Without a cricket, a wide chimney acts like a dam on the roof slope above it, collecting rain, leaves, and debris right where they can work into the flashing seal over time. A cricket splits that water flow around both sides of the chimney instead.
Why this gets missed on a lot of existing DFW homes
Crickets are often skipped during original construction on borderline-width chimneys, or lost during a re-roof when a roofer replicates the old flashing setup without adding one. We regularly find wide chimneys with visible water and debris staining on the uphill side, a telltale sign a cricket was never built or was removed and not replaced.
What installation involves
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my chimney needs a cricket?
If it’s wider than about 30 inches along the roof ridge and the roof slope is on the shallower side, code generally calls for one. We’ll measure and assess during an inspection rather than guess from a general rule.
Can a cricket be added to an existing roof, or does it require a full re-roof?
It can typically be added to an existing roof, tying the new framing and roofing material into the surrounding shingles without a full re-roof.
Is a cricket just about leaves and debris, or does it matter for leaks too?
Both. Standing debris holds moisture against the flashing longer, which accelerates flashing failure, so a cricket helps prevent leaks indirectly as well as directly.
How long does cricket installation take?
Most installations are completed in a single day, depending on roof access and how the surrounding roofing material needs to be tied in.