What cricket means
A cricket is a small peaked roof built on the uphill side of a chimney or other wide roof penetration. It splits the water and sends it around the obstruction instead of letting it pond behind it.
Also called saddle, chimney cricket.
Where it matters on a roofing job
The back side of a chimney is one of the most common leak spots. If the chimney is wide enough to need a cricket and has none, building one is part of doing the reroof right. It is framing, sheathing and flashing, so price it as its own line.
What the model code says
- A cricket or saddle is required on the ridge side of any chimney or penetration more than 30 inches wide. (IRC 2021, Chapter 9)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for cricket before you quote.
What it costs
Jobs that involve cricket are priced in the chimney repair cost guide: about $600 typical, usually $210 to $980. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.
Work it out
- Cost guide: Chimney repair cost
- Licensing: Roofing license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free roofing resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 9, Roof Assemblies (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.