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What does a chimney cricket do?

A chimney cricket is a tent-shaped structure that redirects water on a roof around the chimney system.  It is made out of materials like steel or aluminum that are resistant to water.  If your chimney is made out of wood or brick, touching the roofline, or slanted towards your roofline, you will need a chimney cricket.

Many people struggle with roof leaks due to not having a chimney cricket to divert hard rain away from the walls of their chimney system.  When water flows down the slant of your roof, it can quickly pool and absorb through the porous surfaces of your chimney.  When you add a cricket, water parts over the slant of the cricket and shoots down the sides, away from your chimney, and into your gutters.

Unfortunately, the bigger the chimney, the more vulnerable it is to water damage.  Any chimney, over 30 inches wide, is highly recommended to have a cricket installed. The good news is, once you get a cricket, you can avoid years of roof leaks and costly repairs from damage caused by overflowing water.

Types of Chimney Crickets

BUILT WITH THE HOUSE

It is typically easier and more cost-effective to build the cricket at the same time you are building the rest of the chimney structure.  This set up will give the cricket rafters, a ridge board, and roof decking while functioning as a small wall leaning against the chimney itself.

The edge of the cricket that lays flush against the chimney receives flashing, to ensure the seal is tightly fastened and there is no room for water to enter.  The cricket is covered with the same roofing material as the rest of the roof and blends in beautifully, like one solid structure.

METAL

If you don’t get a cricket made with the house, then you will need a galvanized steel or aluminum-based addition made from a local shop.  Steel is less expensive but also less durable.  It can rust and won’t last nearly as long as aluminum.  Aluminum does not corrode and can easily last a lifetime, though it is more expensive.  Depending on your budget and needs, either option can do the job well and give you great protection against rook leaking.

PROBLEMS THAT CAN ARISE WITHOUT A CHIMNEY CRICKET

If your roof has a chimney and you don’t have a chimney cricket, you may be putting your roof and your home at risk.  Without a cricket, water can pool behind the chimney, causing leaks and potentially leading to water damage and mold growth.  Additionally, debris and snow can accumulate behind the chimney, leading to roof damage and other problems.  Overall, installing a chimney cricket can help prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of your roof and chimney.

TYPES OF ROOFS THAT REQUIRES CHIMNEY CRICKETS

While not every roof with a chimney needs a chimney cricket, many do.  Generally, roofs with a high or steep pitch, as well as larger chimneys, are more likely to require a cricket.  Additionally, roofs with chimneys located at the intersection of two roof planes or in a valley will often require a cricket to prevent water damage. It’s important to consult a roofing professional to determine if your roof and chimney require a cricket.

ADVANTAGES OF INSTALLING A CHIMNEY CRICKET

As we now know, chimney crickets serve many purposes when installed on a sloped roof behind the back of a chimney, but now we will delve into the advantages of installing one.

PREVENT WATER DAMAGE

A cricket helps to divert water away from the chimney and prevent it from pooling behind it.  This reduces the risk of water damage to the roof, chimney, and interior of a home.

REDUCE THE RISK OF LEAKS

Water pooling behind the chimney can seep into the roof and cause leaks.  By diverting water away from the chimney, a cricket reduces the risk of leaks and other water-related damage.

IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A properly installed cricket can improve the energy efficiency of a home by reducing air leaks and preventing heat loss.  This can lead to savings on the price of energy bills.

EXTEND THE LIFESPAN OF THE CHIMNEY

By preventing water damage and reducing the risk of leaks, a cricket can help extend the lifespan of the roof and chimney.  This will save homeowners money on repairs and replacements over time.

ENHANCING CURB APPEAL

A cricket can provide a finished look to a roofline and enhance the overall curb appeal of a home.  This is especially important for homeowners who are planning to sell their homes in the future.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHIMNEY CRICKETS AND FLASHING

While both roofing components serve the same purpose of directing water away from the chimney, they differ both in design and function.  Chimney crickets, as we know, are most commonly installed on sloped roofs in an effort to prevent water infiltration inside the roof through the chimney.  They protect the greater area around the chimney from water pooling and direct it to gutters.  They also come in different sizes and styles.  Despite the fact that roof flashing can also do the same job, chimney crickets are mostly preferred around chimneys.

Roof flashing on the other hand, is installed not only around the chimney but along all intersections on a roof.  When chimneys or skylights are installed on a roof, they leave some gaps and holes open. In an effort to prevent water infiltration through these gaps, flashing with sealants is installed.

Flashing is also a roofing component, like chimney crickets, that are made of different materials and styles depending on their usage.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU NEED A CHIMNEY CRICKET

To determine if your roof and chimney require a chimney cricket, it is essential to look for signs of water damage caused by heavy rain, snow, or wind.  Check for water stains on the ceiling or walls, mold growth, or cracked mortar joints.

These signs can indicate that water is not draining away from the roof and chimney, and a chimney cricket may help solve the problem.  If you notice any of these signs, it is best to have your roof and chimney inspected by a professional to assess the issue and determine if a chimney cricket is necessary.

Final Words

The chimney cricket is an important feature to ensure water will properly flow around the chimney instead of being trapped behind it causing potential leaks.  Having proper understanding of when a chimney cricket needs to be provided is of utmost importance to any code professional.