Hey Jiminy… What’s a Cricket? Of course everybody knows what a cricket is. But contrary to what the average homeowner might think when they hear the phrase “Roof Cricket” or “Chimney Cricket”, we’re not talking about an insect or Pinocchio’s loveable sidekick. Instead, a roof cricket is an important structural element in a properly designed and installed roofing system for roofs that include chimneys, and certain types of roof transitions. Because your roof plays such a central role in protecting your home, and contributes so significantly to its “Curb Appeal”, Roof Crickets are important structural elements to consider in the design of your roof.

A roof cricket is essentially a V-shaped peaked structure that is installed in the space on the high side of a chimney, or in the valley that occurs in certain roof transitions. It’s designed to divert water, preventing it from pooling and causing damage over time; or preventing dangerous ice dams from forming. Roof crickets, which may also be referred to as saddles or diverters, must be properly designed and installed to ensure that water does not collect at the edge of the cricket. This is especially important to prevent potential ice build-up during the winter in cold climates such as those that we experience in Delaware, Maryland, Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

Crickets can be fabricated of metal, or designed and installed to match the shingles and blend visually with the rest of the roof in shingle roofs. Improper cricket design can result in a structure that is too small or without the proper slope, resulting in poor water diversion, contributing to water pooling and ice dam creation, which in turn create leaks and damage to the roof surface and underlying structure.

Because chimneys are notorious for being the source of roofing leaks, it’s important for homeowners to inspect the area around their chimneys every year or two for signs of water pooling, leakage or masonry damage. You should check for loose or missing flashing and look for cracks in the chimney. If you identify a trouble spot, repairing the flashing or sealing the area with caulk can correct small problems.

If the problem is more extensive you should call a roofing professional to evaluate the problem and recommend the proper repair before a small problem becomes a big and expensive issue.

All American Roofing’s team of Professional Estimators and Certified Roof Technicians are all highly experienced and trained in the proper design, installation and repair of roof crickets to ensure years of worry-free, trouble-free performance. Contact All American Roofing for all of your roofing replacement or repair needs.

Click for a FREE Estimate or Consultation by an All American Roofing Professional.