Any part of the roof with a joint or obstruction, including a chimney, skylight, or vent pipe, is prone to leakage. For a chimney located underneath the roofing peak, there is a chance that rain and snow seep into the juncture between the chimney and the roof.
Installing roof cricket can prevent this issue, but what is cricket in roofing, anyway? Read about it further below.
What is a Roof Cricket?
A roof cricket, sometimes called a saddle, is a double triangle structure built behind a chimney to divert water around it, preventing water from getting stuck against the flat wall. This structure creates a path for water to split down each side of the chimney, ensuring proper drainage and preventing leaks.
“When it rains, water needs a clear path to the gutters as it comes down your roof. A roof cricket ensures this by diverting water away from the chimney, thus preventing water pooling and potential leaks.”
What You Need to Know about Chimney Cricket Roofing
Cricket is sometimes also referred to as a saddle. So, what is cricket in roofing? Cricket is the part of the roof that covers the chimney edge at the back.
Cricket Materials and Construction
Different materials can create cricket, but metal is the most common due to its durability. Aside from material, roof cricket requirements also include its dimensions:
- For a 12-12 roof slope, the cricket’s height would be 1/2 of the chimney width.
- For an 8-12 roof slope, the cricket’s height would be 1/3 of the chimney width.
- For a 6-12 roof slope, the cricket’s height would be 1/4 of the chimney width.
- For a 4-12 roof slope, the cricket’s height would be 1/6 of the chimney width.
- For a 3-12 roof slope, the cricket’s height would be 1/8 of the chimney width.
Table: Roof Cricket Height by Roof Slope
| Roof Slope | Height of Cricket |
|---|---|
| 12:12 | 1/2 of the chimney width |
| 8:12 | 1/3 of the chimney width |
| 6:12 | 1/4 of the chimney width |
| 4:12 | 1/6 of the chimney width |
| 3:12 | 1/8 of the chimney width |
Costs and Installation
The chimney is usually made custom to match each roofing system’s style and design, so roof cricket installation costs can be pretty high. The average cost of a 30-inch chimney, including materials and labor, is about $400- $500.
“The size of the chimney impacts how much material is required, which affects material costs. Building a new roof cricket is a mini construction project itself, thus increasing labor costs.”
Repairing an existing cricket or installing a new one on an existing roof may charge you even more because the labor is considered more intensive. Ensuring that the cricket is installed correctly is crucial to prevent future issues.
Annual Inspection and Maintenance
The chimney is a spot with trouble potential. That’s why, in addition to installing cricket, you also need to inspect it annually. This inspection ensures that no leaks or damage could compromise the roof’s integrity.
Now that you know what a roof cricket is and its importance, you can discuss it more conveniently with a professional roofer or qualified company to install it.
