Have you ever found a pool of water around your chimney, skylight, and drainage pipes? What does this dripping water indicate, and how can homeowners tackle this? Water pool not only damages your roofing material but also leads to cracks and leaks. But homeowners can’t afford to have their attic and floor damaged due to cricket negligence. Therefore, they install the roof cricket to protect their roofs from moisture damage and water pooling.
But is it necessary to install? How much does chimney cricket installation cost? What type of roof cricket matches your roof structure?
In this blog, we will cover everything about the cricket roof. How do you flash, shingle, and build cricket roofings?
Also Read : Top 6 Types of Commercial Roof Materials
What is a Roof Cricket?
What is roof cricket, and why should you install it over your roof? A chimney cricket, also known as a saddle, is a rectangular structure made of wood and metal flashings. It is installed around the chimney, skylight, and gutters for effective flow of water.
A cricket on the roof doesn’t allow water to pool around due to its slope. So, it reduces the risk of moisture damage and mold growth in the long term.
How Does a Roof Cricket Work?
When it rains, water finds its way to the ground due to gravity. But what if it starts accumulating over your roof instead of moving toward the gutters? It’s a common problem with chimney roofs without a cricket because water hits the chimney wall and slowly creates a pool there.
A cricket roof with a high slope drops water from the sides of the chimney. It works like a bump that redirects water away from the chimney. However, sometimes a roof with crickets also experiences damage.
So why does damage occur even with a triangular structure in place? When builders ignore flashing a chimney cricket, water sneaks in and ruins everything.
Also Read : A Complete Guide to Commercial Roofing Systems
How Did a Roof Cricket Get Its Name?
Does this name sound familiar due to a cricket term in it? But it doesn’t have any meaning related to roofing in the Oxford English Dictionary. Moreover, Merriam-Webster, a dictionary that is used in North America, also doesn’t have any term like this.
Some people also relate this term to a character from a Disney movie, “Pinocchio” (1940), but it’s also not true. This term doesn’t have any meaning according to dictionaries. But according to locals, it is a term used only in North America.
Are Roof Crickets Necessary?
Are you wondering if it’s a must for every roof, but it isn’t. Many experts suggest that a cricket is important to install for a chimney wider than 30 inches. But why are they a must to install for skylights and chimneys?
A report from the Old House reveals that if even an inch of water drops in your home, it causes damage to the floor, paint, and attic area of almost $25,000. Therefore, homeowners install these roof saddles to protect their roofs from pooling water. Moreover, it also increases the lifespan of chimneys by reducing their deterioration.
Also Read : Step-by-Step Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist for 2025
Do Cricket Valleys Need to Match the Slope of the Roof?
Although it’s technical, cricket valleys that match the slope of the roof benefit a lot. But how high a cricket for the roof chimney fits best? Are there any housing and chimney regulations about it, too?
Although there aren’t specific codes about the height of the roof saddle, it’s best to size it according to your roof’s slope. You can also use the International Residential Codes of 2015 to get an estimate for your roof cricket installation.
Here is an estimate for the height of the cricket rooftop according to the slope of your roof:
| ROOF SLOPE | Height of the Cricket |
| 12:12 | 1/2 of the width of the chimney |
| 8:12 | 1/3 of the width of the chimney |
| 6:12 | 1/4 of the width of the chimney |
| 4:12 | 1/6 of the width of the chimney |
| 3:12 | 1/8 of the width of the chimney |
What Should a Cricket Valley Cost?
A roof cricket usually costs around $100 without the installation and flashing. But the overall cost depends on the various factors such as labor rates, roofing material, and flashings. It also includes:
- Chimney size
- Roof pitch
- Materials used (flashing, shingles, etc.)
- Location
So, if you are estimating the total cost, it’s best to contact a roofing company for a free quotation. Then compare what each offers at those rates to make the final decision.
Also Read : Everything You Need to Know About Roof Shapes, Pitches, and Designs
How to Build a Cricket on a Roof
We have discussed above the cost and reasons to install the roof saddles. But the question is, how to build a cricket roof that works?
- Start Fresh
First, remove the debris and wilted leaves around the chimney that might block the water flow and create a pool there. Then, clean the area well for cricket installation.
- Build Cricket Frame
After you are done with cleaning, take the lumber and set it according to the required height and size. It should be well sloped for effective water drainage.
- Add Support
Make sure to secure the cricket roof with proper support. It allows it to withstand the harsh weather changes without being displaced.
- Sheath the Cricket
Many builders sheath the chimney cricket with OSB to provide a solid base for flashings and shingles. You can also use miter cuts shaped to fit perfectly to avoid water seepage.
- Add Underlayment
A roof underlayment protects the cricket from rainwater and mold growth. So, install it around your rooftop cricket to increase its lifespan.
- Flashing or Shingles
What type of material should you install over your cricket? Although multiple factors affect the choice, climate change leads the way. If you live in a stormy area where it rains every other day, then metal roofing is the best. Whereas if you live in a mild climate, asphalt shingles also work.
How to Flash a Roof Cricket
Cricket flashing for a chimney is the most important step that can ruin or preserve your cricket roof framing. Here are a few steps to install it:
- First, install step flashing on each side of the cricket
- Add cricket flashing for the chimney at the peak of the cricket and the base
- Seal all flashing with roofing cement
- Check for any gaps and fill them too
How to Shingle a Roof Cricket
Here’s how to shingle a cricket valley:
- Start from the bottom and work toward the top of the cricket
- Cut shingles according to the triangular shape of the cricket
- Use roofing nails and cement to secure them and fill any gaps
- Make sure shingles overlap the flashing properly
How Important is the Chimney Cricket?
As we have discussed above, chimney crickets are important to keep water away from their foundation. Here’s why it’s a must for all homeowners residing in harsh water conditions:
- It helps to protect your roof from water pooling and cracks with a high slope.
- Cracks and water pools reduce the lifespan of roofs and chimneys, but crickets help prevent it.
- Without cricket valley, your chimney and roofing material are more likely to get damaged. So, it leads to expensive future cricket repairs.
Final Thoughts
A roof cricket, also known as a chimney saddle or chimney cricket, diverts water away from the roof. Not having a chimney saddle can damage your roof structure and the foundation of your home.
If you’re planning to install the cricket valley over your rooftop, Rick’s Main Roofing is the place to be. We offer roof installation, repair, maintenance, and replacements at an affordable cost.
Our professional team of builders uses high-quality materials for lasting outcomes. So, contact us today to get a free quote for our cricket installation service in Connecticut!
