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Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you’re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.

Yes, thatched roofs are legal in most areas in the U.S., but you should always check your local building codes to ensure there are no restrictions in your particular area before installing one. Even where they are legal, you’ll usually need to apply fireproofing to the roof to keep it up to code. Keep in mind that a new roof might not increase home value as much if you choose a thatched roof, as they aren’t common in the U.S. and might not be as desirable to many home buyers.

The green coloration that develops on copper roofs is called a “patina,” and it’s a result of mild oxidation on the surface. The oxidation process is not harmful to your roof. In fact, the surface corrosion acts as a protective layer and won’t spread to the core of your copper roof materials. The discoloration will progress much more quickly in damp or humid climates than it will in dry climates. If you don’t like the green color, you can seal your roof to preserve the shiny, rose-gold look.

A gambrel roof and a mansard roof are similar in that they are both hipped roofs, meaning they have double slopes—one steep and one more gradual above the steep slope. The difference is that a gambrel roof has a double slope on only two sides of the structure, whereas a mansard roof has a double slope on all four sides.