Commercial, Mixed-Use and Strata Roof Maintenance in Vancouver, B.C.

Roof Cricket: What is It? 5 Reasons Why You Need It?

Roof Cricket: What is It? 5 Reasons Why You Need It?

A roofing system is made up of several parts intricately put together to build a functioning roof. Roof crickets are also a tiny part of this whole system that helps in making the roof durable.

A roof cricket is used to keep the roof dry and moisture free by diverting the snow and water away from the main area of the roof.

In this article, we will learn about roof crickets in detail. What their purpose is and how to figure out if your roof needs crickets or not. In addition to that, we will understand the factors to be considered to pick a perfect cricket for your roof.

What Is A Roof Cricket?

A roof cricket, also known as a saddle, is a small triangular or saddle-shaped structure built on a house’s roof. It is typically located on the leeward side of a roof. As it is often used in conjunction with other parts of the roofing system. Such as the gutter, to help prevent water ponding on the roof.

Roof crickets are usually located at the high points of a roof where two slopes meet. They are designed to shed water and snow away from the house and to prevent damage caused by it.

What Is The Purpose Of A Cricket?

Water and snow tend to accumulate on the roof. This not only adds weight to the roof but also damages it.

The purpose of a cricket is to shed this collected water and snow off the roof. The slope and the angle at which a cricket is installed are perfect to redirect the water and melted snow into the drains and gutters.

By doing this the crickets can effectively protect a roof’s integrity and help extend the roof’s lifespan.

However, these crickets require some maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly, such as cleaning out the gutters and downspouts and inspecting the cricket for wear and tear.

What Material Is A Roof Cricket Made Up Of?

Two materials prominently used in the manufacturing of crickets are wood and metal. Both of these materials have their own set of benefits to offer.

Wooden crickets are made of treated lumber or other weather-resistant wood. They may be aesthetically pleasing but are prone to rot and need more maintenance over time.

While metal roof crickets are typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum. They are more durable and require less care than wooden crickets, but they might not be visually appealing.

The climate, the design and structure of the house, the budget, the need for maintenance, the intricacy of the installation process, etc. may influence your choice of crickets. As it is important to choose a roof cricket that is designed to withstand your local weather conditions.

Is Using A Roof Cricket Necessary?

Not all roofing systems need roof crickets. Some roofing systems can function effectively without the aid of roofing crickets.

However, if you face heavy rains, storms, extensive snowfall or frequent snow storms, you must get roof crickets installed.

When the above-mentioned weather condition occurs, a large amount of water and snow gets dumped on your roof continuously. As the weather turns back to normal this water and snow start to make their way off your roof.

Depending upon the slope of your roof and the type of roofing system you have, the time required for this water and snow to leave your roof may vary. Generally, roofs with a higher degree of slope will lose the accumulated water or snow more quicker.

Nevertheless, there are areas on the roof where the water may pond or the snow may get stuck. If this gathered water or snow is not attended to fast enough, it starts to seep into the internal layers of the roof.

A cricket will speed up the draining process by guiding the water and snow toward the gutters, drains or other outlets eliminating the issue of water damage, leaks, a moist attic, etc. This is why it is necessary to install roof crickets.

What Do You Need To Know Before Using A Roof Cricket?

Before using a roof cricket, there are several things you should consider:

Local Building Regulations

It is important to check with your local building department to determine whether a roof cricket is allowed in your area and to ensure that you follow all relevant building codes.

The Climate Of Your Region

The climate in your area can affect the type of roof cricket you choose. For example, in areas with heavy snowfall, you may need a larger or more durable cricket to divert the snow away from the house effectively.

The Pitch Of Your Roof

Roof crickets are typically used on roofs with a high pitch, as they can help to divert water and snow away from the house. If your roof has a low pitch, a cricket may not be necessary or may not be effective at preventing water damage.

The Material Of Your Roof

The material of your roof can affect the type of roof cricket you choose. For example, a metal roof cricket may be more suitable for a metal roof, while a wooden roof cricket may be more appropriate for a shingle roof.

The Size Of Your Roof

The size of your roof will determine the size of the roof crickets you need. It is important to choose a roof cricket that is large enough to effectively divert water and snow away from the house but not too large or too small.

Cost Of A Roof Cricket?

On average, a roof cricket costs anywhere from $200 to $1,000. This includes the cost of the cricket, the installation fees and the materials/ equipment needed to install the roof cricket.

The Cost of a cricket may vary based on numerous aspects, such as the material used, the size of the roof cricket, and the intricacy of the installation.

Wooden roof crickets may be less expensive than metal ones but require more maintenance. Metal crickets are generally more durable and require less maintenance, but they are expensive compared to wooden once.

The size of the cricket can also affect the cost, as larger crickets may be costlier than smaller ones. Additionally, the complexity of the installation can impact the cost, as complex installations may require more labor and materials.

It’s best to always consult a professional roofing contractor before installing crickets.

Conclusion

We hope this article has offered you basic knowledge about roof crickets and the need to install them. If you have any more questions regarding any aspect of roofing reach out to us through the comment section.

Also, if you need a professional roofing team to team to take a look at your roof crickets contact us TODAY!

Leak-Stop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).

We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!

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