Which type of rafter runs parallel to the ridge board?

The type of rafter that runs parallel to the ridge board is indeed the ridge rafter. A ridge rafter serves as the highest point of a roof framework and provides support for the rafters that slope downward toward the eaves. By running parallel to the ridge board, it helps to create a stable structure at the peak of the roof.

Understanding the role of a ridge rafter is important in roofing construction, as it directly impacts the load distribution of the roof system. It is designed to bear the weight of the rafters and any additional loads that the roof may support, such as snow or construction materials.

The other terms listed pertain to different aspects of roofing and do not involve the concept of a rafter running parallel to the ridge. Ridge shingles refer to the roofing material placed at the peak of a roof for waterproofing, ribbon coursing is a technique used in building walls rather than roofing, and a ridge vent is a system for ventilating the attic space, typically installed along the ridge line but is not a structural component like a rafter. Understanding these distinctions helps in mastering roofing concepts.