What common issue can arise from improperly installed chimney crickets?

Chimney crickets are designed to divert water away from the chimney and prevent it from pooling around the base. When they are improperly installed, their effectiveness in directing water can be compromised, leading to several potential issues, particularly water infiltration.

If the cricket is not angled correctly or is insufficiently sized, it cannot adequately redirect rainwater away from the chimney. This can result in water pooling around the chimney's base, which can seep into the roof structure and compromise the integrity of the roofing materials. Over time, this can lead to significant water damage within the roofing system and potentially cause issues within the home itself, such as dampness or rot in the framing.

While wind damage, mold growth, and thermal inefficiency are indeed concerns for roofing systems, they are not the primary issues directly attributed to improperly installed chimney crickets. Wind damage typically involves structural problems due to high winds rather than water management. Mold growth can be a result of water intrusion, but it is a secondary effect that arises from water infiltration, which is the core issue. Thermal inefficiency relates more to insulation and ventilation rather than the specific function of chimney crickets.