What Is a Roof Cricket?

When you think about protecting your home from water damage, gutters, shingles, and downspouts might come to mind. But there’s one subtle yet powerful structure that often goes unnoticed—the roof cricket. At Riverside Roofing, we like to call it the unsung hero of water diversion. Whether you're a homeowner curious about roof anatomy or someone facing leaks near your chimney, understanding what a roof cricket is can help you make smarter, more informed decisions about your roofing system.

A roof cricket, sometimes referred to as a chimney saddle, is a small, peaked structure built on the high side of a chimney or other vertical roof penetration. Its main job? Redirecting water away from these vulnerable areas to prevent pooling, leakage, and long-term structural damage.

At Riverside Roofing, we often compare it to a mini-mountain that splits the flow of rainwater so that your roof remains dry and intact, especially around the base of the chimney. Whether in residential or commercial applications, a properly installed cricket is crucial.

You may hear terms like roof cricket, chimney cricket, and roof saddle used interchangeably. While similar in purpose, they can differ in design depending on the roof slope and overall structure. A roof saddle typically spans a broader area and can be found in other parts of the roof to divert water.

The most common placement for a cricket is behind the chimney, where water runoff is most likely to collect. Without it, the accumulation can lead to rotting, mold growth, and eventual roof deterioration. A roof cricket works with chimney flashing and metal flashing to offer a multi-layered defense system.

At Riverside Roofing, we build cricket chimneys with precision, ensuring every angle and joint directs water exactly where it should go—away.

No two roofs are the same, and neither are their cricket designs. Factors like roof slope, materials, and shingles influence the shape and size of your roof cricket. Common cricket structures include:

• Peaked Crickets for high-slope roofs
• Flat Crickets for low-slope or flat commercial roofs
• Custom Designs for unique architecture

Our team at Riverside Roofing tailors every cricket to fit your roofing style, making it both functional and visually cohesive.

Durability starts with the right materials. At Riverside Roofing, we often use:

• Metal flashing (typically galvanized steel or copper)
• Asphalt shingles for aesthetic match
• Plywood base for the structure
• EPDM rubber or TPO for flat roof crickets

Each cricket roof we build is designed to last, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

In commercial buildings, roof crickets serve a larger role, helping redirect water across broad, often flat rooftops. Improper cricket installation in a commercial setting can lead to thousands in water damage and costly repairs.

Riverside Roofing provides expert-level design and installation for both residential and commercial projects. We ensure that your building’s integrity remains uncompromised.

Does your home or business need a roof cricket? Look out for these signs:

• Leaks near the chimney
• Sagging shingles or puddling water
• Visible rot or mold around flashing
• Past roofing issues or repairs in the same spot

Our Riverside Roofing experts conduct thorough inspections to determine if adding or upgrading a cricket structure is necessary.

Even the best roof crickets need routine care. Debris buildup, poor design, or weather-related damage can reduce their effectiveness. Maintenance steps include:

• Clearing leaves and branches
• Inspecting flashing for rust or wear
• Checking for cracks or gaps
• Ensuring water is draining correctly

Let Riverside Roofing handle your roof inspections and maintenance—we’ll keep your cricket functioning flawlessly.

DIY might be tempting, but a poorly installed roof cricket can do more harm than good. Proper cricket design requires knowledge of roof slope, materials, and water flow. Incorrect installation often leads to chimney leaks and compromised flashing.

Riverside Roofing ensures expert craftsmanship, precise alignment, and a perfect fit every time. We stand by our work with industry-leading warranties and unmatched attention to detail.

From diagnosing tricky chimney leaks to building custom cricket structures, Riverside Roofing is your trusted partner for all things roofing. With years of experience in both residential and commercial roof systems, we go above and beyond to ensure that every cricket, saddle, and shingle serves its purpose flawlessly.

Ready to shield your chimney and extend your roof’s life? Trust Riverside Roofing for expert roof cricket installation and maintenance. Call us today for a free inspection or schedule your service online. Your roof deserves the best, and so do you.