Did you recently come across the word roof cricket? It may come up when you call a roof inspector to check for leaks, and they reveal that you need a new chimney cricket. A roof cricket is a tiny peak that redirects water away from the leak-prone areas of your roof, such as chimneys and dead valleys.
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If you want to learn what a roof cricket is and whether you need one, this blog will be a helpful resource for you. At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we help homeowners learn more about the roofing industry, so they can make more informed decisions about their homes.
You'll get the following information from this blog:
Let's start by understanding the basics of roof crickets.
A roof cricket is a small but highly useful part of a roof that is designed to protect your home from water damage. A cricket is a small peaked structure that is built on the leeward or backside side of a roof accessory, like a chimney, skylight, or vent.
But what happens if you don't have it? Isn't the metal flashing on your roof enough? Let's find out the answers to these questions and take a closer look at the functions and importance of roof cricket.
When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, every detail counts - and that includes the often-overlooked roof cricket. While metal flashing is an important part of a roofing system, it's not a substitute for a cricket structure.
Roof crickets became a necessity when the IBC (International Building Code) stated that a chimney cricket is mandatory when the length of the chimney is over 30 inches. However, if you have an older roof, you may not know about it, and thus, it might be the right time to get a proper chimney cricket. But why is this cricket structure more critical for a chimney than any other roofing component? Here's what you need to know:
Chimney crickets play a crucial role in protecting the back of a chimney and creating a harmonious look around it. That's because chimneys have an entirely different vertical profile and composition. They are also the longest part of your house and go all the way from the ground floor up to the roof and above. This is why it becomes more critical to cover it at a perfect angle using a cricket structure.
Other than a chimney cricket, there are many other types of crickets you can find at several other locations along a roof:
There are multiple designs and materials to build roof crickets, and your choice depends entirely on your taste and budget. Here are some of the most appealing and effective designs for pitched roofs.
Roof crickets are sloped in the same direction as the main roof so that water is channeled in the right direction. The choice of design depends on the location in which the cricket will be built.
This is the most traditional and recognizable design, featuring a peaked shape that slopes in the opposite direction as the main roof. It is often used on chimneys and skylights and effectively diverts water away from projections.
This design features a peaked shape that is wider than it is tall. It's often used on protuberances that are wider than they are tall, such as dormers and bay windows. This design effectively diverts water around the protrusion and also provides a more aesthetically appealing look.
This design is used when a roof feature is small and extends above the roofline, for example, a tubular skylight. A wall cricket resembles a low wall that's built around the feature and also provides structural support to it.
This design is done to meet the specific needs of the homeowner, and it can be customized to match the architectural style of your roof, house, or surrounding landscape. A reliable and experienced roofing contractor will take you through the best creative options for your home. They will also explain which material is suitable to build roof crickets based on your local weather conditions.
The material chosen plays a big role in maintaining aesthetic appeal and enhancing the durability of the roof cricket. So, let's learn what roof crickets are made of, so you can pick the best material.
A roof cricket is typically made of the same materials as the roof itself. However, if you have a specific theme and purpose in mind, you can customize or choose a different material for your roof crickets.
If you have an asphalt roof, then you can choose asphalt shingles to cover your roofing crickets. The structure will be made of mini, rafter-like beams, followed by an ice and water shield and shingle layer.
Metal crickets are a popular option for chimneys and skylights, and for good reason. Metals like galvanized steel, aluminum, and copper are highly durable and resistant to fire and insects. Additionally, metals can be painted to match the color of the main roof, making them visually appealing.
If you are looking for an invisible and seamless appearance, roof crickets can be covered by the same material as your roof regardless if the material is wood shakes, clay tiles, or slate slabs. However, skylight crickets are factory-made and are attached to its frame. So you need to ask your roofing contractor for a matching shade.
PVC or TPO roof crickets are a synthetic option. These are some lightweight but sturdy options that are flexible and easy to work with. They may be visible on the roof, but their watertight and insulative nature makes them a great choice.
It's always best to consult with a professional roofer to determine the best material for your roof cricket. A professional will be able to take into account the specific needs of your home, the climate, and your budget.
Want more information on pvc gutter accessories? Feel free to contact us.
Note: If you are wondering how to build a roof cricket yourself, it's essential to understand that building a cricket on a roof requires utmost precision and impeccable knowledge of roofing. In some states, it may be necessary to hire a licensed roofing contractor for the job. Here are some prerequisites for building a roof cricket.
When you look for a reliable roofing contractor, the first thing is to ensure they are from around the same area as you. Research online and read their reviews to shortlist the best ones in the area. After that, schedule a consultation and ask whether they provide a free quote for their services. During the consultation, you can also ask about their license, references, and experience in installing roof crickets.
Here's a list of roofing tools and safety gear that are required to build a cricket on a roof.
Roofing Gear:
Safety Gear:
It's important to note that this is just a general list and the specific gear required may vary depending on the roofing materials, roof cricket design, the roof structure, and local building codes.
In addition to the basic tools and requirements, some more specialized and expensive tools may be required for installing a roof cricket that may not be readily available to the average homeowner.
Here is a list of some of these tools:
Buying everything (roofing materials, safety gear, and tools) will increase the overall cost of your project, making it an expensive ordeal. Consider instead hiring a professional service that will be much more cost-effective.
So, how much does a roof cricket cost? Here's an overview of the average expense.
Typically, crickets are installed as part of a roof repair or a replacement project. During a roof repair project, installing a cricket can range from $700 to $1,000. If it's not a part of a repair project, building a new roof cricket may cost between $150 and $500. In the case of a roof replacement project, the overall cost is usually between $5,000 and $9,000.
The cost of a roof cricket can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size of the roof protuberance, the material used for the cricket, the complexity of the roof&#;s structure, and the local labor cost.
At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we provide free estimates and roof inspections to all homeowners in New Jersey. If you are looking for a fair and flawless roof repair and cricket installation service, we can help you.
At Epic Exteriors Roofing, we understand the importance of a secure and long-lasting roof. The weather in the South and Central Jersey area can go stormy, so we're here to make sure your home is protected at all times. As part of the New Jersey community, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality workmanship and customer service.
We believe that our clients deserve the best, and that's why we only use the finest materials and tools for every roofing project. Whether you need a roof cricket installation service or a complete roof replacement, we're here to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. Epic Exteriors Roofing has helped hundreds of homeowners improve their homes over the years, and we look forward to helping you too.
Call us at (609)-342- for a free consultation and discuss your requirements with one of our experts. Our honest and knowledgeable team can explain all about your roof components and make you feel confident about your decision to choose us.
Gutter covers seem like a simple idea. They&#;re covers or inserts that fit over or inside your gutters to keep everything but water out, thereby making it easier to keep your gutter clean and functional. Despite the simple nature of their design, shopping for a gutter cover can be overwhelming with the dozens of different options available to you. Below, you can learn more about how to choose the right gutter cover or leaf guards for your needs.
Know Your Gutter&#;s Style and Size
First things first, you will need to determine the size and style of your gutter system to purchase the right gutter covers. Your gutters are likely either half-round or K-style; you can tell the difference just by looking at them. A half-round gutter is a U-shaped curve, whereas a K-style gutter has noticeable corners. You should also consider your gutter&#;s size. Most gutters in the US are either 5&#; or 6&#;, though some go all the way up to 7&#; or 8&#;. Just measure across the opening of the gutter to determine this and narrow down the selection significantly.
Consider Covers vs. Inserts
The next thing to consider is the style of gutter cover that will best suit your needs. A gutter cover, as its name would imply, is a device that fits over the gutter to keep leaves and other debris out while still allowing water to flow in. Other types of gutter guards are more like foam inserts that sit inside your gutter and prevent debris from finding its way into the system. The former is easier for you to clean with time, but the latter is better for self-installation. Either option can be beneficial for homeowners.
Understand the Types of Debris in Your System
The last time you cleaned your gutters, what did you find? Different homeowners deal with different types of debris, which can range from fallen leaves to twigs, acorns, pine needles, and even animal nests. When it comes to choosing a gutter cover, it&#;s important that you choose one designed to filter out the debris for your specific home. Some of the gutter covers designed to keep out leaves are not very effective at keeping out pine needles, for example. With just a little bit of research, it&#;s easy to narrow down the choices.
Look at Your Budget
Gutter covers range in price from affordable for almost any budget to significantly costlier; this range all depends on the materials from which the gutter cover is made. Screens tend to be a little less expensive than specialty gutter covers, and covers made from PVC plastic tend to be more affordable than those made of metal, but they are not quite as long-lasting or durable.
Though choosing the right gutter cover is not a difficult task, many homeowners rely on the knowledge and expertise of their local gutter installers or contractors for help. They often have access to a wide selection of options, and they can go over these choices with you to help you choose the right one for your situation, location, and budget.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 5.2inch PVC Rain Gutter.