Roofs collapsing due to heavy snow masses have become a problem in several places in northern Sweden. In February, the roofs of both a padel hall in Östersund and a fire station in Umeå burst after the masses of snow became too heavy.
– I think it’s a type of problem we shouldn’t have in modern times, says Tomas Carlsson, an expert on construction regulations at the Housing Authority.
In March 2020, the roof collapsed on a sports hall in Kiruna. The people who were in the building managed to get out and escaped without any injuries.
After the incident, the National Accident Commission carried out an extensive review which resulted in a government investigation into how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.
– Normally you should not have to shovel your roofs. If you follow our rules, the construction should last, says Tomas Carlsson, expert on construction rules at the Swedish Housing Agency.
Risk that insurance does not apply
Despite the Swedish Housing Authority’s construction regulations, several buildings have had problems with heavy masses of snow on the roof. At an ice rink in Skellefteå, they have worked intensively with roof shoveling since the roof structure’s maximum load was approached.
According to experts, it is important that property owners take responsibility and take the necessary measures to minimize the risk of race. If you do not have enough supervision, there is a risk that the insurance will not cover in the event of an accident.
– We look at the action because you have to eliminate excessive roof loads when they occur, says Christoffer Jonsson, claims manager at Länsförsäkringar Västerbotten.
Law changes underway
The state investigation that was appointed after the accident in Kiruna may lead to changes in the law to strengthen the safety of roof constructions. The investigation is expected to be completed in the near future.
In response to the Accident Commission’s report, the Housing Authority has pointed out systematic deficiencies in the regulations for the construction process, which increase the risk of building collapse and serious personal injury. According to the Housing Authority, it is therefore of the utmost importance that the planning and construction of new buildings be improved.
– We can definitely increase security in buildings. We can work much like in the car industry, where you place the end customer very highly and prioritize safety issues, says Tomas Carlsson at Boverket.
The government has tasked the Housing Agency with delving into the questions that arose after the Kiruna accident. The results of this investigation, together with the proposals for legislative changes that are now out for consultation, constitute a step towards a safer future for everyone who lives in or near buildings in Sweden.