Installing A Roof Cricket
Installing A Roof Cricket
Proper flashing around a chimney includes three layers.
- Rubberized underlayment
- Step Flashing
- Lead Counter Flashing
Rubberized membrane that runs on the roof and up the sidewall of the chimney. Sep flashing is an L-shaped sheet metal are woven into the shingle courses and lapped up the side of the chimney. Lead counter flashing is embedded in the chimney mortar joints, and folded down to cover the top of the step flashing.
First Repair Any Rot
On this project, the roofing was stripped back, and rotted wood and wet insulation was replaced. New roof sheathing, and ice and water shield is then installed and wrapped up the chimney. The roof shingles and step flashing are then replaced. The lead “counter-flashing” on the chimney will be installed next.
This cricket’s components are four pieces made from 2×4 and 3/4″ plywood.
The horizontal ridge board is installed level and matches the roof angle on one end and sits on a vertical support at the chimney. Both pieces are screwed tot he roof.
3/4″ plywood that extends to the edge of the chimney is installed secured to the horizontal 2×4 ridge and along the roofs edge with screws.
Cricket frame installed.
Side view showing how water used to run down this roof and hit the chimney, pooling, and eventually making its way into the house.
Ice and water shield, a Grace product, is installed over the cricket and up the chimney face.
Step flashing and roofing is applied next. When we come back we will grinding out the old lead counter “cap” flashing and install all new lead flashing.
~ concord carpenter
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