Roof Crickets and Saddles: Preventing Water Damage Behind Chimneys (2026)
That small structure behind your chimney might be the most important thing preventing thousands of dollars in water damage. Here is everything Pinellas County homeowners need to know about roof crickets and saddles.
If you have a chimney on your Pinellas County home, there is a small but critical roofing component that could be saving your home from water damage right now, or conspicuously absent and slowly causing problems you cannot see. It is called a roof cricket (also known as a saddle), and it is one of the most overlooked yet important elements of a well-built roof system.
Despite its simple design, a roof cricket plays a vital role in directing water around your chimney and preventing the pooling, leaking, and structural damage that occur when water has nowhere to go. For homeowners in Pinellas County, FL, where heavy rainfall is a constant reality, understanding roof crickets is essential knowledge before your next re-roofing project.
What Is a Roof Cricket (or Saddle)?
A roof cricket is a small, peaked or ridged structure built on the uphill side of a chimney where it meets the roof. Picture a miniature tent or A-frame sitting behind the chimney, with its peak directed up the slope. The cricket creates two small valleys that channel water around the sides of the chimney instead of allowing it to collect behind it.
The terms "cricket" and "saddle" are used interchangeably in the roofing industry. Some contractors prefer one term over the other, but they describe the same structure. You may also hear it called a "diverter," although that term can also refer to other water management features.
Without a cricket, water flowing down the roof slope hits the back of the chimney and creates a dam. In Pinellas County, where thunderstorms can dump inches of rain in minutes, this pooling effect is amplified. The water collects behind the chimney, sits against the flashing, and eventually finds its way under the roofing materials and into your home.
How a Cricket Works
The physics are straightforward. Water always flows downhill, and it follows the path of least resistance. A chimney sitting on a sloped roof creates an obstacle that interrupts the natural flow of water. The uphill side of the chimney catches water like a dam wall.
A cricket addresses this by creating a raised ridge behind the chimney that splits the water flow into two streams. Each stream flows around one side of the chimney and continues down the roof to the gutter system. The cricket essentially eliminates the flat area behind the chimney where water would otherwise pool.
The height and slope of the cricket are designed to match or exceed the surrounding roof pitch, ensuring that water moves efficiently and does not back up. A properly installed cricket is almost invisible from the ground, blending seamlessly with the surrounding roof surface.
When Are Roof Crickets Required by Code?
The Florida Building Code (FBC), which Pinellas County follows, has a clear requirement for roof crickets. According to the code, a cricket or saddle is required on the uphill side of any chimney or penetration that is wider than 30 inches (measured perpendicular to the slope of the roof).
This requirement applies to:
- New construction projects
- Re-roofing projects where the existing chimney meets the width threshold
- Any chimney modification that increases its width beyond 30 inches
The 30-inch threshold comes from the International Residential Code (IRC Section R903.2.2), which the Florida Building Code adopts. The logic is that chimneys wider than 30 inches create enough of a dam effect to require active water diversion.
What About Chimneys Under 30 Inches?
While the code does not require a cricket for chimneys narrower than 30 inches, many experienced Pinellas County roofers recommend installing one anyway. Even a narrower chimney creates some water pooling, and in our climate with frequent heavy downpours, that pooling can cause problems over time.
The decision for chimneys under 30 inches often comes down to the roof pitch. On steeper roofs (7/12 pitch or higher), water flows fast enough that a narrower chimney may not cause significant pooling. On lower-pitched roofs (4/12 or lower), which are common throughout Pinellas County, even a small chimney can create water management issues that a cricket would solve.
Roof Cricket Materials and Construction Methods
Roof crickets can be built using several different materials and methods. The best choice depends on the roofing material on your home, the size of the chimney, and the local climate conditions.
Wood-Framed Cricket with Shingle Covering
This is the most common cricket construction method for shingle roofs. The cricket is framed using 2x4 lumber to create the peaked shape, then covered with plywood or OSB sheathing. The sheathing is covered with underlayment and then finished with shingles that match the rest of the roof.
Pros: Blends seamlessly with shingle roofs, relatively inexpensive, can be built to any size
Cons: Wood framing can rot over time if not properly protected, shingles on the cricket wear at the same rate as the rest of the roof
Metal Cricket (Sheet Metal or Fabricated)
Metal crickets are fabricated from galvanized steel, copper, or aluminum sheet metal. They are formed into the peaked shape without any wood framing, creating a solid, one-piece water diverter.
Pros: Extremely durable, no rot risk, excellent water shedding, low maintenance, long lifespan
Cons: More visible than shingle-covered crickets, higher material cost, requires a skilled sheet metal worker
Metal crickets are particularly popular in Pinellas County because they handle our heavy rainfall exceptionally well and are not susceptible to the moisture damage that can affect wood-framed crickets.
Pre-Fabricated Cricket Kits
Some manufacturers offer pre-fabricated cricket kits that simplify installation. These kits include pre-formed metal or composite panels that fit together to create the cricket shape. They are available in standard sizes to fit common chimney widths.
Pros: Fast installation, consistent quality, no custom fabrication needed
Cons: Limited size options may not fit all chimneys perfectly, may not match existing roof materials
| Cricket Type | Material Cost | Installed Cost (During Re-Roof) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood-Framed with Shingles | $50 to $150 | $200 to $400 | Shingle roofs, standard chimneys |
| Galvanized Metal | $75 to $200 | $250 to $500 | All roof types, high rainfall areas |
| Copper | $150 to $400 | $400 to $800 | Premium installations, historical homes |
| Pre-Fabricated Kit | $100 to $250 | $200 to $400 | Standard-sized chimneys, quick install |
The Cost of Installing a Roof Cricket
One of the best things about roof crickets is that they are remarkably affordable, especially when installed during a re-roofing project. Here is what Pinellas County homeowners can expect to pay:
During a Re-Roof: $200 to $500
When your roof is already being replaced, adding a cricket is straightforward. The roofing crew is already on site, the materials are available, and the cricket can be built before the new roofing materials go down. This is by far the most cost-effective time to install a cricket.
The $200 to $500 range covers most standard residential chimneys in Pinellas County. Larger chimneys (those over 4 feet wide) or complex chimney shapes may cost slightly more.
As a Standalone Project: $500 to $1,500
Adding a cricket to an existing roof without doing a full re-roof is more expensive because the roofer needs to carefully remove existing shingles and underlayment around the chimney, build the cricket, and then reinstall the roofing materials. The additional labor and the need to match existing materials drives the cost up.
Cost of NOT Having a Cricket
The real cost comparison is not just what a cricket costs to install, but what it costs you when water pools behind your chimney for years without one. Water damage behind a chimney can lead to:
- Rotted roof decking: $75 to $150 per sheet to replace (see our roof deck replacement cost guide)
- Damaged flashing: $300 to $800 to replace chimney flashing
- Interior water damage: $500 to $5,000+ for ceiling and wall repairs
- Mold remediation: $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the extent
- Insulation damage: $200 to $500 to replace saturated attic insulation
A $200 to $500 cricket during a re-roof is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your roofing system.
Water Pooling Behind Chimneys: Why It Happens
To fully understand why crickets are so important, it helps to understand the mechanics of water flow on a roof with a chimney.
Your roof is designed as a continuous sloped surface that moves water from the peak to the gutters. When a chimney interrupts that surface, it creates a dam on its uphill side. Water flowing down the roof hits the back of the chimney and has nowhere to go. It pools in the valley-like area between the chimney and the roof surface.
The wider the chimney, the more water it captures. A chimney that is 36 inches wide intercepts all the water flowing down a 3-foot-wide swath of your roof. During a Pinellas County thunderstorm that drops 2 inches of rain in an hour, that is a significant volume of water collecting in one spot.
This pooled water attacks the roof in several ways:
- Hydrostatic pressure: Standing water pushes down and finds its way through tiny gaps in shingles and flashing that flowing water would pass right over
- Debris accumulation: Leaves, pine needles, and other debris collect in the pooling area, further blocking water flow and holding moisture against the roof surface
- Flashing deterioration: The constant wet-dry cycle at the chimney flashing accelerates corrosion and sealant failure
- Algae and moss growth: The persistently moist area behind the chimney becomes a breeding ground for algae and moss, which can lift shingles and further trap moisture
Ice Dams and Roof Crickets: Not Just a Cold Climate Concern
When most people think about ice dams, they picture snow-covered roofs in northern states. And while ice dams are not a primary concern in Pinellas County's subtropical climate, it is worth understanding the connection between crickets and ice dams because it highlights why water management behind chimneys matters in any climate.
In cold climates, the pooled water behind a chimney can freeze, forming an ice dam that prevents snowmelt from draining. This ice dam grows larger with each freeze-thaw cycle, forcing water under shingles and into the home. A cricket prevents the initial pooling that starts this cycle.
In Pinellas County, we deal with the warm-weather version of this problem: standing water that leads to accelerated deterioration. Our version does not involve ice, but the damage mechanism is similar. Water that should be flowing off the roof instead sits in one spot and works its way into your home.
The lesson is universal: preventing water from pooling anywhere on your roof is fundamental to roof longevity, regardless of climate.
Pinellas County Code Requirements and Inspections
When you pull a permit for a re-roof in Pinellas County, the building inspector will check for code compliance, including the cricket requirement for chimneys over 30 inches wide. Here is what you need to know about the inspection process:
What the Inspector Looks For
- The cricket is present behind any chimney wider than 30 inches
- The cricket ridge height is adequate to divert water (typically matching or exceeding the surrounding roof pitch)
- Flashing at the cricket-to-chimney junction is properly installed and sealed
- The cricket is covered with appropriate roofing materials
- Water cannot pool behind the chimney at any point
Common Inspection Failures
Crickets can fail inspection for several reasons:
- Insufficient height: The cricket peak is too low to effectively divert water
- Poor flashing integration: The connection between the cricket flashing and the chimney flashing has gaps or relies solely on caulk
- Missing cricket entirely: The contractor did not install one despite the chimney exceeding 30 inches
- Improper drainage: The cricket creates new pooling areas at its valleys rather than directing water to the main roof surface
Cricket Installation Best Practices for Pinellas County
Given our local climate challenges, here are the best practices that experienced Pinellas County roofers follow when installing roof crickets:
Use Peel-and-Stick Underlayment
The cricket area is a high-risk zone for water infiltration. Covering the entire cricket with self-adhering (peel-and-stick) underlayment before installing roofing materials provides an extra waterproof layer. This is especially important in Pinellas County, where wind-driven rain can push water under shingles.
Integrate Step Flashing Properly
The junction where the cricket meets the chimney is critical. Step flashing should be woven into the cricket's roofing material, with each piece overlapping the one below it. Counter-flashing embedded in the chimney mortar joints should cover the top of the step flashing to create a two-layer water barrier.
Size the Cricket Generously
A cricket that is too small is barely better than no cricket at all. The general rule is that the cricket should extend at least 12 inches above the roof surface at its peak, and the cricket's valleys should extend far enough from the chimney to effectively channel water to the main roof surface.
Consider a Metal Cricket Even on Shingle Roofs
While a shingle-covered cricket blends in better aesthetically, a metal cricket provides superior water resistance and longevity. In Pinellas County's rain-heavy climate, many roofers recommend metal crickets even on shingle roofs for the added durability.
Other Roof Penetrations That May Need Crickets
While chimneys are the most common application for crickets, other roof penetrations can also benefit from water diversion:
- Wide skylights: Skylights wider than 30 inches face the same pooling issues as chimneys
- HVAC curbs: Rooftop air conditioning units on flat or low-slope commercial roofs
- Dormers: The junction between a dormer wall and the main roof can benefit from cricket-like diversion
- Large vent stacks: While uncommon on residential roofs, industrial vent stacks may need crickets
- Solar panel arrays: Large panel arrays on the uphill side can create water pooling behind them
Signs Your Existing Cricket Needs Repair or Replacement
If your Pinellas County home already has a chimney cricket, it needs periodic attention. Here are signs that your cricket may need repair or replacement:
- Water stains on the ceiling near the chimney: This is the most obvious sign that the cricket or its flashing has failed
- Visible rust or deterioration on metal crickets: Galvanized metal eventually corrodes, especially in our salt air environment near the Gulf
- Missing or damaged shingles on the cricket: Cricket shingles take more abuse than the rest of the roof due to concentrated water flow
- Debris accumulation: If leaves and debris are piling up behind the chimney rather than washing off, the cricket may be too small or improperly shaped
- Cracked or dried-out sealant: The sealant at flashing joints has a limited lifespan and needs periodic replacement
- Moss or algae growth concentrated behind the chimney: This indicates moisture is lingering in that area despite the cricket
Cricket vs No Cricket: A Visual Comparison of Water Flow
| Scenario | Without Cricket | With Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Light Rain | Slight pooling, drains slowly | Water diverts around chimney smoothly |
| Heavy Thunderstorm | Significant pooling, water backs up under shingles | High-volume water channels efficiently to both sides |
| Debris Accumulation | Leaves and debris dam up, worsening pooling | Cricket peak sheds most debris to the sides |
| Long-Term Effect (5+ Years) | Flashing failure, deck rot, possible interior leaks | Minimal wear, flashing stays protected |
| Hurricane/Tropical Storm | Extreme pooling, high risk of water intrusion | Rapid diversion prevents dangerous accumulation |
Talking to Your Roofer About Crickets
When getting bids for a re-roof on your Pinellas County home, ask these questions about crickets:
- "Does my chimney require a cricket under current Florida Building Code?"
- "Even if not required, do you recommend a cricket for my chimney?"
- "What material do you use for cricket construction?"
- "Is the cricket included in my base bid, or is it an additional cost?"
- "How do you flash the cricket-to-chimney junction?"
- "Will you use peel-and-stick underlayment on the cricket area?"
A knowledgeable Pinellas County roofer should be able to answer all of these questions confidently. If a contractor does not know what a cricket is or dismisses it as unnecessary for a chimney over 30 inches wide, that is a significant red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a roof cricket or saddle?
A roof cricket (also called a saddle) is a small peaked structure built behind a chimney or other roof penetration on the uphill side. Its purpose is to divert water around the obstruction rather than allowing it to pool behind it. Think of it as a miniature roof behind your chimney that channels water to either side.
When is a roof cricket required by Florida Building Code?
The Florida Building Code requires a roof cricket or saddle when a chimney or other penetration is wider than 30 inches (measured perpendicular to the slope of the roof). This applies to all new construction and re-roofing projects in Pinellas County that include a chimney meeting this size threshold.
How much does it cost to install a roof cricket?
Installing a roof cricket typically costs $200 to $500 when done during a re-roofing project. This includes framing, sheathing, and covering the cricket with matching roofing materials. If a cricket needs to be added to an existing roof as a standalone project, costs can range from $500 to $1,500 due to the additional labor of working around existing roofing materials.
What materials are used to build a roof cricket?
Roof crickets are typically built with a wood frame (2x4 lumber), covered with plywood or OSB sheathing, then finished with metal flashing, matching shingles, or sheet metal. In Pinellas County, metal crickets are popular because they handle Florida's heavy rainfall well and resist moisture damage better than wood-framed crickets covered with shingles.
Can a missing roof cricket cause water damage?
Yes. Without a cricket, water flowing down the roof hits the uphill side of the chimney and pools behind it. Over time, this standing water degrades the flashing and roofing materials, seeps under shingles, and can cause significant damage to the roof deck, attic insulation, and interior ceilings and walls. In Pinellas County's heavy rain environment, this damage can develop faster than in drier climates.
Do all chimneys need a cricket?
Not all chimneys require a cricket by code. The Florida Building Code threshold is 30 inches wide. However, many roofing professionals recommend installing a cricket behind any chimney regardless of width, as even smaller chimneys can create water pooling issues, especially on lower-pitched roofs common in Pinellas County.
Final Thoughts
A roof cricket is a small, inexpensive component that provides enormous value in protecting your Pinellas County home from water damage. At $200 to $500 during a re-roof, it is one of the most cost-effective additions you can make to your roofing system.
If your home has a chimney, especially one wider than 30 inches, make sure your next re-roof includes a properly built and flashed cricket. And if you are experiencing water stains near your chimney, a missing or failed cricket may be the culprit.
For more information about protecting your Pinellas County roof, read our guides on proper nail patterns for Florida wind resistance and understanding how roofers price their work.