What’s a roof cricket?
FAQ: What’s a Roof Cricket?
Q: What is a roof cricket?
A roof cricket is a small, peaked structure built behind a chimney or other roof penetration. Its job is simple: redirect water so it doesn’t pool behind the chimney.
Without a cricket, rainwater collects behind vertical structures like chimneys—especially on low-slope or steep-slope roofs. This pooling increases the risk of leaks, wood rot, and mold inside your attic.
Why it matters for Florida homeowners:
Florida's heavy rain and hurricane conditions can quickly overwhelm poorly designed roofs.
Pooling water accelerates roof aging and leads to premature repairs.
The Florida Building Code may require a cricket behind wide chimneys (typically over 30 inches).
At Roof Nuts, we automatically include crickets when needed. It’s a small structural detail that makes a big difference in preventing leaks and extending your roof’s life.
Why Roof Crickets Are Important
Diverts water: Prevents water from getting trapped behind roof structures.
Protects flashing: Keeps the flashing around chimneys from being overloaded by runoff.
Meets code: Larger chimneys often require crickets under Florida law.
Extends roof life: Reduces standing water, which can degrade shingles and decking.
Prevents leaks: Especially important in storm-prone areas like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami.
FAQ: More Homeowner Questions
Q: Does my chimney need a cricket?
If your chimney is more than 30 inches wide (measured perpendicular to the roof slope), Florida Building Code likely requires it. Even if it’s smaller, a cricket is still a smart upgrade for leak prevention.
Q: Can I add a cricket to an existing roof?
Yes. A cricket can be added during a roof repair or re-roof. It’s often paired with new flashing and waterproofing around the chimney.
Q: Will a roof cricket add to the cost?
Yes, but only slightly—and it often saves money long-term by preventing costly water damage. Roof Nuts includes this feature when needed as part of our commitment to code compliance and quality installs.
Serving Florida Homeowners with Smarter Roofing
If you're in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, St. Pete, or anywhere in Florida, make sure your chimney has the right protection. The team at Roof Nuts checks for this during every inspection and includes a cricket where required—no shortcuts.
Call Roof Nuts at 904-694-3426 to schedule your free roof inspection or chimney flashing evaluation.
