The rafter system is a pitched roof system consisting of rafters. It can also be said that the rafter system is the skeleton of the pitched roof, its base (skeleton).

Rafters perform a bearing function in the roof system. Weight from the roof through the rafter system is transferred to the bearing walls of the building.

Depending on the type and type of the roof structure, rafters, plates, horizontal bolsters (crossbars), girders, scaffolds and racks on them, as well as struts and other elements, may be part of the rafter system.