What Is A Roof Cricket?
The purpose of a roof is to protect the ceiling above you from natural elements. When a roof works effectively, all water will slide down it and eventually find the gutters along the roof’s perimeter. Normally water can flow with the force of gravity naturally to the ground.
If you happen to have a large chimney, this structure may prevent water from flowing naturally into the gutters. Water can even get trapped along a long vulnerable side of the chimney if it is wide enough. This is when a roof cricket is required.
A roof cricket is a structure formed by two triangles that are installed on the side of your chimney. This ridge structure is placed on the side of your chimney most vulnerable to water buildup. A roof cricket is effective in preventing water buildup on your roof by the chimney. It can reduce roofing issues and prevent water damage.
What Is The Purpose Of A Roof Cricket?
A roof cricket is a ridge-like structure that is located, you guessed it, on your roof. More specifically, a roof cricket is located behind a chimney. The purpose of a roof cricket, primarily, is to diverge water.
When it rains, water will inevitably travel down the roof. Eventually, the rain must trickle down with the flow of gravity and into the gutter. A chimney, however, may provide a roadblock to the water flow. A roof cricket structure is built next to the vulnerable side of the chimney where water may otherwise collect and get stuck.
A roof cricket will ensure an uninterrupted flow of water into the gutters. In doing so, a roof cricket can help prevent water and roof damage. Any time there is stagnant water present on a roof there is the risk of material deterioration. This can include mold and rot. Roof crickets help to prevent both of these hazards.
What Does A Roof Cricket Look Like?
A roof cricket can vary a bit in shape and style based on the roof and chimney. Still, a roof cricket structure will always be located on the side of a chimney that would most likely obtain water in the event of rain. The structure itself should look like two triangles that meet at a point.
In essence, a roof cricket often looks like a miniature roof on top of the roof itself. You know you are looking at a roof cricket when you see a small triangular structure flushed against a chimney.
The term “cricket” is a reference to the construction company. A roof cricket has no resemblance or association to the insect.
Reasons You Require A Roof Cricket
Roof Angle And Chimney Placement
The slope of your roof can play a major factor when it comes to roof crickets. This is especially true with the roof angle in relation to the chimney location. If a roof has a very low slope, especially in the area where the chimney is located, a roof cricket may be required.
Size And Shape Of Chimney
The need for a roof cricket greatly depends on the size of your chimney. For example, if you have a very narrow and round chimney the odds are you will not require one. The reason for this is water can easily pass by road and narrow objects. If you have a wide boxed chimney, however, the odds are much higher that there is an area where water may collect. An area like that would greatly benefit by having a chimney cricket.
Signs of Water Damage
If you go on your roof and notice signs of water damage along the side of the chimney then you should look into installing a roof cricket as soon as possible. Some of the more visible signs of water damage can include small cracks where the chimney and roof meet, or even small collected puddles of water after a rainstorm.
Tip: If you notice plant life (weeds, etc.) growing on the roof then you should consult a roofing professional to get a roofing cricket as soon as possible. The professional will also ensure there was no further damage caused by the rooted plants.
Brick vs. Wood Chimneys
You may wonder if the type of chimney you have makes a difference. When it comes to roof crickets, it is the roof and not the chimney itself that matters most. Even if you have a solid and steady brick chimney you will still need a roof cricket if the area is at risk of collecting water.
Check Building Codes
There are many practical and preventative reasons to install a roof cricket. There may be legal reasons as well. Be sure to check building codes in your area and country if you are purchasing a new home with a chimney or installing a new roof.
Roof crickets are often required if you have a roof more than 30 inches wide. This requirement is only ten years old, so if you are replacing a very old roof you should also budget for a roof cricket. It may cost a bit more initially, but a roof cricket can save you a lot of money in damages in the long run.
The Cost and Installation Of A Roof Cricket
A homeowner installing a roof cricket should expect to spend in the range of $150 and $500. The cost of a roofing cricket has quite a fluctuation in price. The reason for this price variance involves several factors.
Materials
A roof cricket is not a large structure. Still, the cost will vary depending on the size of your chimney and the type of roof you have. If you have a slate roof and want the roof cricket to match it then you will pay much more than a standard installation.
Labor
Labor is the highest expense and the greatest variable when it comes to installing a roof cricket. It is often a good idea to combine a roof cricket installation with a new roof installation when possible. This provides for a seamless final product and can often cut down on labor costs since the workers are already on the roof.
Location Of Chimney
The location of the chimney can make the installation very simple or very difficult, depending. If your chimney is located at a difficult or steep angle the work is likely more hazardous. This hazard may also result in more labor hours. Both factors may increase the price.
Roof Access
Accessibility, similar to location, is a factor when it comes to pricing a roof cricket installation. The harder the chimney is to access, the more expensive the installation will be.
Chimney Saddle vs. Roof Cricket
If you are looking into installing a roof cricket you likely came across the term “chimney saddle.” These may be two completely different sousing terms, but they serve the same purpose. A chimney saddle is a ridge structure that is used to divert water from the vulnerable side of a chimney. This is why the two terms are used interchangeably.
Summing It Up
A roof cricket, or saddle, is a structure that should not be overlooked. If you have an older roof that you are looking to repair you should definitely investigate whether or not your roof will benefit from installing one.
There are several reasons to install a roof cricket. The reasons range from water damage to local zoning requirements. There is an initial cost of between $150 and $500 to install one. However, this cost is much smaller than fixing roof damage that may occur if you do not install a roof cricket.
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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