What kind of members are used for valley rafters?

Valley rafters, which are designed to support the intersection of two roof planes, typically require additional strength and stability. Using double 2-inch thick members provides the necessary structural integrity to handle the forces and loads that occur at these junctions, including weight from the roof materials and potential snow load. This configuration also helps distribute those loads more evenly across the rafters, thereby reducing the risk of sagging or failure over time.

While single members might be sufficient in some less demanding applications, they do not offer the same level of support as double members in a valley context. Steel members are less common for residential applications due to their weight and specialized installation requirements. Additionally, although wood members are indeed used in roofing, the specific requirement for valley rafters emphasizes double thickness to ensure safety and durability.