A saddle roof is a small, peaked roof structure built to divert water around an obstruction on a larger roof surface, functioning essentially identically to what’s more commonly called a cricket, particularly when positioned behind a chimney or similar wide feature.
This terminology overlap reflects regional and professional variation, with saddle roof and cricket describing the same fundamental structural concept in most practical applications.
The small saddle shape, sloping away in two directions from a central peak, efficiently splits water flow around the obstruction it protects, directing it toward the main roof surface on either side.
What Does a Saddle Roof Involve?
- A small peaked structure diverting water in two directions
- Framing built up from the main roof deck
- Flashing integrating it with the surrounding roof surface
- Sizing appropriate to the obstruction it’s protecting
Why Are Saddle Roofs Important?
By splitting water flow in two directions around an obstruction, a properly built saddle roof prevents the accumulation and pooling that would otherwise occur on the upslope side of a wide chimney or similar feature, addressing the same water management concern a cricket resolves. This structure’s small size belies its importance, given how much moisture exposure it prevents at a location otherwise prone to standing water and debris accumulation.
Whether a specific contractor uses the term saddle roof or cricket, confirming that a wide chimney or obstruction on an existing roof actually has this diverting feature is a worthwhile check during any roof inspection, particularly if that area has shown any history of leaks or water staining. This simple check can catch a problem before it develops into a more serious and costly repair.
Saddle Roof vs. Cricket
These terms describe the same fundamental structure and function in most contexts, both referring to a small peaked diverter built to route water around a chimney or similar wide obstruction on a sloped roof.