Yes. The Florida Building Code (FBC) requires a cricket or saddle on the ridge side of certain roof penetrations that exceed 30 inches in width. Under the 2023 Florida Building Code, Building, Section 1503.6, a cricket or saddle is required behind a chimney or penetration that is more than 30 inches (762 mm) wide, measured perpendicular to the roof slope.
For commercial property owners, facility managers, and contractors in Florida, understanding this requirement is important because properly designed crickets help prevent water from accumulating behind wide rooftop penetrations and reduce the risk of leaks and premature roof deterioration.
What Is a Roof Cricket?
A roof cricket is a small, raised structure installed on the uphill or ridge side of a rooftop penetration. It changes the roof geometry so that rainwater is directed around the penetration instead of collecting behind it.
Crickets are commonly used behind wide chimneys, curbs, skylights, and other substantial roof penetrations where water drainage could otherwise become a problem. On low-slope commercial roofs, proper drainage is particularly important because standing water can contribute to membrane deterioration, flashing problems, and leaks.
What Does the Florida Building Code Require?
Section 1503.6 of the 2023 Florida Building Code, Building, Eighth Edition states that a cricket or saddle must be installed on the ridge side of a chimney or penetration greater than 30 inches wide, with the measurement taken perpendicular to the roof slope. The code also requires the cricket or saddle covering to be sheet metal or the same material as the roof covering.
This means the 30-inch threshold is important. A penetration that is 30 inches wide does not exceed the stated threshold, while one measuring more than 30 inches falls within the cricket requirement.
The residential provisions contain a similar requirement. Section R903.2.2 requires a cricket or saddle on the ridge side of a chimney or penetration more than 30 inches wide, measured perpendicular to the slope.
Does This Apply to Commercial Roof Curbs?
For commercial buildings, it is important to distinguish between a general rooftop curb and the specific “chimney or penetration” language in the code. The requirement should be evaluated based on the particular rooftop assembly, penetration, roof slope, flashing design, and applicable code provisions.
A wide HVAC curb, for example, can create a significant drainage obstruction. Even when a project involves existing conditions, reroofing, or a particular membrane system, the contractor should determine whether a cricket or saddle is required and how it must be integrated with the roofing system.
Florida’s climate makes this especially important. Heavy rainfall can quickly expose poor drainage conditions, while inadequate flashing or ponding water around rooftop penetrations can increase the likelihood of roof leaks.
Why Are Crickets Important?
The primary purpose of a cricket is water management. Instead of allowing water to accumulate against the uphill side of a wide penetration, the cricket divides and redirects the water toward drainage paths.
A properly constructed cricket can help:
- Reduce water accumulation behind rooftop penetrations
- Improve drainage around wide curbs and penetrations
- Protect roof flashing and membrane transitions
- Reduce the potential for leaks
- Support longer roof-system service life
However, installing a cricket alone does not guarantee a watertight roof. The cricket, flashing, membrane, fasteners, and transitions must all be installed correctly and according to the applicable roofing system requirements.
What Should Florida Building Owners Do?
If a commercial roof has wide HVAC curbs, skylights, chimneys, or other rooftop penetrations, have the existing conditions evaluated by a qualified roofing professional. The evaluation should consider the 30-inch FBC threshold, roof slope, drainage, flashing details, membrane manufacturer requirements, and any applicable local amendments.
The Florida Building Commission identifies the 2023 Florida Building Code, Eighth Edition as the applicable code edition effective December 31, 2023, while Florida’s code-development process is currently progressing toward the 2026 update.
Bottom Line
Yes—the Florida Building Code mandates a cricket or saddle behind a chimney or roof penetration greater than 30 inches wide, measured perpendicular to the roof slope. For commercial roofing projects, however, the exact application to a curb or penetration should be verified against the current FBC, applicable local requirements, and the roofing system manufacturer’s specifications. Proper cricket design and installation are essential for directing Florida’s heavy rainfall away from vulnerable roof penetrations and helping prevent costly leaks.
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