In building construction, a cricket is a peaked roof shape constructed behind a chimney on a sloped roof, and perpendicular to the main roof, to avoid water and debris accumulation at the back of the chimney. It is also sometimes called a saddle. In colder climates that ours in Gainesville, Florida, it also serves to prevent the backup of snow and ice behind the chimney.

   Any chimney, or other chimney-like roof protuberance above a roof, that is more than 30 inches wide should have a cricket constructed behind it. The photo below shows a chimney that does not have a cricket, but should, with an outline of where the edges of the cricket would be.

   A cricket is also necessary in any flat, or nearly flat, valley between roofs. Here’s a large cricket at the long valley between two parallel gable roofs.

    And a cricket is still a sensible construction detail for chimneys that are less than 30-inches wide, like in the photo below, to avoid standing water that will eventually cause a leak behind the chimney.

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts: 

• What is a dead valley at a roof?

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof? 

• Why is my roof leaking?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• Does a roof with multiple layers of shingles last longer?

• What can I do to prevent roof leaks?

• Are roof trusses better than roof rafters (stick framing)? 

• Why is a popped nail in a shingle roof a problem? How do I fix it?

• What are the most common problems with wood roof trusses?

• What causes a lump or dip in the roof? 

• If my roof is not leaking, why does it need to be replaced?

• How can I be sure my roofing contractor got a permit?

• How many layers of roofing are allowed on a home? 

• What are the dark lines running parallel to shingles on my roof?

• Can metal roofing be used on a low slope/pitch roof? 

• How can I make my roof last longer?  

• How can I tell if the house needs a new roof?  

• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a roof inspection?

• What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.