A roof cricket is one of those features.

If your home has a chimney or large roof penetration, a cricket can be the difference between a roof that lasts and one that develops leaks over time.

At Mr. GoodRoof, we pay close attention to areas where water naturally collects, and crickets are one of the most effective ways to protect those high-risk zones.

A roof cricket, sometimes called a saddle, is a small peaked structure installed on the uphill side of a chimney or large roof penetration.

Its job is simple. It diverts water around the obstacle instead of allowing it to collect behind it.

Without a cricket, water flows down the roof and hits the flat backside of the chimney, where it can pool and increase the risk of leaks.

Water buildup is one of the biggest threats to a roofing system.

When water is forced to sit or slow down in one area, it increases the chance of:

A roof cricket eliminates that problem by redirecting water and keeping it moving off the roof.

A cricket creates a small ridge that splits the flow of water.

Instead of water hitting the chimney and stopping, the cricket diverts it to both sides, allowing it to continue down the roof naturally.

This reduces pressure on flashing and prevents pooling in vulnerable areas.

A cricket is not a replacement for flashing. It works together with it.

Flashing seals the transition between the roof and the chimney, while the cricket manages how water flows around that area.

When both are installed correctly, they provide strong, long-term protection against leaks.

Homes without a properly installed cricket often experience:

These issues can develop slowly but lead to costly repairs over time.

A roof cricket is not an add-on. It should be built as part of the complete roofing system.

It works alongside:

When integrated properly, it strengthens one of the most vulnerable areas of the roof.