What Is a Chimney Cricket?
A chimney cricket (also called a chimney saddle) is a small, peaked ridge structure built on the uphill side of a chimney where it meets the roof. Its job is to divert rainwater and debris around the chimney rather than letting water pool behind it.
When rainwater flows down a roof slope, it hits the back of the chimney and has nowhere to go. Without a cricket, water collects in the valley formed between the chimney and the roof, accelerating the deterioration of flashing, roof decking, and the chimney itself. Over time, this leads to leaks inside the home.
When Is a Chimney Cricket Required by Code?
The International Residential Code (IRC), which forms the basis for California building codes, requires a chimney cricket on any chimney that is wider than 30 inches as measured perpendicular to the roof slope. If your chimney is 30 inches or wider on the uphill side, a cricket is not optional. It is required.
Many Los Angeles-area homes built before the early 2000s predate this code requirement or were built under less strictly enforced versions of it. If you are replacing a roof or having your chimney flashing repaired, an inspector may flag the absence of a cricket as a code violation.
How Does a Chimney Cricket Work?
A chimney cricket is essentially a miniature gable roof built in the gap between the chimney and the roof deck. The peak of the cricket splits the water flow, directing it to either side of the chimney and into the main roof field where it drains normally. The cricket is covered with sheet metal flashing (typically aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper to match the chimney cap) and sealed at all edges.
A properly constructed cricket eliminates the pooling problem completely. Water no longer contacts the back of the chimney directly, dramatically extending the life of the flashing and the chimney masonry.
Signs Your Chimney Needs a Cricket
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney
- Rust staining on the back face of the chimney
- Deteriorated or lifted flashing on the high side of the chimney
- Debris (leaves, pine needles) accumulating behind the chimney
- An existing cricket that is bent, cracked, or has failed flashing
How Much Does a Chimney Cricket Cost?
Installing a chimney cricket in the Los Angeles area typically costs between $400 and $900 installed, depending on chimney width, roof pitch, and the flashing material used. This usually includes the framing, sheathing, waterproof membrane, and metal flashing. The work is completed in a half day for most standard installations.
If a cricket installation is combined with a full chimney flashing replacement, which is common since the two are closely related, total costs typically run $600 to $1,500.
Cricket vs. Flashing: What Is the Difference?
Chimney flashing refers to the sheet metal that seals the joint all the way around the chimney where it meets the roof. A cricket is a structural element that sits behind the chimney and redirects water before it reaches the flashing.
You need both. A chimney cricket handles the bulk water load. The flashing handles the fine-line seal at every edge of the chimney-roof connection. Together, they provide a watertight system. A cricket without proper flashing still leaks. Flashing without a cricket on a wide chimney handles more water load than it is designed for and fails prematurely.
Can I Skip the Cricket If I Already Have Good Flashing?
If your chimney is wider than 30 inches, skipping the cricket is both a code violation and a long-term maintenance problem. Even the best flashing installation will fail sooner when it is carrying the full impact of pooled water. Code exists for this reason.
If your chimney is narrower than 30 inches, a cricket is not required, though it may still be beneficial depending on your roof pitch and drainage conditions.
FAQs About Chimney Crickets
Does a chimney cricket require a permit?
In most Los Angeles County jurisdictions, a standalone chimney cricket installation does not require a permit if no structural changes are made to the roof framing. If the framing needs modification, a permit may be required. Eco Grizzly handles permit applications when needed.
How long does a chimney cricket last?
A properly built cricket with stainless steel or copper flashing will last as long as the roof itself, typically 20 to 30 years or more. Regular inspection is still recommended.
What material should a chimney cricket be made of?
The frame is typically wood sheathed with plywood or OSB. The waterproofing layer is a rubberized membrane. The visible flashing is sheet metal: aluminum for most applications, copper for premium or historic homes.
My roof is being replaced. Should I add a cricket at the same time?
Yes. Roof replacement is the ideal time to add or rebuild a chimney cricket since the roof deck is already accessible, reducing both cost and disruption.
To learn more about water damage and chimney flashing, see our chimney flashing repair service or schedule a chimney inspection to assess your current setup. Call (424) 258-9882.
