Rafter

From Roofing, Solar Power, and Spray Foam Insulation Wiki

Rafter

(1) The supporting framing member immediately beneath the deck, sloping from the ridge to the wall plate.

(2) A sloping roof member that supports the roof covering which extends from the ridge or the hip of the roof to the eaves. A common rafter is one which runs square with the plate and extends to the ridge. A hip rafter extends from the outside angle of the plate towards the apex of the roof. They are 2" deeper or wider than common rafters. A valley rafter extends from an inside angle of the plates toward the ridge of the house.