What is a Roofing Cricket? Preventing Chimney Leaks in Utah (2026)

Without a peaked structure to split the flow, water and melting snow hit the back of your chimney and stop. This creates a "dead zone" where water sits against the masonry and flashing. Over time, this constant moisture leads to water damage and compromises the structural integrity of your roof deck.

When we have roof crickets installed correctly, the water is split into two channels and directed down the main slopes of the roof. This simple geometric fix protects the most vulnerable areas of your roofing system and is required by modern building codes for any chimney wider than 30 inches.

A professional roofer will build the cricket framework out of plywood directly on the roof deck. It is then covered with underlayment (ideally ice and water shield) and shingled to match the rest of the house. The goal is a seamless transition that ensures water never has a chance to sit still.

• Slope: The cricket should ideally have the same pitch as the main roof.
• Flashing: Integrated step flashing and counter-flashing are critical where the cricket meets the masonry.
• Waterproofing: Because these are vulnerable areas, we always use premium self-adhering membranes under the shingles of the cricket.

The most common mistake is building a cricket that is too small or has an inadequate slope. If the cricket doesn't match the primary roof's pitch, snow can still accumulate and create a mini-ice dam. Another failure point is improper flashing at the chimney-to-cricket transition. This is why forensic leak audits often focus on these specific geometric handoffs.

Crickets should be inspected annually as part of a standard roof maintenance program. Look for cracked shingles, lifted flashing, or debris buildup in the "valley" formed by the cricket. Keeping these areas clear ensures the water diversion remains effective throughout the life of the roof.