Roof Saddle vs Cricket: Key Differences, Uses, and Selection Guide

The comparison between a roof saddle and a cricket helps homeowners, roofers, and contractors choose the best method to divert water around roof interruptions. This article explains definitions, materials, installation, cost, and code considerations to guide informed decisions.

Feature	Roof Saddle	Cricket
Primary Use	Temporary Low-Profile Diverter	Permanent High-Volume Water Diverter
Typical Location	Small valleys, behind pipes, transitions	Behind chimneys, skylights, large roof penetrations
Slope	Shallow	Steeper To Shed Water Quickly
Materials	Flashing, shingles, metal	Wood or blocking with membrane/metal flashing
Cost	Lower	Higher

What Is A Roof Saddle?

A roof saddle is a small, often narrow ridge built to redirect water around a low-profile obstruction on a roof. It can be formed with flashing, tapered sheathing, or bundled shingles to create a low diversion that prevents pooling and channels water toward existing drainage paths. Saddles Are Typically Used For Minor Transitions And Low-Volume Water Redirection.

What Is A Cricket?

A cricket is a larger, triangular or sloped structure constructed on the high side of a substantial roof penetration, such as a chimney or skylight. It channels water around the penetration and toward gutters or valleys to prevent water pooling and infiltration. Crickets Are Built To Handle Higher Volumes Of Water And Provide Long-Term Protection.

Key Differences Between Roof Saddle And Cricket

Understanding the distinctions helps match the solution to the roof’s needs. Differences include size, intended drainage capacity, complexity, and expected lifespan. Choosing The Wrong Option Can Lead To Leaks, Accelerated Shingle Wear, And Costly Repairs.

Size And Scale

Saddles Are Small And Low-Profile, Often Less Than A Few Feet Wide. Crickets Occupy More Roof Area And Are Engineered To Direct Significant Stormwater Around A Penetration.

Drainage Capacity

Saddles Manage Light To Moderate Water Flow Where Drainage Needs Are Minimal. Crickets Are Designed For Heavy Flow And Rapid Evacuation Of Water From Around Large Obstacles.

Construction Complexity

Saddles Can Be Created Using Flashing And Shingle Manipulation, While Crickets Require Framing, Tapered Blocking, And A Continuously Integrated Waterproofing Layer. Crickets Often Involve Structural Work And More Skilled Labor.

Durability And Maintenance

Crickets Usually Offer Greater Longevity When Properly Built And Flashing Is Installed Correctly. Saddles May Need More Frequent Inspection In Harsh Climates Or On High-Slope Roofs. Maintenance Frequency Correlates To Design Complexity And Weather Exposure.

When To Use A Roof Saddle

A roof saddle is appropriate when water diversion needs are modest and the obstruction is small. Typical use cases include small dormers, low-profile vents, or tiny roof intersections. Saddles Are A Cost-Effective Fix For Minor Drainage Issues.

• Low-volume runoff areas
• Quick field repairs or temporary solutions
• Minimal structural modification required

When To Use A Cricket

A cricket should be specified for large, fixed penetrations that create a significant resistance to natural water flow. Common examples include brick chimneys, large skylights, or HVAC curb installations. Crickets Are The Preferred Long-Term Solution For High-Risk Leak Points.

• Large chimneys or tall masonry structures
• Skylights with broad surrounding roof area
• Locations with heavy rainfall or snow load

Materials And Building Methods

The materials and build method influence performance and lifespan. Both saddles and crickets require careful flashing integration and compatibility with roofing materials. Proper Material Selection Prevents Water Infiltration And Accelerated Failure.

Common Materials For Saddles

Saddles Often Use Metal Flashing, Tapered Shingle Layers, EPDM Strips, Or Modified Bitumen For Short Runs. Flashing Should Be Sealed To Adjacent Roofing To Create A Continuous Water-Shedding Surface.

Common Materials For Crickets

Crickets Typically Have A Framed Ridge Of Tapered Blocking Covered With Plywood, A Waterproof Membrane (EPDM, TPO, Modified Bitumen), And Metal Flashing Or Step Flashing At Junctions. Roofing Underlayment And Proper Fastening Are Vital.

Installation Steps And Best Practices

Installation quality separates an effective diversion from a future leak source. Whether installing a saddle or a cricket, adherence to manufacturer and local code guidance is critical. Skilled Roofing Professionals Should Perform Complex Cricket Installations.

Roof Saddle Installation Overview

1. Assess Slope And Flow Direction To Position The Saddle Correctly.
2. Cut Or Build Minimal Taper Using Sheathing Or Shingle Packs.
3. Install Continuous Flashing Over The Taper, Integrating With Existing Shingles.
4. Seal Exposed Fasteners And Transitions With Compatible Sealants.

Cricket Installation Overview

1. Frame Tapered Blocking Or Plywood To Form A Peak Away From The Penetration.
2. Apply Roof Underlayment And A Fully Adhered Waterproof Membrane Over The Cricket.
3. Install Metal Flashing At All Junctions, Ensuring Step Flashing Meets Code.
4. Finish With Shingles Or Metal Cap Flashing And Conduct A Water Test.

Cost Comparison And Lifespan

Costs Vary By Roof Complexity, Materials, And Labor Rates. Saddles Tend To Be Less Expensive Upfront, While Crickets Demand More labor and materials. Long-Term Value Often Favors Crickets For Major Penetrations Because They Reduce Leak Risk And Repair Frequency.

Item	Typical Cost Range	Expected Lifespan
Roof Saddle	$100 – $600	5-15 Years (Depends On Materials)
Cricket	$500 – $3,500+	15-40 Years (With Proper Materials)

Building Codes, Warranties, And Insurance Considerations

Local building codes may reference flashing and water protection standards, especially for crickets behind chimneys. Warranties on roofing materials can be voided by improper flashing. Insurance claims for water damage often hinge on proper installation. Documented Professional Installation Helps When Filing Claims Or Warranty Requests.

Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Avoid shortcuts that compromise waterproofing. Common mistakes include insufficient slope on crickets, improper flashing overlaps, and using incompatible materials. Regular Inspections And Correct Flashing Techniques Prevent Most Failures.

• Failing To Tie In Membrane Flashing To Adjacent Roof Planes
• Using Low-Profile Saddles For Large Chimneys
• Neglecting To Fasten Tapered Blocking Securely

Maintenance Tips For Longevity

Periodic inspection after storms and seasonal maintenance keep both saddles and crickets functioning. Remove debris, check sealants, and ensure shingles or membrane remain intact. Early Detection Of Issues Cuts Repair Costs And Extends Service Life.

• Inspect Flashing Seams And Sealant Annually
• Clear Leaves And Debris From Valleys Around The Diversion
• Repair Damaged Shingles Or Membrane Promptly

How To Decide For A Specific Project

Decision factors should include penetration size, roof slope, regional climate, budget, and long-term goals. For small transitions, a saddle may suffice; for chimneys or heavy-rain regions, a cricket is usually the prudent choice. Consultation With A Licensed Roofer Ensures Compliance With Local Codes And Best Practices.

Summary Of Key Takeaways

Crickets Offer Robust, Long-Term Protection For Large Penetrations, While Saddles Provide Economical Solutions For Minor Drainage Issues. Proper materials, skilled installation, and routine maintenance are essential regardless of the chosen method to prevent leaks and extend roof life. Decisions should balance upfront cost with longevity and risk reduction.

For professional guidance, contact a licensed roofing contractor to assess roof geometry, local climate conditions, and building code requirements before choosing between a roof saddle and a cricket.