In which direction do hip jack rafters run?

Hip jack rafters are designed to connect the ridge of the roof to the hip of the structure. They run at an angle to the common rafters, creating the necessary slope for a hip roof. However, they are not merely angled like other rafters; they run parallel to the common rafters, albeit at an incline that corresponds to the roof pitch. This parallel configuration allows hip jack rafters to work effectively with both the common rafters and other structural components of the roof, ensuring proper weight distribution and structural integrity.

In contrast, hip jack rafters do not run perpendicular to the common rafters or vertically from the ridge to the eaves, illustrating why the other options do not accurately describe their orientation. Understanding the positioning and function of hip jack rafters is essential for proper roof framing and design.