A cricket is a drainage system that is used to direct water away from the roof. It is typically used in situations where the roof is not going to be level, such as in a valley or on a hip roof.
The next step is to find the center of the cricket. This can be done by measuring the overall span of the cricket and dividing it by two. The height of the cricket should be a quarter of an inch per foot of slope. For an 8 foot span, the cricket would need to be at least two inches high. The video recommends making the cricket a little higher, at least eight inches for an 8 foot span. This will give a one inch per foot slope, which is better for drainage.
Once you have the center of the cricket and the height, you will need to mark a line on the wall framing stud. This line will be level and perpendicular to the roof sheathing. The cricket should line up with the breaking point where the roof sheathing connects to each other.
The next step is to create some guidelines for the bottom of the sheathing. This will help you to measure and cut the sheathing for the cricket. The first guideline should be parallel to the top of the roof sheathing and the bottom of the roof sheathing. The second guideline should be one-half inch lower than the first guideline. This is because the roof sheathing is one-half inch thick.
Once you have the guidelines, you can cut the ledger boards and rafters for the cricket. The ledger boards will be attached to the wall framing stud, and the rafters will be attached to the ledger boards. The rafters should be spaced whatever the span of the plywood is, typically 16 inches or 24 inches on center.
The next step is to cut the plywood for the cricket. The measurements for the plywood can be taken from the bottom of the plywood lines. For example, if the distance from the bottom of one line to the bottom of the other line is 16 inches, and the distance from the end of one line to the end of the other line is 95 inches, then the plywood would need to be 16 inches wide by 95 inches long.
Once the plywood is cut, it can be attached to the rafters. The cricket is now complete.
Here are some bonus tips that are mentioned in the video:
If the distance between the bottom of the two lines is less than 16 inches, you can simply nail a piece of plywood in between the rafters. This will help to support the plywood and prevent it from sagging.
You can leave some of the rafters out if the span of the plywood is less than 16 inches.
When cutting the plywood, be sure to make a 90-degree angle off of the plywood. This will ensure that the cricket is properly angled to drain water.
More information about - Building Drainage Section For Roof
A roof cricket, also known as a saddle, is a small, angled structure built on a roof to divert water flow away from areas where it might otherwise pool or cause damage. It's a crucial element in ensuring proper roof drainage, especially around chimneys, walls, or other obstructions that interrupt the natural flow of water. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of building a roof cricket and provide some bonus tips to make the process smoother.
Understanding the Importance of Roof Crickets
Without a roof cricket, water can accumulate behind chimneys, walls, or other obstructions, leading to leaks, rot, and structural damage. Crickets act as mini-dams, redirecting water towards the gutters or downspouts and preventing it from seeping into vulnerable areas.
Materials Needed:
Lumber (2x4s or 2x6s for framing, depending on the size of the cricket) Plywood or OSB sheathing Roofing felt or underlayment Flashing Nails or screws Saw Measuring tape Level Hammer or drill Step-by-Step Guide:
Plan and Measure: Determine the location and size of the cricket based on the obstruction and roof slope. Calculate the required height and slope of the cricket to ensure adequate water drainage.
Frame the Cricket: Cut the lumber to size and construct a triangular frame for the cricket. The frame should be securely attached to the roof deck and the obstruction it's diverting water from.
Sheathe the Cricket: Cover the frame with plywood or OSB sheathing, ensuring a tight fit and proper nailing or screwing.
Install Underlayment: Apply roofing felt or underlayment over the sheathing to provide an additional layer of protection against water infiltration.
Flashing: Install flashing around the base of the cricket and where it meets the obstruction to create a watertight seal. Use appropriate flashing materials and techniques based on the type of obstruction.
Shingle or Tile: Install shingles or tiles over the cricket, ensuring they overlap with the existing roof covering and are properly sealed.
Bonus Tips:
Slope: Ensure the cricket has a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot to facilitate proper drainage.
Flashing: Pay close attention to flashing details to prevent leaks. Use step flashing where the cricket meets a vertical wall and counter flashing to cover the top edge of the step flashing.
Underlayment: Choose a high-quality underlayment that is compatible with your roofing material.
Professional Help: If you're unsure about any aspect of the construction process, consult a qualified roofing professional.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect the cricket for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and make repairs as needed.
Conclusion:
Building a roof cricket is an essential step in protecting your home from water damage. By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing the bonus tips, you can construct a well-built and effective cricket that will ensure proper roof drainage for years to come. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in preserving the integrity of your roof and safeguarding your investment.
