Barrie WETT Inspector is your Local WETT Expert
We provide Fireplace, Wood Stove, Boiler and Pellet Stove Inspections
Providing Site Basic inspections for Insurance Purposes or just Peace of Mind. If you live in the Barrie area and are using a Wood Burning Appliance to heat your home then you should have it inspected for proper installation and any maintenance required. Most insurance companies now require your Wood Stove, Fireplace, Fireplace Insert, Wood furnace or Pellet Stove to be inspected by a WETT Certified Inspector prior to issuing a Home Insurance Policy. In most cases, a basic visual evaluation will be enough to tell the inspector if the installation of your wood burning appliance is safe. In other cases, you may need a Level 2 or Level 3 evaluation to make sure that even the parts you can’t see are working properly. Every homeowner who has a wood fireplace should be having a regular professional inspection and cleaning at least once a year to ensure that the unit is functioning properly and that there is no damage to any components. Your family’s safety is important. Having a professional evaluation of your wood-burning appliance, performed prior to using it, can provide you with the confidence of knowing that your fireplace or wood stove is safe. We can provide a WETT Inspection within 24-hours.
We will inspect:
- Chimney
- Liner/Flue
- Smoke Chamber
- Damper
- Firebox
- Hearth / Floor Protection
- Clearance to Combustible Surfaces
Have your Certified WETT Inspection at the same time as your Home Inspection and save $100.00.
WETT Inspections for Real Estate Transactions
In Canada you are only required to have a Site Basic Level WETT Inspection to meet requirements of Home Insurance Companies. Some companies will refer to American Standards, such as NFPA-211 to enable them to charge you more money. While many Ontario Fire Codes and Ontario Building Codes will refer to NFPA’s as the Authority Having Jurisdiction, Inspections of Wood Burning Appliances is not refereed to NFPA’s by Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code or Canadian Standards Association. Beware of individuals providing misleading information just to increase their rates.
Types of WETT Inspections
Choosing the right type of WETT Inspection for your wood burning appliance is very important both for safety and monetary expense. We are providing this overview of the different Levels of WETT Inspections to help your decision:
INSPECTION LEVEL DETAILS
LEVEL-1 INSPECTION (READILY ACCESSIBLE)
1.1 (A) DEFINITION
Readily Accessible is defined as quickly or easily reached for inspection.
A level-1 inspection does not require the use of special tools for the opening or removal of any panel, door, covering, or
system components; nor (unless at the discretion of the inspector and client) would it require the use of ladders.
An inspector should be able to inspect any move able components of the fireplace, appliance or venting system that are readily
accessible. Examples would be components utilized during normal operation or visual inspection by the user of the system,
such as readily accessible loading doors, primary combustion chamber, ashpan doors, clean out doors, dampers, air controls,
etc. A tape measure, light, mirror, camera, magnet, selfie-stick and/or other basic tools should comprise (but are not limited to) the
typical tools required to perform for this level of inspection.
1.2 (A) GUIDELINES — GENERAL
A level-1 inspection includes:
1) a determination for compliance of readily accessible system components, including the proper use of required
components, their required clearances to combustibles, their proper support, as well as their condition and structural
integrity,
2) a determination for compliance of readily accessible shielding, outdoor air components, enclosures and duct work, if
present,
3) readily accessible evidence of operating malfunction, which may include but is not limited to smoke spillage,
4) obstructions and combustible deposits visible through readily accessible clean out doors or inspection ports.
LEVEL-2 INSPECTION (ACCESSIBLE)
2.1 (A) DEFINITION
Accessible is defined as able to be reached for the purpose of inspection, without the use of invasive methods to access areas of
the building, property or components of the solid-fuel-burning system.
Access may require the moving or removal of doors, panels, other coverings or system components, and will require the use of
ladders and common tools typically used by a WETT-certified chimney sweep or technician.
Accessible system and/or building components can be repositioned to their original location and/or condition.
2.2 (A) GUIDELINES — GENERAL
A level-2 inspection includes (in addition to all aspects of a level-1 inspection):
1) continuity of accessible venting system and/or duct work components,
2) proper use and suitability of accessible venting system and/or duct work components, supports and mechanical
connections, including proper sizing,
3) internal and external surfaces of accessible system components for damage and/or deterioration, for freedom from
combustible deposits, blockage or obstructions and for evidence of operating malfunction,
4) surroundings and/or enclosures of accessible system components for proper clearances and construction. The inspection
may include locations within attics, crawl spaces and basements that can be accessed through doors, hatches or other
openings that do not require removal of parts of the building construction (that are) considered to be permanently
attached.
LEVEL-3 INSPECTION (CONCEALED ACCESSIBILITY)
3.1 (A) DEFINITION
Concealed Accessibility is defined as not able to be accessed except by invasive methods.
Access to concealed areas would require the removal of constructed property and/or system components by invasive methods,
for the purpose of implementing a level-3 inspection. This may require the use of specialty tools and equipment, such as a
video scanning device or flue tile removal system.
It may not be possible to reposition the removed property or system components to their original location and/or condition.
A permit would be required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction when compromising structural building components.
3.2 (A) GUIDELINES — GENERAL
A level-3 inspection includes all aspects of a level-2 inspection plus:
1) the examination of concealed areas within, around and enclosing the system components for evidence of non-compliance,
malfunction, suspected hazards and/or damage to system or building components, and
2) surroundings and/or enclosures of concealed system components for proper clearances.
3.2 (B) GUIDELINES — INVASIVE
Examples of invasive methods may include:
1) drilling or cutting holes through the surface of an enclosure wall (chase) to insert a camera or video scanning device,
2) removing a thimble or breech pipe,
3) removing masonry or other non-combustible materials to expose suspected combustible material,
4) removing or cutting a section of drywall or plaster that may conceal an abandoned chimney breech hole,
5) removal of facings or flashings to expose suspected hazards or deterioration, or other invasive methods as required, to
expose concealed areas for inspection.
3.2 (C) ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
When it is necessary to access and/or remove constructed property (or system components), the inspector and client must sign
a consent form:
1) to outline what invasive method(s) will be taken, as well as the means to access the concealed area(s), and
2) to outline the responsibilities of each party in regard to the condition the property will be left upon completion of the
level-3 inspection.
WETT Inspection Experience
Barrie WETT Inspections has been providing Certified WETT Inspections to the Barrie and Local Area for over 15 years. We provide Certified Inspections 7 days a week for the convenience of our clients. During the summer months we provide inspection services to most of Cottage Country on weekends. We also inspect wood burning appliances on islands as long as you supply the boat.Home Inspection & WETT Inspection Savings!!!When you include your WETT Certified Inspection as part of your Home Inspection you save over $100.00 dollars. Regular fee for Wett Certified Inspection in Barrie is $200.00, but when you include our Home Inspection Package you only pay $100.00 dollars for our WETT Inspection Service.
Barrie WETT Inspections Defect Gallery
National Fire Code of Canada Excerpts which would Apply to Wood Burning Appliances
The following information are excerpts from the National Fire Code of Canada pertaining to solid fuel burning appliances, chimneys and flues. 1.1.1.1.
Application of this Code
1) This Code applies to all new and existing buildings and facilities, and to building construction, renovation or demolition sites. (See Appendix A.) 2.6.1.2.
Coal and Wood Bins
1) Coal and wood bins shall be located not less than 1.2 m from the appliance served.
2.6.1.4. Chimneys, Flues and Flue Pipes
1) Every chimney, flue and flue pipe shall be inspected to identify any dangerous condition a) at intervals not greater than 12 months, b) at the time of addition of any appliance, and c) after any chimney fire. 2) Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from dangerous accumulations of combustible deposits. 3) A chimney, flue, or flue pipe shall be replaced or repaired to eliminate a) any structural deficiency or decay, and b) all abandoned or unused openings that are not effectively sealed in a manner that would prevent the passage of fire or smoke
.Appendix A
A-2.6.1.4.(1) External inspection of enclosed chimneys and surrounding construction may require the installation of one or more access openings in the enclosure surrounding the chimney. The presence of scorched or charred adjacent combustible construction will indicate the need for further investigation of the cause of the overheating. Internal inspection of chimneys can be accomplished by lowering a light from the top, insertion of a light at the bottom or at intermediate locations, together with the use of one or more mirrors. During inspection of a chimney connected to an operating appliance, the presence of dense smoke at the outlet will indicate improper operation of the appliance, incorrect sizing of the chimney or that unsuitable fuels are being used. These factors must be promptly corrected to reduce the accumulation of combustible deposits on the chimney and flue pipe walls.
A-2.6.1.4.(2) The presence in a chimney of deposits of soot or creosote in excess of 3 mm thick will indicate the need for immediate cleaning, possible modification of burning procedures, and more frequent inspections.
A-2.6.1.4.(3)(a) Structural deficiencies are deviations from required construction, such as the absence of a liner or inadequate design of supports or ties. Instances of decay are cracking, settling, crumbling mortar, distortion, advanced corrosion, separation of sections, or loose or broken supports.
2.6.1.5. Clearances1) Required clearances between chimneys, flue pipes or appliances and combustible construction shall be maintained in conformance with the NBC. 2) Combustible materials shall not be located within the required clearance space surrounding chimneys, flue pipes or appliances, or adjacent to ash pit or cleanout doors.
2.6.1.6. Operation and Maintenance Procedures1) Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including appliances, chimneys and flue pipes, shall be operated and maintained so as not to create a hazardous condition.
2.6.2.3. Spark Arresters
1) Spark arresters installed in conformance with Articles 2.6.2.1. and 2.6.2.2. shall be inspected and cleaned at intervals not greater than 12 months or more frequently where accumulations of debris will adversely affect operations.
2) Burnt-out spark arresters shall be repaired or replaced.