🏠 Roof Chimney Crickets: What They Are and Why They Matter

A chimney cricket—also known as a roof cricket, saddle, or diverter—is a small, peaked structure installed behind a chimney (or another protrusion) on a sloped roof. Its primary job? To deflect water and debris away from the junction where the chimney meets the roof, preventing pooling, leaks, and long-term damage

While some regions don’t require them by code, chimney crickets are widely regarded as best practice—especially for chimneys wider than 30 inches ( .

Why Are They Called “Crickets”?

The origin of the term remains uncertain—possibly from the triangular shape or a colloquialism—but “cricket” and “saddle” are used interchangeably in the roofing industry .

✅ Why You Need a Chimney Cricket

Diverts Water & Prevents Pooling
On slope roofs, rainwater cascades down and can get stuck behind a chimney. A cricket channels water to the sides, preventing dangerous buildup (iko.com).
Protects Flashing, Shingles & Masonry
Pooling water deteriorates roofing materials and mortar joints. Crickets safeguard these vulnerable structures (mattssonroofing.com, schroederroofing.com).
Prevents Ice Dams & Freeze-Thaw Damage
In colder climates, trapped water freezes and expands—crickets help avoid this damaging cycle (millercompanyroofing.com).
Deters Animals & Debris
Crickets discourage nesting by mammals or birds and prevent accumulation of leaves or snow (gaf.com, millercompanyroofing.com).
Strengthens Roof Longevity
By reducing leaks and rot, crickets extend the life of both roof and chimney (gaf.com).
Enhances Aesthetics
Built properly, a cricket blends seamlessly into the roofline, adding style—not drama (millercompanyroofing.com).
Meets Building Code Standards
Most codes require crickets behind chimneys over 30 inches wide; wider chimneys or steeper roofs often need taller crickets (iko.com).

📏 Building a Chimney Cricket: Step-by-Step

É.g., the video above shows how to “lay out and build” a chimney cricket. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:

1. Pre-Installation Prep

Remove existing roofing material around the chimney down to the decking.
Clean debris and inspect the area—maintaining a solid foundation is essential (finehomebuilding.com, millercompanyroofing.com, comoexteriors.com).

2. Custom Measurement & Layout

Measure chimney width and roof pitch.
Draw a full-scale layout or plan on plywood to guide cuts and angles (finehomebuilding.com).

3. Frame Construction

Build a triangular frame using lumber (commonly 2×4s) that runs from the chimney peak back down to the roof deck.
Ensure the cricket matches or is steeper than the roof slope for effective drainage (iko.com).

4. Support & Sheathing

Add support rafters/joists to the central ridge of the cricket.
Cover the frame with sheathing, mitering edges cleanly (iko.com).

5. Underlayment & Waterproof Barrier

Cover the structure with a waterproof underlayment or ice-and-water shield, wrapping up onto the chimney wall (iko.com).

6. Flashing & Covering

Install flashing systems: base flashing, step flashing, and counter flashing.
Cover with metal flashing (galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper) or add matching shingles to blend in (iko.com, renewallroofs.com).

7. Sealing & Inspection

Apply roofing cement or sealant along all seams and fasteners.
Perform thorough inspection to confirm water diversion and proper drainage (roofmedicsroofing.com).

📐 Cricket Size & Pitch Guidelines

Your cricket’s effectiveness depends on proper slope and height based on chimney width:

Roof Pitch	Cricket Height (fraction of chimney width)
12:12	½
8:12	⅓
6:12	¼
4:12	¹⁄₆
3:12	¹⁄₈

For example, an 8-inch rise over 12 inches run (pitch of 8:12) requires a cricket height one-third of the chimney width (clarkroofingtx.com).

💰 Installation Costs

Chimney crickets cost approximately $300–$1,000, depending on:

Chimney width
Roof pitch
Materials used (aluminum/galvanized/copper)
Labor and complexity (roof deck removal, flashing, custom sheathing) (millercompanyroofing.com).

🛠️ Common Materials Used

Lumber for framing (usually treated wood)
Plywood sheathing
Waterproof underlayment (ice-and-water shield)
Flashing materials:
- Aluminum – lightweight, rust-resistant
- Galvanized steel – strong, but may rust
- Copper – premium, long-lasting
Optionally, matching shingles integrated with shaving-flashing system (clarkroofingtx.com, gaf.com).

🔍 Maintenance Tips

Inspect yearly (or after storms) for damage, debris, and loose fasteners (rapidroofing.com).
Clear debris (leaves, moss)—this keeps water flowing correctly .
Watch for rust or cracked flashing—repair promptly with sealants and flashing replacement .
Hire pros—chimney crickets require proper framing, flashing, and integration with roofing systems.

🧭 Choosing a Contractor

Look for professionals who:

Have experience building chimney crickets and working with flashing systems
Provide full inspections and precise custom framing
Use high-quality materials (e.g., copper flashing when appropriate)
Offer workmanship warranties and follow best practices
Are licensed, insured, and familiar with local code requirements (gaf.com, iko.com).

❓ FAQs

Q: Does every chimney need a cricket?

A: Generally, chimneys wider than 30 inches or located on steep roofs should have one. Smaller chimneys can still benefit, especially in areas prone to heavy rain or snow (iko.com).

Q: Can I install a cricket myself?

A: Though possible for DIY experts, framing, waterproofing, and flashing are intricate and mistakes can lead to leaks. Professional installation is highly recommended .

Q: Are crickets required by building code?

A: Many codes require them for chimneys over 30 inches. In some areas, climate and slope conditions might also influence requirements .

Q: What materials should I pick?

Aluminum: Rust-resistant, but less durable.
Galvanized steel: Strong yet may rust.
Copper: Premium, long-lasting, adds visual appeal (renewallroofs.com, clarkroofingtx.com).

Q: How long do crickets last?

A: A properly built cricket lasts as long as your roof—typically 20+ years—especially when paired with durable flashing like copper (clarkroofingtx.com).

📈 SEO Optimization Tips

Here’s how to maximize search visibility for your chimney cricket pages:

Target long-tail keywords:
- “chimney cricket installation tips”
- “roof chimney cricket cost”
- “chimney saddle slope guidelines”
Use headings (H1, H2, H3) with keywords:
- What is a chimney cricket?
- Cricket vs. standard flashing
Offer clear and comprehensive answers via FAQs and cost details.
Include supporting visuals or embed the factory-built video.
Provide real-world tips, code references, and maintenance advice to build trust and authority.
Add internal links to related topics: roof flashing, chimney maintenance, ice dam prevention.

✨ Conclusion

A chimney cricket might seem like a small detail—but it plays a huge role in protecting your roof and home from water damage, debris, and animal intrusion. Properly sized and installed, a cricket not only enhances roof performance—it ensures longevity. Whether you’re replacing shingles or adding a new cricket to a historic home, professional craftsmanship and quality materials pay dividends for decades.

Next Steps

Assess if your chimney needs a cricket (width 30″+ or on steep roof).
Get estimates that detail framing, flashing materials, and warranties.
Schedule inspection post-installation to confirm correct drainage and seal integrity.
Maintain annually—clean, inspect, and repair as needed.

Let me know if you’d like:

A page outline or template optimized for SEO
Localized content targeting a specific region
Suggestions for internal/external link-building in the roofing niche