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What Is a Chimney Cricket or Saddle?

chimney damage repair in staatsburg nyHave you noticed that there is water or snow on your roof pooling around the chimney? This is a common problem for homes that have a chimney running through the slope of the roof. It can also be a problem for homes with a large chimney with a width over 30 inches. Whether the problem is caused by the chimney’s size or location, the water pooling around it can seriously damage the masonry or cause water damage to your home. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: a chimney cricket or saddle.

A chimney cricket or chimney saddle is a customized flashing solution specifically designed to prevent water, snow and debris from collecting around the base of the chimney. The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) describes it as a small peaked roof installed on one side of a chimney. It is made of water resistant metal such as galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum.

The angled sides of the chimney cricket direct rain, snow and debris down its surface. It is then able to run down the slope of the roof. If water is pooling around your chimney, it is a smart leak prevention tool to invest in.

Along with preventing water from pooling along the base of the chimney, it also prevents ice dams from forming on the roof. Ice dams stop snow and water from flowing down the roof. As more snow and water accumulate on the ice dam, it puts pressure on the roof. Between the weight of the accumulating ice and snow, it can weaken the roof and cause leaks when the water eventually melts.

Repairing water damage to your roof and other areas of your home can be expensive. Whether the water enters through the roof or runs down the chimney walls, it can destroy dry wall, ceilings, structural beams and flooring. Leaks can also produce an ideal environment for toxic mold to grow creating a health hazard as well.

newly installed chimney cricket in red hook nyInterior water damage isn’t the only risk. Water sits along the base of the chimney it can be absorbed by the masonry. Repairing water damage to the chimney’s masonry can be even more expensive. When water seeps into bricks and mortar, it begins to break them down. As the water freezes and thaws, it deteriorates the masonry eventually causes cracks and breaks. This can destroy the structural integrity of a chimney over time. The only solution, once significant damage has been done, is typically to rebuilt parts or all of the chimney.

If you see water or snow pooling on your roof, it is a good idea to talk to your local chimney experts about installing a chimney cricket. Experts, like our team at Hudson Valley Chimney Service, can make a customized chimney cricket to solve the problem and protect your home from water damage.

Investing in a chimney cricket and regularly waterproofing treatments, as needed, can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs. Your future self will thank you.

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