How it works

The saddle is framed from 2x lumber, sheathed with structural plywood, then covered with the same roofing material as the surrounding deck. Step flashing weaves into both sides, and counterflashing seals the top edge against the chimney brick. The peak runs perpendicular to the chimney face, splitting the runoff stream into two paths that flow around the chimney corners and back into the field of the roof.

A saddle’s height is dictated by chimney width and roof slope. Wider chimneys need taller saddles to clear the bulk of incoming water before it reaches the masonry. When saddles are undersized or omitted, runoff pools behind the chimney during heavy rain, soaking sheathing and forcing leaks through any flashing imperfection.

DFW context

DFW homes with wide masonry chimneys, common in 1990s and 2000s tract construction across Frisco, McKinney, and Allen, frequently lack code-compliant saddles because mid-build cost-cutting eliminated them. After hail damage triggers a roof replacement, this is the moment to add the saddle. TSE coordinates with roofing partners to ensure the new saddle is built to IRC dimensions and integrated with proper step and counterflashing.

Related terms

• [Cricket flashing](/glossary/cricket-flashing/)
• [Step flashing](/glossary/step-flashing/)
• [Counterflashing](/glossary/counterflashing/)
• [Crown](/glossary/crown/)

Sources

• IRC 2021, Section R1003.20
• NFPA 211 (2024), Section 10.4.4
• CSIA Reference Manual