Wood shake roofs are a type of roofing material that is made from split logs. These shakes can be either left natural or they may be treated with a preservative to extend their life expectancy. When it comes to the lifespan of a wood shake roof, it will depend on the quality of the shakes and the amount of maintenance that is performed on them. Generally speaking, a well-maintained wood shake roof can last between 20 and 30 years. However, if the shakes are not properly cared for, they may only last 10 to 15 years.