There are time when we receive calls at Allen and Deans about leaking chimneys. In most instances the metal flashing has rusted or corroded allowing water to enter. However, there are times when the chimney is positioned at the eave (bottom of the roof) and there is no cricket. Rain water flowing down the roof hits the back of the chimney. Over a long period of time, water will begin to infiltrate or penetrate in or around the metal flashing, which is the last line of defense for the chimney. This is usually the case in older homes here in Raleigh.
Here is a photo of a brick chimney we worked on recently. Note how wide the chimney is. It almost serves as a dam for water as the water runs directly into the back wall.
Add some pine straw or leaves behind the chimney and you can easily see how water and moisture can stay behind the chimney and not flow away to the sides and off the roof.
A cricket is nothing more than a wooden structure consisting of 2"x4" lumber for the base structure and 7/16" OSB for the angled platform.
The last photo is the cricket completed with "ice and water shield", new metal step and counter flashing and new, 3-tab, self-sealing shingles.
Now when it rains, the water is safely directed to either the right side or the left of the chimney falling harmlessly into the gutters below.
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