Which type of rafter supports the weight of a sloping roof?

The common rafter is specifically designed to support the weight of a sloping roof and is a fundamental component in roof framing. These rafters run from the ridge board at the peak of the roof down to the plate at the wall, forming the framework upon which the roof covering is placed. Their role is crucial as they bear the load generated by the roofing material as well as any additional weight such as snow or water accumulation.

While vertical rafters, jack rafters, and diagonal rafters fulfill various structural roles, they do not carry the weight of the entire sloping roof like common rafters do. Vertical rafters, for instance, are not typically a standard framing element in sloped roofs. Jack rafters are used primarily to fill spaces between common rafters, often in areas where the roof has varying pitches or overhangs. Diagonal rafters, if present, assist in specific applications but do not serve the same primary purpose as common rafters in supporting slope loads. Hence, understanding the functions of these different types of rafters clarifies why the common rafter stands out as the correct answer for supporting the weight of a sloping roof.