How Chimney Crickets Improve the Longevity of Residential Steel Roofing
Your chimney plays a vital role in safely venting smoke and harmful gases from your home. But it’s also one of the most overlooked parts of your roofing system when it comes to maintenance and protection. Without proper safeguards in place, the area where your chimney meets the roof can become a weak point that’s vulnerable to water damage, animal intrusion, and debris buildup.
One smart way to defend this area—and extend the life of your residential steel roof—is by installing a chimney cricket.
What Is a Chimney Cricket?
A chimney cricket, also known as a chimney saddle or diverter, is a small, peaked structure built into the roof directly behind your chimney. Its main job? Diverting water away from the base of the chimney so it doesn’t pool, seep into your roofing materials, or cause long-term damage.
Crickets may be small, but they play a big role in keeping your home protected and your roof in good shape—especially if you have a steel roof.
At Clark Roofing, our team specializes in fabricating and installing chimney crickets that match your steel roofing system perfectly. We ensure a secure, seamless fit that blends durability with performance.
Why Is a Chimney Cricket Important?
If you’re wondering whether a chimney cricket is worth it, here are four major reasons to consider installing one:
1. It Prevents Water from Pooling
Flat or gently sloped roof areas—especially behind the chimney—are prime spots for water to collect. Without a chimney cricket, rainwater can settle and slowly erode roofing materials, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
In fact, building codes often require chimney crickets on chimneys wider than 30 inches (when measured perpendicular to the slope). That’s because the risk of water damage increases significantly without one.
By rerouting water to either side of the chimney, a cricket helps protect against long-term issues like rot, leaks, and interior moisture damage.
2. It Extends the Life of Your Roof
The point where the chimney meets the roof is notoriously vulnerable to leaks. Over time, even high-quality steel roofing materials can break down under constant exposure to moisture. When water makes its way under shingles or flashing, it can damage the roof decking and insulation underneath.
Chimney crickets help reduce that risk by keeping the area dry and supporting the long-term integrity of your roofing system. They also reduce wear on flashing and other connecting materials.
3. It Keeps Animals Out
Standing water near your chimney can attract all kinds of unwanted guests—from birds and raccoons to squirrels and insects. If these critters find a gap or weakness near the chimney, they may try to make themselves at home.
A well-built chimney cricket helps seal off access points and discourages animals from nesting or entering your home through the roof.
4. It Reduces Debris Buildup
Aside from managing moisture, chimney crickets also help prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from collecting behind the chimney. That means fewer blockages and better ventilation for your chimney.
Less debris also means fewer maintenance headaches and fewer opportunities for water to get trapped and cause problems.
What Are Chimney Crickets Made Of?
Most chimney crickets are built using a wood frame covered with metal to shield against the elements. The most common metal coverings include:
- Aluminum: Affordable and rust-resistant, but more prone to dents and not as durable as steel or copper.
- Galvanized Steel: A sturdy choice that resists damage, though it may require regular maintenance to prevent rust.
- Copper: The most durable—and most expensive—option. It resists corrosion and wears well over time, making it ideal for long-term performance.
Many homeowners choose to top their chimney cricket with shingles that match the rest of the roof, helping it blend in aesthetically. Flashing is then added at the seams to create a watertight seal between the roof, chimney, and cricket.
At Clark Roofing, we’ll walk you through your material options to find the right match for your home, budget, and climate.
How Big Should a Chimney Cricket Be?
Chimney crickets aren’t one-size-fits-all. Their size and height should be customized based on the width of your chimney and the slope of your roof.
Here’s a general guide to cricket height based on common roof pitches:
- 12:12 slope – Cricket height should be ½ the width of the chimney
- 8:12 slope – Height should be ⅓ the chimney width
- 6:12 slope – Height should be ¼ the width
- 4:12 slope – Height should be ⅙ the width
- 3:12 slope – Height should be ⅛ the width
For example, if your chimney is 60 inches wide and your roof has an 8:12 pitch, your chimney cricket should be about 20 inches tall.
Proper sizing ensures water flows effectively and prevents pooling, which is why it’s best to leave this job to an experienced roofing contractor.
Caring for Your Chimney Cricket
Just like the rest of your roof, your chimney cricket needs periodic attention. If you notice signs of moisture around the chimney, animal activity, or visible damage to the flashing or roofing materials, it’s time to call in a professional.
We recommend routine roof inspections—especially after severe weather—to spot issues early. Proactive maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs down the road and ensures that your chimney cricket keeps doing its job year after year.
Why You Should Trust a Pro
When it comes to protecting your home, precision matters. A poorly installed or improperly sized chimney cricket can cause more harm than good.
That’s why it pays to hire a professional roofing company with experience in residential steel roofing and chimney cricket installation. At Clark Roofing, we understand how important it is to get the details right—especially when working with complex roofing systems.
Our certified installers use top-quality materials and proven techniques to ensure your chimney cricket lasts for the long haul. Whether you need a new install, a repair, or a full roof inspection, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to Protect Your Roof?
Don’t let water damage or pests put your home at risk. If your chimney needs a cricket—or you’re not sure—reach out to our experts at Clark Roofing. We’ll evaluate your roof and recommend the right solution to keep your home safe, dry, and strong for years to come.
Call us today at 254-374-4477 to schedule your inspection or chimney cricket installation.
