Cricket & Flashings for Chimney
What is a Chimney Cricket?
A chimney cricket is a small peaked roof which is installed on the back side of your chimney to deflect water and debris from your chimney. .
How Does a Chimney Cricket Protect My Chimney from Water Penetration?
Shaped like a triangle or other shape with angled sides, a chimney cricket has a ridge on its top, and when water meets the cricket, the water automatically flows down the angled sides and away from your chimney. For an example of its importance, think about your roof and chimney in the winter. When the temperatures drop below freezing and it snows, the water from melting snow flowing down your roof eventually refreezes, and if you have a problem with water accumulating around your chimney, you could end up with that water freezing behind your chimney, which causes an ice dam. An ice dam is a large amount of ice that prevents water from flowing down the roof and possibly causes water penetration into your chimney and roof. A chimney cricket would prevent an ice dam from occurring because it will direct water around the chimney and keep it from pooling around the chimney’s base.
Why Would I Need a Chimney Cricket Installed?
If your chimney is located on a downward slope, you most likely will need to include a chimney cricket in your flashing system to prevent water from accumulating around your chimney base.
Why is it So Important to Prevent Water Penetration?
Water leaks are the biggest enemy of your chimney because of the amount of damage and deterioration it can cause to the bricks, mortar, chimney flue, and the interior of your home. Protecting your chimney with properly installed flashing including a cricket can save you from expensive repairs caused by water penetration
What is a Chimney Flashing?
Chimneys are notorious for leaking. Just ask any roofer. But it doesn't take an expert to spot problems—simply look for water-stained ceilings or other telltale signs of leaking in the vicinity of your chimney.
You'll want to install new chimney flashing if it's missing, rusted through, falling out or completely covered with roofing tar (a typical short-term fix that’s sure to be hiding bigger problems). It's also a good time to install new flashing when you put on new shingles because you'll want it to last as long as the new roofing.
Our Roofing Professionals are experts at installing new flashing on brick or siding chimney, making sure your chimney is leak free.