What is a cricket on a chimney? – No 1 [Ultimate Guide 2023]

What is a cricket on a chimney ? A cricket on a chimney is a small ridge-like structure, often made of metal or shingles, installed on the roof’s slope behind a chimney. Its purpose is to divert rainwater and prevent water from pooling, potentially causing leaks or damage around the chimney.

Why is a Roof Cricket Recommended for Chimneys?

A roof cricket is recommended for chimneys for several reasons:

1. Water Diversion: Crickets are designed to redirect rainwater and snowmelt around the chimney, preventing water from pooling or seeping into the structure. This helps to minimize water-related damage, such as leaks and deterioration.
2. Preventing Ice Dams: Crickets can help prevent ice dams from forming around the chimney in colder climates. Ice dams can lead to water infiltration and damage to the roof and chimney.
3. Extended Chimney Life: By managing water runoff effectively, crickets contribute to the longevity of the chimney and reduce the need for repairs and maintenance.
4. Improved Aesthetics: Crickets also enhance the roof’s appearance by creating a smooth transition from the chimney to the roof, rather than a rough and uneven surface that can accumulate debris.

What is a Roof Cricket?

A roof cricket, a saddle or a chimney cricket is a ridge-like structure typically made of metal or roofing shingles. It is installed on the roof’s slope, behind a chimney or other extensive roof penetration, to divert water around the obstruction. The purpose of a cricket is to prevent water from pooling, accumulating, or infiltrating around the chimney, thus reducing the risk of leaks and water-related damage. It aids in efficient water runoff, especially during rain or snowmelt, and is commonly used to protect and extend the life of the chimney and the roof.

How Does a Roof Cricket Work?

A roof cricket, also known as a chimney cricket, works by diverting water and preventing it from pooling around a chimney or other extensive roof penetration. Here’s how it functions:

1. Water Diversion: When rainwater or snowmelt flows down the sloped roof, it encounters the cricket, which acts as a barrier. The cricket forces the water to flow around the sides of the chimney rather than pooling or accumulating against it.
2. Reducing Water Infiltration: By directing water away from the chimney base, the cricket helps to prevent leaks and water-related damage. This is especially important because chimneys are vulnerable to water infiltration, which can deteriorate masonry and lead to structural problems.
3. Preventing Ice Dams: In colder climates, crickets can also help prevent the formation of ice dams around the chimney. Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts and refreezes near the eaves, potentially causing water backup and damage. The cricket helps direct water away from these problematic areas.
4. Improved Aesthetics: Besides its functional purpose, a cricket can enhance the roof’s appearance by creating a smoother, more visually pleasing transition between the chimney and the roof.

Overall, a roof cricket effectively manages water runoff, protecting both the chimney and the roof from potential water-related issues and contributing to the longevity and functionality of the roofing system.

How Did a Roof Cricket Get Its Name?

The term “roof cricket” likely derives from the cricket-like appearance of this roof structure when viewed from above. With its ridge-like shape installed behind a chimney or other extensive roof penetration, it resembles the segmented body of a cricket. The name has been adopted to describe the ridge that effectively diverts water and prevents water-related issues around obstructions on the roof.

Are Roof Crickets Necessary?

Roof crickets are not always necessary but are highly recommended in certain situations, particularly when you have a chimney or other extensive roof penetration. They serve several essential functions, such as diverting water, preventing leaks, reducing the risk of ice dams, and extending the life of the chimney and roof. In areas with heavy rainfall or snow or in regions where ice dams are common, crickets can be essential for maintaining the roofing system’s integrity. Ultimately, whether a cricket is necessary depends on your property’s specific architectural and environmental factors. Consulting with a roofing professional can help determine whether a cricket suits your situation.

Do Cricket Valleys Need to Match the Slope of the Roof?

In most cases, cricket valleys are designed to match the slope of the roof on which they are installed. Cricket aims to divert water around obstructions like chimneys or skylights and ensure that water flows off the roof efficiently. Matching the roof’s slope helps maintain a smooth, uninterrupted water runoff. An adequately aligned cricket minimizes the risk of water pooling and infiltration, reducing the potential for leaks and water-related damage. Roofing professionals tailor the cricket’s design to align with the roof’s specific pitch to ensure adequate water diversion and prevent issues like ice dams.

What Should a Roof Cricket Cost?

The cost of a roof cricket installation can vary widely based on factors like the size of the obstruction, the type of roofing material, labour costs in your area, and any additional roofing work required. Generally, a basic cricket installation might range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. However, obtaining specific quotes from local roofing professionals is essential, as costs can significantly differ based on individual project requirements and regional pricing. Prices can vary, and the best approach is to get multiple estimates to determine the cost for your specific situation.

How to Build a Cricket on a Roof

Building a cricket on a roof is best undertaken by experienced roofing professionals, requiring knowledge of roofing techniques and materials. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Assessment: Begin by assessing the chimney or obstruction to determine the appropriate size and shape of the cricket needed. Measure the dimensions of the obstruction and the roof slope.
2. Materials: Gather the necessary materials, typically roofing shingles or metal, roof deck materials, flashing, and roofing nails.
3. Safety: Ensure proper safety measures, including personal protective equipment, and work on a stable surface.
4. Roof Deck Preparation: Install roof deck materials, such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), to create a solid and level surface where the cricket will be installed.
5. Flashing Installation: Place metal flashing around the base of the chimney or obstruction to create a watertight seal. Extend the flashing upward, overlapping with the cricket to prevent water infiltration.
6. Cricket Construction: Construct the cricket using roofing materials (shingles or metal) that match the existing roof. Ensure the cricket aligns with the roof’s slope for proper water diversion. It should have a slope away from the obstruction to direct water and snowmelt effectively.
7. Flashing Integration: Integrate additional flashing around the edges of the cricket to ensure a watertight seal between the cricket and the roof.
8. Roofing Material Installation: Install roofing shingles or metal over the cricket, ensuring it matches the existing roof’s aesthetics and provides a smooth transition.
9. Sealing: Seal all seams and edges with appropriate roofing sealant to prevent water infiltration.
10. Inspection: After the installation, inspect the cricket and surrounding areas to ensure no gaps or potential leaks.

How Important is a Chimney Cricket?

A chimney cricket, or roof cricket, is essential to a well-designed roofing system when a chimney or other extensive roof penetration is present. Its importance lies in the following key aspects:

1. Water Diversion: A chimney cricket effectively diverts rainwater and snowmelt around the chimney, preventing water from pooling against the chimney base. This reduces the risk of water infiltration and potential damage to the chimney and the surrounding roof.
2. Leak Prevention: By keeping water away from the chimney, a cricket helps prevent leaks and water-related issues that can compromise the integrity of the roofing system and the chimney structure.
3. Ice Dam Mitigation: In colder climates, crickets can aid in preventing the formation of ice dams around the chimney, leading to water backup and roof damage.
4. Extended Roof and Chimney Lifespan: Properly diverting water and preventing water-related issues can contribute to the longevity of both the roofing system and the chimney.
5. Aesthetics: Crickets can enhance the roof’s visual appearance by creating a smooth, even transition from the roof surface to the chimney, rather than an uneven surface that might accumulate debris.