A roof cricket is a peaked roof structure built between a chimney (or other vertical obstruction) and the roof slope to shed water away
A roof cricket, also called a saddle, is a small peaked roof that sits on the uphill side of a chimney, vent pipe, or other structure that pokes through your roof. It looks like a miniature roof ridge running perpendicular to your main roof slope. The cricket's job is straightforward: it catches water that would otherwise pool behind the obstruction and channels it down the roof on either side, preventing leaks and water damage.
Without a cricket, water running down your roof hits the back of the chimney and gets trapped. That standing water seeps under shingles, rots the wood underneath, and eventually leaks into your attic or walls. A cricket solves this by creating a path for water to flow around the obstruction instead of pooling against it. Building codes in most jurisdictions require a cricket on any chimney or similar structure wider than 30 inches.
Key Takeaways
- A roof cricket is a peaked structure on the uphill side of a chimney or vent that directs water away from the obstruction.
- Building codes typically require a cricket on chimneys wider than 30 inches, though the exact measurement varies by location.
- A missing or damaged cricket is one of the most common sources of roof leaks around chimneys and can lead to costly water damage inside your home.
- Repairing or installing a cricket usually costs between $300 and $800, depending on the size and complexity of your roof.
How a roof cricket is built and what materials are used
A cricket is framed with wood (usually 2x4 or 2x6 lumber) in a peaked shape, then covered with the same roofing material as the rest of your roof—typically shingles, metal, or tile. The frame is attached to the roof deck and the side of the chimney or obstruction. Metal flashing is installed where the cricket meets the chimney and where it meets the main roof to create a watertight seal.
The cricket's slope is usually steeper than the main roof slope so water runs off quickly. On a typical residential roof, a cricket might be 3 to 4 feet wide at its base and peak at 2 to 3 feet high. The exact dimensions depend on the width of the obstruction and the pitch of your roof. A roofer calculates the angles so water sheds evenly on both sides of the peak.
When a roof cricket is required by code
Most building codes require a cricket on any chimney, vent, or similar structure that is wider than 30 inches and sits on a roof with a slope of 4:12 (4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run) or steeper. Some jurisdictions use different thresholds—24 inches or 36 inches—so check your local building department's code. Flat or very low-slope roofs may not require a cricket because water does not run off as quickly.
If your home was built before modern codes were enforced, or if it was built in a jurisdiction with less stringent requirements, your chimney may not have a cricket even though one would be beneficial. If you are having roof work done, a contractor should flag any missing crickets and recommend installing one to prevent future leaks.
Signs your roof cricket is damaged or failing
A damaged cricket shows the same warning signs as other roof leaks. Look for water stains on the ceiling or walls near your chimney, especially after heavy rain. Shingles around the cricket may be curled, cracked, or missing. The flashing where the cricket meets the chimney can rust, separate, or develop gaps. If you can safely access your attic, check for wet insulation or wood rot near the chimney.
From outside, inspect the cricket itself for missing shingles, visible gaps in the flashing, or areas where the cricket appears to be pulling away from the chimney. Ice dams in winter can also damage a cricket by forcing water under the shingles. If you notice any of these signs, have a roofer inspect it soon—a small repair now is far cheaper than fixing water damage inside your home later.
Repairing versus replacing a roof cricket
A minor repair—resealing flashing, replacing a few shingles, or patching a small hole—usually costs $150 to $400 and can extend the life of an existing cricket by several years. A full replacement, which involves removing the old cricket and building a new one, typically costs $300 to $800 depending on the size of your roof and the complexity of the work. If your cricket is more than 15 to 20 years old, or if the underlying wood is rotted, replacement is usually the better choice because repairs are unlikely to hold.
Get quotes from at least two roofers before deciding. Ask whether they recommend repair or replacement and why. Some roofers will offer a warranty on the work—typically one to five years—which protects you if the repair fails. If your roof is being replaced anyway, have the cricket rebuilt at the same time so the entire roof system is new and under warranty.
Roof cricket maintenance and prevention
Keep your gutters and downspouts clean so water flows freely off your roof and does not back up behind the chimney. Trim tree branches that hang over the roof so leaves and debris do not accumulate on or around the cricket. After heavy storms, do a visual inspection of the cricket from the ground or from a safe vantage point to check for obvious damage.
If you live in a climate with ice dams, consider installing heat tape or improving attic ventilation to reduce ice buildup on the cricket. Have your roof inspected by a professional every three to five years, or after major storms. A roofer can catch small problems with the cricket before they become leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a roof cricket and flashing?
Flashing is a thin metal sheet that creates a watertight seal where two roof surfaces meet or where a pipe or chimney penetrates the roof. A cricket is the peaked roof structure itself. A cricket uses flashing as part of its construction, but they are not the same thing. You can have flashing without a cricket, but a properly built cricket includes flashing.
Can I install a roof cricket myself?
Installing a cricket requires framing, roofing, and flashing skills, plus safe access to your roof. Most homeowners should hire a roofer. If you attempt it yourself and make mistakes, water will leak into your home and cause expensive damage. The cost of a professional installation is worth the protection.
Do I need a cricket on a metal roof?
Yes. Metal roofs still require a cricket on chimneys and large obstructions wider than 30 inches. The cricket is built the same way but covered with metal panels instead of shingles. The flashing is also metal and sealed with roofing sealant.
What happens if I ignore a leaking roof cricket?
Water will continue to seep into your attic and walls, rotting wood framing and insulation. Mold can grow in wet areas. The damage spreads and becomes exponentially more expensive to repair. A small leak that costs $400 to fix now can become a $5,000 or $10,000 problem if left alone for a year or two.