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Got chimney. Where's your saddle?

By Erby Crofutt

Home Inspector with B4 U Close Home Inspections&Radon Testing (www.b4uclose.com)

January 11, 2012 11:53 PM

Got chimney. Where's your saddle?

You wonder about chimney guys and roofers? Whose responsible for ensuring there's a saddle (aka cricket) behind wide chimnmeys to force the water running down the roof to go around the chimney instead of overrunning the chimney flashing and leaking into the house.

Erby The Lexington Kentucky Home Inspector Chimney saddle or chimney cricket

I can kind of understand it on old houses where they may not have "done it that way".

But the new technology and ideas for preventing roof leaks call for saddles behind wide chimneys.

Here's an example:

Erby The Lexington Kentucky Home Inspector Chimney saddle or chimney cricket

Does your wide chimney have a chimney saddle (aka chimney cricket) behind it?

If it doesn't, you might want to think about getting a roofer to install one to prevent future water damage.

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James Quarello

JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT

Connecticut Home Inspector

Erby, Around here they are required for chimneys over 30" wide. I have a really wide chimney the other day without a cricket. The flashing and shingles all around were new, but no saddle. Do you think it's going to leak again?

Jan 11, 2012 11:57 PM

Erby Crofutt

B4 U Close Home Inspections&Radon Testing (www.b4uclose.com) - Lexington, KY

The Central Kentucky Home Inspector, Lexington KY

Most likely, don't you. It's possible it won't, but best practice is a cricket.

Jan 12, 2012 12:29 AM

Dan Edward Phillips

Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA

Realtor and Broker/Owner

Good Morning Erby, in this coastal area of Northern California a 'chimney cricket' is an absolute necessity! The cost is small in comprassion to the possible damage.

Jan 12, 2012 01:11 AM

It's a necessity whereever you have a bit of rain. That doesn't mean it's always there though, does it.

Jan 12, 2012 02:34 AM

Jack Gilleland

Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

I don't understand the reluctance of a builder of new homes to not put crickets on the chimney. They cost little to nothing and can save the roof (ceiling and a few other things), not to mention the reputation.

Jan 12, 2012 11:35 AM

A few 2x4's, a litle roofing paper and a few shingles. That's all it is.

Without it, there's water damaged wood, drywall, & MOLD.

Then you get a real pain in the ass to deal with.

Though some of it is likely a lack of knowledge issue too!

Jan 13, 2012 10:08 PM

Hank Spinnler

Harmony Home Inspection Services of GA - Hoschton, GA

Atlanta Home Inspector

Had a builder on a new construction inspection back in the early days of my career who "forgot" to frame one in. The chimney chase was 5' wide. I felt like a made a good catch at the time.

Jan 17, 2012 12:45 PM

Vince Chinell

VICO Home Inspection - Branson, MO

CPI

Erby, Seems like such a simple thing but it gets missed on a lot of homes. We too use the minimum 30" rule. Still doesn't make it right an even a smaller chimney. I've seen those leak too.

Jan 26, 2012 04:41 AM

C'mon Hank. Forgot! or just didn't do it.

You're right Vince. Don't make it right.

Feb 04, 2012 12:32 PM

Got chimney. Where's your saddle?

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