What is a Chimney Saddle? | TSE Glossary

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A chimney saddle is another name for a cricket: the small framed structure built on the upslope side of a chimney to divert water and debris around the masonry. The IRC mandates a saddle on any chimney 30 inches or wider as measured perpendicular to the slope. Some regions and roofers use the terms saddle and cricket interchangeably, while others reserve saddle for taller, more elaborate diverters.

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 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.

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

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

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Texas Service Experts is part of a network of CSIA-certified chimney specialists. Depending on your specific need:

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