What term describes joists mounted in an inclined position to support a roof?

The term that describes joists mounted in an inclined position to support a roof is "rafters." Rafters are structural components designed to support the roof's weight and transfer that load to the building's walls. They typically extend from the ridge or peak of the roof down to the eaves, forming the triangular framework characteristic of pitched roofs.

A pitched roof refers to the overall design or angle of the roof rather than the specific components like rafters. A party wall is a shared wall between two adjoining structures, which is unrelated to the support of a roof. A simple beam is a structural element that extends horizontally to support loads but does not typically refer to inclined supports used specifically for roofs. Therefore, rafters are the correct terminology for inclined joists used in roofing systems.