Water pooling behind your chimney is one of the most common causes of roof leaks and wood rot. The solution is a simple structure that many homeowners have never heard of: a roof cricket.
If your roofer mentioned adding a cricket during your inspection, or you noticed water stains on your ceiling near the chimney, this guide explains everything you need to know. We cover what a roof cricket is, when building codes require one, what installation costs, and how to tell if your roof needs one.
What Is a Roof Cricket?
A roof cricket is a small peaked structure built behind a chimney to divert water around it. Picture a tiny roof within your roof, shaped like a triangle or tent, positioned on the uphill side of your chimney.
Without a cricket, water and debris collect in the valley where your chimney meets the roof. This pooling leads to:
Premature flashing failure
Ice dam formation in winter
Standing water that seeps under shingles
Wood rot in roof decking and framing
The cricket creates two slopes that shed water to either side of the chimney, eliminating the problem entirely. Most crickets are covered with the same roofing material as your main roof, making them blend in seamlessly.
Roof Cricket vs Chimney Saddle: Are They the Same?
Yes. "Roof cricket" and "chimney saddle" mean the same thing. Both terms describe the peaked water-diverting structure behind a chimney.
You might hear different terms depending on your region or who you talk to. Roofers in some areas say "cricket" while others say "saddle." Some contractors use "chimney diverter" or simply "water diverter."
The important thing is the function: any peaked structure behind your chimney that redirects water is doing the same job, regardless of what your contractor calls it.
Why Do You Need a Roof Cricket?
A roof cricket protects your home from water damage in several ways.
Prevents Water Pooling
Chimneys create a dam on your roof. Rain and snowmelt flowing down the roof hit the chimney and have nowhere to go. Without a cricket, this water pools until it finds a way under your shingles or flashing.
Stops Ice Dam Formation
In cold climates, the pooled water behind a chimney freezes and expands. This ice dam pushes under shingles and flashing, causing leaks when it melts. A cricket prevents water from collecting in the first place.
Extends Flashing Life
Chimney flashing takes constant abuse from standing water. A roof repair for failed flashing can cost $300 to $600. A cricket reduces this stress and helps flashing last the full life of your roof.
Prevents Structural Damage
Chronic water infiltration leads to rotted roof decking, damaged rafters, and mold growth. These repairs can cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more. A $500 cricket is cheap insurance against major structural problems.
When Is a Roof Cricket Required? Building Code Rules
The International Residential Code (IRC) Section R903.2.2 requires a cricket behind any chimney wider than 30 inches on the upslope side.
Here is how the rule works:
Measure your chimney width parallel to the roof ridge
If it measures 30 inches or less, a cricket is optional
If it measures more than 30 inches, a cricket is required by code
State and Local Variations
Some jurisdictions have stricter requirements:
Certain cities require crickets on all chimneys regardless of width
Some areas specify minimum cricket height based on roof pitch
Local codes may require specific materials or construction methods
A roof inspection can confirm whether your chimney meets current code requirements. If you are selling your home, an inspector will check for code compliance.
Older Homes
Homes built before modern codes may not have crickets on chimneys that would require them today. While you are not typically required to add one to an existing home, doing so during a roof replacement is smart preventive maintenance.
Roof Cricket Dimensions and Sizing
Cricket size depends on two factors: chimney width and roof pitch. The goal is a cricket tall enough to effectively shed water given your roof slope.
Height Calculation
The standard formula is: Cricket ridge height equals one-sixth of chimney width.
For example:
36-inch wide chimney needs 6-inch tall cricket ridge
48-inch wide chimney needs 8-inch tall cricket ridge
60-inch wide chimney needs 10-inch tall cricket ridge
Roof Cricket Height Chart
Chimney Width | Minimum Cricket Height |
|---|---|
30 inches | 5 inches |
36 inches | 6 inches |
42 inches | 7 inches |
48 inches | 8 inches |
54 inches | 9 inches |
60 inches | 10 inches |
Pitch Requirements
The cricket pitch should match or exceed your main roof pitch. On a steeper roof, the cricket needs to be taller to maintain the proper angle. Your roofer will calculate the exact dimensions based on your specific roof geometry.
Roof Cricket Materials and Options
Crickets can be built from several materials, each with pros and cons.
Metal Crickets
Factory-fabricated metal crickets are the most common choice. They come in:
Galvanized steel (most economical, 15-25 year lifespan)
Aluminum (lightweight, corrosion-resistant, 20-30 years)
Copper (premium option, 50+ year lifespan, develops patina)
Metal crickets install quickly and provide reliable water shedding. Most roofing supply companies stock standard sizes. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends professional installation to ensure proper waterproofing.
Wood-Framed Crickets
A carpenter builds a small wooden frame that gets covered with underlayment and shingles matching your roof. This option:
Blends seamlessly with existing roof
Costs more in labor
Requires more skill to waterproof properly
Matches any roof type or color
Prefabricated vs Custom
Prefab metal crickets work for standard chimney sizes and roof pitches. Custom-built crickets handle unusual dimensions or complex roof lines. Your contractor will recommend the best approach for your situation.
For more on roofing material choices, see our guide to best roofing materials.
How Much Does a Roof Cricket Cost?
Roof cricket installation costs range from $500 to $1,500 for most residential chimneys. Here is what affects the price.
Material Costs
Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Galvanized steel | $150 - $300 |
Aluminum | $200 - $350 |
Copper | $400 - $800 |
Wood frame + shingles | $200 - $400 |
Labor Costs
Installation labor runs $300 to $1,000 depending on:
Roof accessibility and pitch
Chimney size and location
Existing damage needing repair
Whether adding during new roof or retrofit
Total Cost by Scenario
Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
Add during roof replacement | $500 - $800 |
Retrofit on existing roof | $800 - $1,500 |
With flashing repair | $1,000 - $2,000 |
Adding a cricket during roof replacement is significantly cheaper than retrofitting. The roofers are already on site with materials, making it a simple add-on.
Use our roofing calculator to estimate your total project cost including cricket installation.
Roof Cricket Installation: What to Expect
Professional cricket installation takes 2-4 hours for most chimneys. Here is the typical process.
Step 1: Assessment
The roofer inspects your chimney, measures dimensions, and checks the existing roof condition. They identify any water damage or flashing problems that need attention first.
Step 2: Preparation
Surrounding shingles are carefully removed to expose the roof deck. Any damaged decking gets replaced. The area is cleaned and prepped for the new structure.
Step 3: Cricket Installation
For metal crickets, the prefab unit is positioned and secured to the roof deck. For built-in-place crickets, the frame is constructed, then covered with underlayment.
Step 4: Flashing Integration
This is the critical step. The cricket must be properly flashed to both the roof and chimney to prevent leaks. Step flashing connects the cricket sides to the chimney, while the roof shingles overlap the cricket edges. Proper flashing techniques follow manufacturer guidelines from companies like GAF to ensure a watertight seal.
Step 5: Finishing
Shingles are installed over the cricket (for wood-framed versions) or butted against it (for metal versions). Sealant is applied at all joints.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Cricket installation is not a DIY project for most homeowners. It requires:
Working safely on a pitched roof
Understanding proper flashing techniques
Ensuring code-compliant construction
Matching existing roofing materials
A poorly installed cricket can leak worse than no cricket at all. For questions to ask your contractor, see our hiring guide.
Signs Your Roof Cricket Needs Repair
Even properly installed crickets need occasional attention. Watch for these warning signs.
Visual Signs
Rust or corrosion on metal crickets
Lifted, cracked, or missing shingles around the cricket
Gaps between cricket and chimney flashing
Debris buildup that does not clear with rain
Interior Signs
Water stains on ceiling near chimney
Damp smell in attic near chimney area
Visible daylight through roof near chimney
Seasonal Issues
Ice buildup behind chimney despite having a cricket
Water marks appearing only during heavy rain
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an inspection promptly. Small repairs are much cheaper than addressing the water damage a failing cricket allows.
