WETT Certified Inspections for Angus and Essa
WETT stands for wood energy technology transfer, a non profit training and education association developed to provide safe and effective use of wood burning appliances. Wett Certified members are specially trained to ensure that your wood burning appliance and chimney conforms to current building code standards, manufacturer specifications and installations.
The majority of Insurance Companies now require a WETT Certified Inspection prior to insuring your home. There are no rules for the WETT Certified Inspection requirements so it is highly recommended that you contact your insurance company to see what requirements they may have. ( some insurance companies for example will not insure an uncertified wood stove even though meeting all the requirements of CSA B365 )
What is a WETT Inspection ?
Your WETT Inspection will be carried out by a WETT Certified Inspector. The Inspector is trained by WETTINC.CA to perform inspections on Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, Fireplace Inserts, Pellet Stoves and Outside Boilers. The installation of wood burning appliances is governed by the Manufactures Installation Instructions, the Ontario Building Code and CSA B365. The Angus WETT Inspector will ensure that your appliance is in compliance with the appropriate requirements and will complete a WETT Approved form indicating the compliance or non-compliance of the installation.
Who is WETTINC.CA
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by holders of valid WETT certificates. Through its administrative designate, WETT Inc. functions as the national registrar of the WETT program. Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems in Canada.
In carrying out its mandate to promote increased safety and effectiveness, WETT Inc. maintains the Wood Energy Technical Training program (WETT). The program is designed to:
- Provide training to those who offer wood-energy products and installation and maintenance services to the public and to those who conduct inspections of wood-burning systems,
- Confirm and recognize the knowledge and skills acquired through field experience, self-study and successful completion of WETT courses by issuing certificates of qualification,
- Provide training to specialty audiences as the need and demand arises.
The WETT system consists of several courses recognizing the various types of work done by wood-energy professionals. Certification is achieved by completing courses to earn educational credits.
What is Included in a WETT Certified Inspection
- Chimney & Cap
- Chimney Liner or Flue Tiles
- Smoke Chamber
- Wood Stove or Fireplace Damper
- Firebox & Firebricks/Linings
- Hearth & Floor Protection
- Mantle & Clearances to Combustible Walls & Ceilings
- Heat Shield Construction for Reduced Clearances
- Proper Flue Pipe Installation & Venting
- Clearance to Combustible Exterior Items
- Chimney Foundations & Masonry
- Overall Condition of the Woodstove, Fireplace and its Chimney
Note: There is no re-inspection fee when a wood burning appliance is found non-compliant. Your report will be amended to reflect the required modifications.
WETT Inspection – Levels of Inspection
Insurance Companies and Municipal Building Departments only require a Level 1 WETT Certified Inspection
The chart below shows the 3 Levels of WETT Inspection and details what is inspected.
Levels of WETT Inspection
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 movable 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, ash pan 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
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 re-positioned to their original location and/or condition.
2.2 (A) GUIDELINES — GENERAL
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
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
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
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.