What is chimney flashing?
Flashing is a strip (or strips) of metal used to stop water from penetrating the junction of a roof with another surface. Chimney flashing prevents water from entering at the point where the chimney and the roof meet.
What is a chimney cricket?
A cricket or saddle is a ridge structure designed to divert water on a roof around the high side of a chimney or the transition from one roof area to another, the cricket is normally the same pitch as the rest of the roof, but not always.
Often times you have leaking coming in more than one area. Being well educated in multiple areas around the chimney can help provide a long term comprehensive solution to the problem as opposed to a “quick fix.” Although leaks can be difficult to pinpoint if you know what to look for it can help it be resolved more accurately the first time. Often times when the flashing is leaking you will see stains on the drywall above the fireplace or water stains running down the face of the fireplace. When a chimney exceeds 24 inches in width it is required a cricket is installed as well as flashing to divert water from pooling behind the chimney. We always use ice and water shield as an additional protection and use only qualified roofers for repairs.
Chimney Cricket... not to be confused with Jiminy Cricket
