Claim #168053AB
Event Timeline
A chronological record of rental occupancy, weather events, damage discovery, and mitigation efforts demonstrating continuous heating, immediate response, and specific identifiable storm events as the cause of loss.
Temperature Context — Feb 14–25
The rapid warming to 40–45°F (Feb 19–21) directly caused catastrophic ice dam overflow and water intrusion.
Detailed Event Timeline
Jan 23 – Feb 15, 2026
Pre-Incident Accumulation
- 2nd coldest period on record for the Bangor region
- Heavy snowfall events accumulate on roof without melting
- Property continuously occupied by Airbnb/VRBO guests
- Heat maintained at all times — never turned down
- Ice layer begins forming at cold roof eaves
Claim Significance:
Extended record cold allowed unprecedented snow and ice accumulation — setting the stage for catastrophic damage.
February 7–8 & 12–16, 2026
Rental Occupancy (Continuous Heating Proof)
- Feb 7–8: Airbnb guests in residence — property heated
- Feb 12–16: VRBO guests in residence — property heated
- Feb 16–20: Airbnb guests in residence — property heated
- Feb 21–23: VRBO guests in residence — property heated
- Cleaning staff verified heat settings after each turnover
Claim Significance:
Continuous rental occupancy proves the property was always heated — eliminating any “freezing due to heat failure” exclusion argument.
February 16, 2026
DATE OF LOSS — First Ice Dam Discovery
- Roof Shovel Maine contractor dispatched immediately to property
- LARGE ICE DAMS discovered — over 1 foot (12+ inches) thick
- Massive ice accumulation documented at roof eaves
- Water staining visible on eaves/soffits
- Immediate ice removal work begun same day
- Photos sent to property owner documenting conditions
Claim Significance:
February 16, 2026 is the official date of loss. Immediate response demonstrates fulfillment of duty to mitigate.
February 17–18, 2026
Damage Escalation
- Temperatures moderating — freeze-thaw cycling begins
- Water intrusion beginning throughout interior
- Courtney Clean (cleaning service) reports active leaks
- “This is also leaking, literally the whole water side of the house”
- Multiple areas showing water intrusion — damage spreading
- Roof shoveling scheduled for February 19
Claim Significance:
Independent third-party (cleaning service) documents widespread damage — corroborating evidence from a non-interested party.
February 19–22, 2026
CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE — Major Warming Event
- Temperatures reach LOW-TO-MID 40s°F — massive melting
- Ice dam completely overwhelmed — cannot drain water fast enough
- Water pouring out of electrical outlets (SAFETY HAZARD)
- Water through bathroom vent fans
- Ceiling staining throughout entire structure
- Log cabin walls stained in SEVERAL places
- Flooring and subfloor damage — multiple rooms
- Water coming into and above windows
- Temperature swing of 20+ degrees in 48 hours
Claim Significance:
This is the primary damage event. The 20+ degree temperature swing caused catastrophic melting that overwhelmed the ice dam, forcing water into the structure at multiple points.
February 22–24, 2026
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE — Nor’easter Winter Storm Hernando
- Nor’easter Winter Storm Hernando arrives Feb 22
- Blizzard Warning issued for Maine coast
- Winter Weather Advisory issued for Norway/Rumford area
- 6–8 inches of new snow in Oxford County
- Wind gusts to 35–45 mph
- ROOF SAGGING FROM SNOW/ICE LOAD OBSERVED
- Additional structural stress on already-compromised roof
- Combined ice + new snow = extreme structural load
Claim Significance:
THIS IS THE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE EVENT. The Nor’easter added 6-8 inches of snow to a roof already carrying 12+ inches of ice — causing documented roof sagging (structural failure from weight of ice, snow, and sleet — Peril 11).
February 25, 2026
Mitigation & Documentation
- Dehumidifiers deployed throughout property
- Second professional roof shoveling performed
- Additional ice dam removal conducted
- Damage assessment and documentation compiled
- Roofing quotes requested (1 verbal, 2 formal pending)
- Full evidence package prepared for adjuster
Claim Significance:
Continued mitigation efforts documented — property owner fulfilling all duties under the policy to minimize damage.
Timeline Summary — Key Claim Points
Continuous Heating
Rental records prove property was occupied and heated throughout — no heat failure exclusion applies.
Specific Storm Events
Two identifiable events caused damage: Feb 19–22 rapid thaw and Feb 22–24 Nor’easter Hernando.
Immediate Mitigation
Contractor engaged Feb 16 (same day as discovery). Dehumidifiers, roof shoveling, and assessment all documented.