What rafter means
A rafter is one of the sloped framing members that run from the wall plate up to the ridge and carry the roof deck.
Where it matters on a roofing job
On older houses with stick framing you will see sagging or cracked rafters from the attic. Sistering a rafter is carpentry, not roofing, so if your crew does it, price it separately and say so before the tear-off.
What the model code says
- Rafter ends need at least 1 1/2 inches of bearing on wood or metal and 3 inches on masonry or concrete. (IRC 2021, Chapter 8)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for rafter before you quote.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Framing calculator
- Licensing: Roofing license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free roofing resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 8, Roof-Ceiling Construction (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.