4.1.5.1 Introduction

4.1.5.2 In Detail ...

  4.1.5.2.1 Flat Roofs

  4.1.5.2.2 Glass Roofs, Malls and Atria

4.1.5.3 Risks

4.1.5.4 Maintenance

4.1.5.1 Introduction

Mall roofs are usually quite boring and therefore flat.
Usually there is some machinery on the top. Flat roofs easily leak and need some maintenance they often do not receive.
Far more interesting are usually the glass roofs over malls and atria. They are expensive and require a lot of thought, design and careful construction to be safe and to look good. Fire safety and lighting conditions have to be carefully understood and integrated into the design. The glass roofs need regular maintenance and the lack of it is easily visible - in most cases.

And interestingly, a glass roof over a mall actually increase the need for artificial lighting - sounds like a real paradox.