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What Is Roof Cricketing? A Complete Guide for Homeowners and Builders
When people think about roofing, they often focus on shingles, flashing, or gutters. But one crucial element that often gets overlooked—especially in areas prone to water pooling—is roof cricketing. This structural feature may not be as well-known as other components of a roof system, but it plays a vital role in protecting homes from leaks, water damage, and deterioration over time.
If you’ve never heard the term before, you’re not alone. Roof cricketing refers to a specially built ridge structure that diverts water around a chimney, vent, or other vertical penetration on the roof. Without a properly installed cricket, water can collect in low-lying areas, especially where a vertical wall meets a sloped roof. Over time, that pooling water can cause leaks, rot, or even structural issues. This article will explain everything you need to know—from how crickets work and when they’re necessary, to materials, design considerations, installation tips, and costs.
1. What Is a Roof Cricket?
A roof cricket (also called a saddle) is a small, peaked structure built on the high side of a roof penetration—like a chimney, skylight, or HVAC vent—to direct water around it and prevent it from pooling. It essentially acts like a tiny roof on the main roof, redirecting water sideways so it can flow down to the gutters.
Roof cricketing becomes especially important in areas where rain, ice, and snow are common. Without it, the area where the vertical surface meets the slope becomes a natural collection point for water. This trapped water can find its way beneath shingles or flashing, leading to leaks and interior water damage.
2. Why Is Roof Cricketing Important?
Even a perfectly installed roof system can develop problems over time if water doesn’t drain correctly. Here’s why cricketing matters:
A. Prevents Water Ponding
Water that doesn’t drain properly will collect in flat or low-slope areas. A cricket redirects water, keeping the roof dry and extending its life.
B. Minimizes Leak Risk
Areas behind chimneys or other large roof penetrations are vulnerable to water intrusion. Crickets move water away from these areas to reduce the chance of leaks.
C. Reduces Maintenance and Repairs
Roof repairs can be expensive, especially if water has seeped into the home’s interior. Crickets help reduce the need for frequent repairs by managing water flow.
D. Improves Longevity
Proper drainage contributes to the overall life expectancy of a roof. Installing a cricket in strategic locations can help prolong the health of both the roofing material and the underlying structure.
3. When Is Roof Cricketing Required?
While not every chimney or roof feature requires a cricket, building codes and best practices often call for one in specific situations. Here are the most common:
A. Chimneys Wider Than 30 Inches
Many local building codes require a cricket behind chimneys wider than 30 inches. This is because wider chimneys disrupt water flow more significantly and create a larger surface for water to collect.
B. Low-Slope Roofs
On roofs with a lower pitch (typically under 4:12), water runs off more slowly, increasing the risk of pooling. In these cases, cricketing is essential—even for smaller penetrations.
C. High-Precipitation Areas
In regions with frequent rain or heavy snow, roof cricketing is a proactive step to prevent seasonal drainage problems.
D. Historic or Custom Homes
Custom homes, older buildings, or homes with unusual rooflines may include multiple roof features where crickets help manage complex water flows.
4. Types of Roof Crickets
Not all crickets are designed the same. They vary depending on the shape of the roof, the pitch, and the penetration type they support.
A. Single-Pitch Crickets
These are sloped in one direction and are typically used in situations where space is limited. They redirect water to one side.
B. Dual-Pitch Crickets
These are symmetrical and peaked like a miniature gable roof. They direct water to both sides of the penetration and are most commonly used behind large chimneys.
C. Custom-Designed Crickets
On complicated roofs or where chimneys meet multiple planes, custom cricketing may be necessary. These designs are created to work in tandem with unusual slopes, valleys, or roof features.
5. Materials Used in Roof Cricketing
The materials used for cricketing should match or complement the roofing system in place. Common materials include:
A. Roofing Shingles
On shingled roofs, crickets are often covered with the same asphalt shingles as the rest of the roof. This helps maintain a consistent look and provides the same level of weather resistance.
B. Metal Flashing
In high-risk areas or where long-term durability is a concern, crickets may be constructed with metal flashing. Copper and galvanized steel are popular choices.
C. Roofing Membranes
Flat or low-slope roofs often use a waterproof membrane or rubber-like material for the cricket. These membranes are designed to prevent water infiltration in hard-to-drain areas.
D. Wood Framing
The cricket structure itself is usually made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), built up from the main roof deck before being covered in roofing material.
6. How Roof Crickets Are Built
Here’s a simplified overview of how roof cricketing is typically constructed:
Step 1: Evaluate the Slope
The cricket should have a slope equal to or greater than the main roof. In some cases, the slope may be increased to ensure better water movement.
Step 2: Frame the Structure
Wood framing is cut and assembled to create a peak behind the chimney or penetration. It’s then secured to the roof deck.
Step 3: Install Sheathing
Plywood or OSB is added to the frame to create a surface for roofing materials.
Step 4: Apply Waterproofing
Underlayment or roofing membrane is applied to the cricket to seal it against moisture.
Step 5: Add Roofing Material
Shingles, metal, or other roofing material is added to match the main roof and ensure seamless water flow.
✅ End of Part 1
In Part 2, we’ll continue by exploring:
- Installation costs and pricing factors
- Cricket design best practices
- Common installation mistakes
- Maintenance and inspection tips
- When to repair or replace a cricket
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