What is the most effective method to prevent ice buildup on the high side of a chimney?

• A. Flashing
• B. Cricket
• C. Ridge vent
• D. Saddle (cricket)

Answer: (D)

Water needs a clear drainage path around a chimney on a sloped roof to prevent ice dams. The saddle, also called a cricket, is a small peaked extension placed on the high side of the chimney. It creates a runoff channel that directs meltwater and rain away from the chimney rather than letting it pool at the edge, which would freeze and form ice on the high side. By giving water a designated path around the chimney, it dramatically reduces the chance of ice buildup right where it’s most likely to cause problems.

Flashing is essential for keeping leaks at the roof-chimney joint, but it doesn’t create the runoff route that stops ice dams. A ridge vent handles attic ventilation along the roof peak and doesn’t address water drainage around the chimney. So the saddle/cricket directly targets the drainage problem that leads to ice buildup on the high side, making it the most effective choice for this purpose.