Orillia WETT Certified Inspections
The Orillia WETT Inspection service provides Certified WETT inspections on Wood stoves, Pellet Stoves and Fireplaces.
Do you require a basic visual inspection such as for insurance or pre-purchase inspection of a home equipped with a wood burning appliance or fireplace? A basic visual inspection is a general overview of the readily accessible parts to determine if the system meets current regulations. Most often homeowners ask about WETT (Wood Energy Technical Transfer) because their insurance company has asked that they have their appliance inspected WETT certified individual.
Typically, when people are looking for an insurance type of inspection, a visual inspection is conducted to determine if there is evidence of any problems with the installation. This includes examining clearances, chimney heights and visual signs of deterioration. If there are concerns identified, then the inspector should make a recommendation that the appliance be checked and, if necessary, repaired by a WETT certified technician
Woodstoves and fireplace inserts are required to be installed according to CSA B 365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment. Masonry fireplaces are required to be built to the Ontario Building Code. Most insurance companies, for home insurance purposes, require a report stating that the wood burning appliance meets these installation practices
What is a WETT CERTIFIED Inspection?
This type of inspection of a wood burning appliance can only be carried out by an individual who has received Certification from WETT INc. (Wood Energy Thermal Technology) which promotes the safe use of wood burning systems in Canada through training and education. WETT Inc. maintains the Wood Energy Technical Training Program and acts as a National Register for Certified Professionals.
What is Required to be WETT Certified?
The individual must complete the necessary training program plus have 80 weeks of related field experience. Once these requirements are met the trainee agrees to abide by WETT Inc.’s strict Code of Ethics. Annual membership and ongoing education are required to maintain WETT Certification.
Objectives of WETT
- To develop, maintain, promote and deliver professional training courses within the framework of the Wood Energy Technical Training Program (WETT) for practitioners of trades related to the sale, installation, maintenance and inspection of systems using wood and other biomass fuels.
- To maintain a registry containing the names of holders of valid WETT certificates and those who are students under the program.
- To foster and promote among certificate holders the highest level of professional conduct in the delivery of services to the public.
- To encourage and promote the safe and efficient use of wood energy through the distribution of public information materials and through collaboration with government agencies and related industries.
- To foster and promote research and education in utilization of wood as a source of energy.
- To promote the interests and activities of the members of the organization in a reasonable and legal manner.
- To provide a forum for the discussion of issues of importance or interest to the members and to share information and opinions for the mutual benefit of the members.
- To carry on such other activities as may, from time to time, be ordered by the Board of Directors of the organization and which are consistent with these objectives
Some common problems which would prevent a successful WETT inspections are problems with any of the following:
- The chimney
- The damper
- The firebox
- The flue and liner
- Whether there is an adequate amount of clearance between the appliance and surfaces that are combustible.
- The smoke chamber
- If the hearth or other protection for the floor is adequate
Types of Chimneys:
Conventional Masonry chimneys have been popular for many years. Most masonry chimneys built since the 1950’s are lined with flue liners of clay or other materials, which improve the durability and performance of the chimney. The clay tiles must be in good condition and joints sealed with high temperature cement in order to be used for fireplaces. If you have an older unlined masonry chimney and want to use it to vent a wood burning hearth mount insert, it must be lined with approved metal liner, chimney liner and appliance flue collar must be the same size to ensure proper draft.
Type A metal chimneys became popular in the 1950’s. They were designed primarily for use with oil furnaces, but ended up being used for wood burning appliances as well. Type A chimneys cannot withstand severe chimney fires without damage. They are not suitable chimneys for wood burning appliances. Since 1983, chimneys specifically designed for use with wood-fired appliances have been required. If an A type chimney was installed in the original configuration it would be considered “Grandfather Protected” as long as no modifications have been made.
650ºC Metal Chimneys In 1981, a new standard for factory-built chimneys was published. This standard requires factory built chimneys to be tested at a continuous flue gas temperature of 650°C (1200°F). By 1983, this standard had been incorporated into most building codes. A modified version of the 650°C standard is used to test chimneys for factory-built fireplaces.
The top of a chimney must be at least 900 mm (3 ft.) above the point where it contacts the roof. It must also be 600 mm (2 ft.) above any roof surface or structure within a horizontal distance of 3 m (10 ft.). Metal chimneys need a cap to keep water out of the space between the inner liner and the outer shell.
All chimneys must be installed in accordance with the manufactures installation instructions. Do not mix parts from different manufactures unless it is stated that this is acceptable. If in doubt contact the manufacturer or their local representative.
For FREE Consultation for your WETT Certified Inspection call Roger at 705-795-8255