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The principal, common, and auxiliary rafters are the most frequently used types of rafters. Principal rafters are large and typically appear toward the edges of the roof. Common rafters are smaller than principal rafters. Some people may use a mix of common and principal rafters. The auxiliary rafter is not common, but it provides extra reinforcement for a principal rafter on a large building.

You can secure roof decorations like inflatables and other Christmas decor by tying a rope or attacking bungee cords to your roof clips. Depending on the pitch of your roof, you can use sandbags for extra support. Like with Christmas lights, avoid using staples or duct tape. 

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.

Yes, your roof will leak if you have missing or damaged shingles. Severely damaged or missing shingles are essentially holes in your roof, leading to water seeping into your attic and ceilings. The underlayment underneath your roofing is a secondary form of protection, so you should fix shingle damage and replace missing ones as quickly as possible.