Claim #168053AB
Supporting Documentation
Contractor records, rental occupancy history, heat maintenance proof, and supporting documentation demonstrating immediate response and eliminating exclusion arguments.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Professional Remediation Assessment
PuroClean of Auburn, ME conducted a professional inspection on February 25, 2026 and has classified this as CATEGORY 3 WATER DAMAGE — the most severe classification indicating contaminated water requiring specialized remediation.
$2,123.32
Remediation Estimate
Category 3
Water Classification
Mold Confirmed
Visible Growth Found
Roof Shovel Maine
Primary Mitigation Contractor
Key Documentation
- Engaged February 16, 2026 (same day as ice dam discovery)
- Written text message confirmation of ice dam presence
- Photographic documentation: 13+ photos and videos
- Physical evidence: removed ice blocks with shingle granules
- Professional assessment of ice dam exceeding 1 foot thick
- Ongoing ice dam removal and mitigation work
Courtney Clean (Cleaning Service)
Independent Third-Party Witness
Testimony & Remediation Documentation
- Feb 18, 2026: "This is also leaking, literally the whole water side of the house"
- $1,300 remediation bill for cleaning, dehumidifiers, and fans
- Purchased GE 50-Pint Dehumidifier - $315.45 (Home Depot receipt available)
- Placed dehumidifiers and fans throughout affected areas
- Multiple areas showing active water intrusion documented
- Photographed water staining on drywall/ceilings
- Non-interested party with no claim incentive
PuroClean of Auburn, ME
Licensed Remediation Contractor
Professional Assessment (Feb 25, 2026)
- CATEGORY 3 WATER DAMAGE - Most severe classification
- Visible mold growth confirmed in basement ceiling
- Basement storage: $460.72 remediation
- Bedroom main floor: $881.53 remediation
- HEPA vacuuming & anti-microbial treatment required
- Dehumidifiers & air movers deployed
- Total estimate: $2,123.32 (remediation only)
Rental Occupancy Records
Proving Continuous Heating - Eliminating Freeze Exclusion
Key Policy Argument
Insurance policies often contain exclusions for damage caused by "freezing" when the property is vacant and heat is not maintained. These rental records prove the property was continuously occupied and heated throughout the period in question, completely eliminating this exclusion argument.
| Rental Dates | Platform | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 7-8, 2026 | Airbnb | Occupied & Heated | Guests in residence |
| Feb 12-16, 2026 | VRBO | Occupied & Heated | Guests departed Feb 16 |
| Feb 16-20, 2026 | Airbnb | Occupied & Heated | Shelly Malhotra - $1,285.64 - witnessed roof snow removal Feb 19 |
| Feb 21-23, 2026 | VRBO | Occupied & Heated | Jason Pare - reported water in electrical outlets & bathroom fan Feb 22 |
Complete Evidence Inventory
Professional Remediation Reports (PuroClean)
- PuroClean inspection report - Feb 25, 2026
- CATEGORY 3 WATER DAMAGE classification
- Basement storage remediation estimate: $460.72
- Bedroom main floor remediation estimate: $881.53
- Total remediation estimate: $2,123.32
- PuroClean inspection photos (PDF)
- Visible mold growth documentation
Photographic Evidence
- Ice dam photos (12+ inches thick)
- Interior water damage photos - log walls
- Water at electrical outlets (safety hazard)
- Roof work and ice removal photos
- Video documentation (13+ media files)
- Removed ice block with shingle granule loss
- Dehumidifier receipt - Home Depot $315.45 (02/26/26)
Guest Witness Statements
- Jason Pare (VRBO Feb 21-23) - water in electrical outlets, bathroom fan, deck ceiling
- Shelly Malhotra (Airbnb Feb 18-20) - witnessed roof snow removal Feb 19
- Guest photos showing active water intrusion
Communications & Text Messages
- Roof Shovel Maine text thread (Feb 16 - date of loss)
- Cleaning service (Courtney Clean) damage report
- Property owner communications documenting discovery
- Contractor written confirmation of ice dam
- Remediation company (Brandon) moisture assessment
Third-Party Documentation
- PuroClean of Auburn, ME - Licensed remediation assessment
- Roof Shovel Maine assessment and contractor records
- Cleaning service (Courtney Clean) - $1,300 remediation bill
- Remediation company - 99% moisture reading, visible mold in basement ceiling
- NWS weather alerts and warnings (Feb 20-22)
- Roofing contractor quotes - verbal (1 received)
- Roofing contractor quotes - formal (2 pending)(Pending)
Rental & Occupancy Records
- Airbnb listing and booking records
- VRBO booking records
- Continuous occupancy proof (Feb 7-23)
- Heat maintenance documentation
Damage Assessment
- PuroClean professional remediation estimate: $2,123.32
- Preliminary damage estimate worksheet
- Photo evidence analysis report
- Professional moisture assessment - 99% in basement, mold present
- Formal repair contractor estimates(Pending)
Key Coverage Arguments
Primary: Peril 11 - Weight of Ice, Snow or Sleet
Policy Peril 11 covers direct physical loss from the weight of ice, snow or sleet. The ice dams exceeding 12 inches in thickness, combined with heavy snow accumulation, caused structural damage (roof sagging) to the dwelling. This is the primary covered peril and accesses the full Coverage A limit of $500,000 - not the $50,000 water damage sublimit.
Secondary: Ensuing Loss - Water Damage from Structural Failure
The policy provides that "any ensuing loss to property described in Coverages A and B not excluded or excepted in this Policy is covered." The water intrusion is the ensuing loss from the primary structural failure caused by the weight of ice and snow. The water damage is therefore covered under Coverage A, not as a standalone water damage claim subject to the sublimit.
Defense: No Maintenance/Heat Failure Exclusion Applies
Continuous rental occupancy records from Airbnb and VRBO prove the property was occupied and heated throughout the damage period. The cleaning service verified heat settings after each guest turnover. Any argument that the damage resulted from failure to maintain heat or vacancy is directly refuted by the rental occupancy documentation.
Defense: Not Gradual Damage - Sudden and Accidental
The damage was caused by specific, identifiable storm events: (1) the Feb 19-22 rapid warming event with temperatures reaching 40-45 degrees F, and (2) Nor'easter Winter Storm Hernando (Feb 22-24) with official NWS blizzard warnings. These are sudden and accidental events, not gradual deterioration. The extraordinary ice dam size (12+ inches) and roof sagging are consistent with a sudden extreme weather event.
Request Additional Documentation
All original photographs, text messages, contractor records, and rental documentation are available upon request. Please contact the claimant directly: