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Rafters
A rafter is similar to a joist in function, but different in location.
A rafter is a piece of dimensional lumber that is set on edge,
just like a joist, but is used to support the roof deck and the roof itself.
Depending on things like the size of the roof and the pitch of the roof,
the size of the rafters can vary. In smaller sheds, rafters as small as 2x4's were seen. In New
England, it is more common to see beefier timbers as rafters, thanks to the fun of snow loads. A
rafter must be able to handle the very real possibility of four months of winter snow building up,
and then melting off eventually.
A usual spacing for rafters is 16" on center - i.e. if you measure from the center of the edge of one
rafter to another, it should be 16". This gives enough support to the plywood for a roof deck, but is
not so tight as to be a waste of material and money.
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