Roofing Crickets : What Are They?

What are roofing crickets? Roofing crickets are used in flat roof cricket systems to divert rainwater and snow away from the roof. In this blog post, we will explain what roofing crickets are and how they work!

Roofing crickets triangular shaped objects that are used in flat roof cricket systems. Crickets vary in size depending on the architecture of your roofing system. They are placed along the roof’s edge to divert rainwater and snow away from the roof. This prevents the roof from trapping and ponding water, helping extend its lifespan.

There are two types of roofing crickets: standard roofing crickets and expansion joint roofing crickets. Standard roofing crickets are used in most flat roof cricket systems. They are placed at regular intervals along the roof’s edge and help to channel water away from the building. Expansion joint roofing crickets are used in areas where there is a lot of movement, such as near doorways or windows. They help to prevent water from seeping into the building’s walls.

 

 

 

Roofing crickets are a necessary part of any flat roof system harbored by parapet walls. Without a water diverting system, your roof becomes a bowl for ponding water that can lead to severe damage to the roof and interior of your home or business.

Roofing Crickets (also known as Saddle Ridges) are also necessary on pitched roofing systems that have large chimneys and/or other pop-out structures that require assistance in diverting water off of the roof. Crickets are normally made out of framing lumber and OSB / CDX plywood and require the hands of a skilled carpenter for the roofing crickets to work as intended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In more modern, commercial roofing systems crickets can be built-out of tapered insulation systems. These systems are methodically tailored from polyiso insulation board manufacturers using an architect’s plans and drainage specifications. Though also available to residential homeowners, more often than not, entrusting your local roofing contractor to build them out of lumber may prove to be more cost effective.

Please note, improper installation of cricket systems can lead to water ponding that can lead to serious leaking. When choosing the right roofing contractor to repair or install roofing cricket systems, make sure they know your roof’s length:slope ratio(s).