What Is a Cricket in Roofing?
When it comes to protecting your home or commercial building, the roof plays a critical role in keeping water out and structural elements dry. One of the lesser-known but critical components of a well-designed roof system is a cricket. If you’ve never heard the term before in a roofing context, you’re not alone. But understanding what a cricket is—and why it matters—can help you make better decisions about roof repairs, replacements, or maintenance.
What Is a Roofing Cricket?
A cricket, also known as a saddle, is a small, ridge-shaped structure built on the high side of a roof feature, typically a chimney, skylight, or other penetration. Its purpose is to divert water around the obstruction, preventing it from pooling and potentially causing leaks. Crickets are usually constructed using framing lumber and roof decking, then covered with the same material as the rest of the roof—whether that’s shingles, metal, or membrane.
In simple terms, a cricket is like a mini roof built on top of your roof to reroute water.
Why Are Crickets Important?
Water is one of a roof’s greatest enemies. When it accumulates behind large roof penetrations, such as chimneys or HVAC curbs, it can seep under flashing, saturate the decking, and eventually lead to mold, rot, or interior damage. Crickets are designed to solve this issue by creating a natural slope that encourages water to flow away from these vulnerable areas.
Here are a few key benefits of adding a cricket:
- Prevents water pooling and leakage
- Extends the lifespan of your roofing system
- Reduces long-term maintenance and repair costs
- Improves drainage on low-slope or complex roofs
Where Are Crickets Used?
The most common location for a cricket is behind a chimney on a sloped roof. Chimneys, due to their vertical design, act as a barrier to water flow. Without a cricket, rainwater can collect behind the chimney and find its way into weak points in the flashing or shingles.
Crickets are also commonly used:
- On commercial flat roofs, where they may be part of a tapered insulation system
- Around skylights or dormers
- Behind large vents or mechanical units
For larger chimneys (over 30 inches wide), building codes often require the installation of a cricket.
Materials and Design
Crickets are typically made from the same materials as the rest of the roof. For shingle roofs, the cricket will be shingled. For metal roofs, the cricket is often made of bent metal panels. On flat commercial roofs, a cricket may be built into the insulation and covered with membrane material like TPO or EPDM.
Proper slope is crucial. A cricket that’s too flat won’t effectively divert water, while one that’s too steep can create aesthetic or functional issues. Roofing professionals design crickets with just the right pitch to manage water efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Though small in size, a roofing cricket plays a significant role in protecting your property. Whether you’re planning a new roof installation or dealing with chronic leaks around a chimney, understanding the function of a cricket can help you make smarter, longer-lasting decisions for your home or business.
If you’re unsure whether your roof needs a cricket, consider consulting a professional roofing contractor for an inspection. It’s a small investment that can prevent significant headaches down the road.
