What is a Chimney Cricket and Why is it Important?

Chimney cricket is a small, sloped structure that is attached to the roof behind chimneys, and they are meant to help deflect water off the base of the chimney. This uncomplicated but vital feature is often ignored and yet it facilitates in controlling the water from dripping around the chimney which may cause leakages, moisture problems and expensive restoration. In this article, we will explain the importance of chimney crickets in ensuring the health of the entire structure of your house, and why exactly you should seek the services of chimney experts for efficient installation and maintenance.

What exactly is Chimney Cricket?

A chimney cricket is a triangular, wedge-shaped structure installed at the rear side of a chimney where it connects with the roof. The primary purpose of a chimney cricket is to shed rain and refuse away from the base of the chimney to avoid water stagnation and seepage into the walls. Usually composed of metals of shingles, the cricket has a tilted surface that encourages water to drain off the top of the roof to reduce the chances of leaks. This may appear to be an unnecessary feature since it is built behind the chimney and its purpose may not be visible, but a chimney cricket is indeed fundamental in the chimney and the roof in preventing water damage over time, especially when it is rainy or snowing heavily.

Why is Chimney Cricket Important?

A chimney cricket takes water away from the base of the chimney to avoid water pooling that could damage the roof or even the structure of the chimney itself. Left to stand still, water accumulation would lead to extreme consequences, such as the development of Molds, decaying timber, and weakening of the chimney making the repairs to the chimney very costly.

Increases the Lifespan of the Roof

The chimney’s components will erode less wear and tear in the shingle or roofing sections next to the chimney if it has a crank that includes drainage. This helps the roof last longer, preventing leaks and other types of damage including cracks and excessive moisture intrusion that are brought on by continuous water in the exposed chimney parts.

Prevents Damage from Moisture Over Time

There are adverse effects associated with water standing around the chimney, for instance, the chimney and the roof may lose their strength over some time. A chimney cricket solves this problem by providing drainage and therefore ensures the chimney remains strong and intact with little or no risk of failure or destruction.

Keeps the Insides Dry from Water Intrusion

In the absence of a chimney cricket system, there is a possibility of leakage inside the house due to the spaces present between the roof and the chimney. A cricket suppresses the scalability of water into the building protecting the insulation walls and ceiling from any given moisture-related concerns.

Contributes to Lowering the Costs of Maintenance

A chimney cricket installed in the right way minimizes cases of damages that would cause constant repair as they help in managing water leakage and any other structural problems. This helps to decrease the periodic care costs because the owner of the house does not have to repair pipes for leaking water, restore broken roofing tiles or deal with the crumbling chimney.

If there are no crickets in your chimney, it's also a major "minus," which means you will lose money

Let’s explore that HOW

Functional drainage system

In the absence of a chimney cricket, rain and dirt collect around the heat producing source leading to water stagnation. Eventually, this could promote leakages, weaken structures, and provide wear and tear for roofing. The function of a chimney implantation is to prevent water from ponding at the chimney base and causing any damage to the chicken and roof.

They Avoid the Infiltration of Water into The Roof

Without a cricket in place, the roof of a chimney is inclined to develop leaks when it rains or snows heavily. Some water may get in through small gaps that are found between the chimney and the roof damaging your house’s decor. Placing a chimney cricket helps to mitigate water penetration making it possible to retain the ceilings and walls of the house.

Added Lifespan of the Roof

Exposure of the chimney to stagnant water always and at any time will always cause faster degradation in the roofing materials. In the absence of a chimney cricket, for instance, you will have a problem with your shingles getting damaged earlier than usual i.e. exposed crack or soft rot around the chimney base. By installing one, you will also increase your roof’s usable life by preventing water from ponding at the base of your chimney.

Enhanced Home Safety

Water will always find its way across your roofing system and down into the chimney, and such activity can be dangerous to the roof’s structure and the chimney, too. A few years down the line, this will lead to damages that will need repairs and sometimes may even lead to the falling down of the structure. Such issues are not for a cricket installation, which is built in such a way that it helps maintain the chimney and roofing materials in a strong and healthy state for quite some time.

Need For Availing Compliance with The Building Code

Certain local building laws stipulate that the maximum width of any chimney should have a cricket. If your block does not allow for a chimney cricket installation, you are most likely in violation which can cause embarrassment when your house is being inspected or sold. With the fitting of a chimney cricket, the chances of contravening the law are eliminated in regard to constructing the house.

Final Words

The importance of a chimney cricket installation cannot be undermined if one wants to prevent water damage to him/herself or the building, enhance or prolong the service of the roof and the health of the residents provided by the roof. This is an important aspect that should not be underestimated.