lifespan
- wood shingle roof life
- how often to maintain cedar roof
- fire rated cedar shakes

## Sources

- [NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association)](https://www.nrca.net/)
- [International Residential Code (IRC), Chapter 9 — Roof Assemblies](https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P2/chapter-9-roof-assemblies)

## Related

- https://bestroofinganswers.com/lifespan/how-long-do-roofs-last
- https://bestroofinganswers.com/material/best-roofing-material

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Published: 2026-05-31T09:00:00-07:00
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