Question 1

What is a WUI zone?

Accepted Answer

Wildland-Urban Interface — where homes and human development meet or intermix with wildland vegetation. Recently released WUI maps identify high-risk fire zones with homes in them; some building materials are already code in these areas, with more requirements taking effect in 2027.

Question 2

Who benefits from a Home Ignition Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners planning retrofits, realtors listing WUI-zone properties, insurance carriers evaluating coverage or renewals, lenders assessing risk on new loans, and developers building in the WUI. The report is written to be useful across all of them.

Question 3

Do you only serve the Pacific Northwest?

Accepted Answer

Xember is based in the PNW and that's the primary on-site service area, but Jaimie is certified nationally and available to consult on projects anywhere in the country — including virtual assessments and new-development advisory.

Question 4

Why focus on embers instead of flames?

Accepted Answer

Wind-driven embers are responsible for 60–90% of structural ignitions during wildfires. They're drawn into standard attic, soffit, and crawl-space vents, where they ignite dry insulation and framing — the house burns from the inside out, often well ahead of the visible fire front.

Question 5

Can you work directly with my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Assessment reports are formatted to support underwriting, and Jaimie is open to direct engagements with insurers, brokers, and lenders on portfolio-level or single-property work.

Question 6

How much does an assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on property size, complexity, and whether the assessment is virtual or on-site. Reach out for a scoped quote — Jaimie responds personally.

Question 7

How long does an on-site assessment take?

Accepted Answer

Typical single-family homes take 2–4 hours on site, with the written report delivered within a week. Larger parcels or commercial properties take longer.

Question 8

Do I have to replace my whole roof?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Class A roofing is the gold standard, but roof-edge details, gutter guards, and clearing debris often deliver most of the ember-resistance benefit for existing roofs.

What people ask.

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