What is the name of the rafter that provides support between other rafters?

The rafter that provides support between other rafters is known as the valley rafter. Valley rafters are crucial in roof framing because they form the intersections where two sloping roof planes meet, allowing for a strong structural support system. They help distribute the weight of the roof and ensure that the loads are handled effectively, particularly in areas of the roof that experience more stress due to the slopes converging.

In contrast, common rafters are installed from the ridge to the eaves and are used to create the primary pitch of the roof. Gable rafters are the outermost rafters that define the gable end of the roof. Hip rafters are found at the corners of a hip roof and run diagonally from the eave to the ridge. Each of these types of rafters plays a unique role in roof structure, but it is the valley rafter that specifically serves to support the structure where two roof slopes intersect.