Collapse of Ceiling Covered?

The acoustical ceiling in our church kitchen collapsed. The building is insured on a CP 00 10 with CP 10 30 attached. As you know, the form includes coverage for “collapse” as an additional coverage. Collapse is defined as “an abrupt falling down or caving in of a building or any part of a building with the result that the building cannot be occupied for its intended purpose.” That is what occurred here. Upon inspection, it appeared that the straps for the grid were nailed to the bottom of the ceiling joists rater than the top or side. The inspection said that “any vibration or earth movement or settlement could trigger a collapse,” but it was never proved that earth movement or settlement occurred.

The insurer has denied the loss, citing exclusion B.3.c. faulty or inadequate design, specifications, workmanship, … materials used in repair, construction, renovation or remodeling…”