What are vertical members resting on the top plate, extending to the rafter at the ends of a gable roof called?

The vertical members that are positioned on the top plate and extend to the rafter at the ends of a gable roof are known as gable end studs. These members play a crucial structural role by providing support for the rafters and contributing to the overall stability of the roof. Their placement is specifically designed to handle the loads imposed by the roof and any additional forces, such as wind.

In contrast, top chords refer to the upper members of a truss, while bottom chords are the lower horizontal members that connect to the ends of the top chords. Braces are diagonal supports that help stabilize a structure against lateral forces but do not directly interact with the rafters like gable end studs do. Understanding the roles of each of these components is essential for recognizing how they contribute to the structural integrity of gable roofs.