Most Insurance Companies will require WETT Inspection prior to insuring
A WETT inspection, short for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, is a thorough inspection of all types of wood burning appliances. This includes fireplaces, fireplace inserts, wood stoves, pellet stoves and outside boilers.
Fire is always a threat to a home and a WETT Inspection can provide “Peace of Mind” for the homeowner and his family. Also many insurance companies now require a WETT inspection prior to issuing a Home Policy.
Many older homes and cottages have Wood Burning Appliances that will not meet the requirements of a WETT Certified Inspection. Older wood stoves may not be certified by a rating agency such as UL, ULC or Warnock Hersey. This means that the minimum clearance to combustibles for an uncertified stove is automatically 48 inches. So unless your wood stove is in a basement you will probably be out of luck.
A WETT inspection is an inspection carried out by an inspector who is WETT Certified.
Below is a list of items that may be inspected by your WETT Certified Inspector on a Wood Stove, Pellet Stove or Fireplace 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
Typically, when people are looking for an insurance type of inspection, a WETT certified inspector will conduct a visual Level I inspection to determine if there is evidence of any problems with the installation.
The Level I inspection is essentially a general overview of the readily accessible parts, clearances, chimney heights, stove location with respect to combustible materials and visual signs to determine if the system meets the CSA Standard B365 (Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment).
Call Roger at 705-795-8255 for your WETT Certified Inspection
Email Roger to arrange an appointment.
If you are installing your own appliance, call for information that may save you time and money. Advice on installation is free and available any time.
Read our articles on various parts of wood burning equipment to find out about proper installation, maintenance and safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do you provide service to?
We provide WETT inspections to Angus, Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Brechin, Collingwood, Everett, Innisfil, Lisle, Midland, New Lowell, Orillia, Penetang, Ramara, Stayner, anywhere in Simcoe County.
Does My Chimney Require a Liner?
If you are installing a Fireplace Insert then you chimney requires a stainless steel liner to be installed. Also liners maybe installed when there is damage to flue tile.
How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?
To be sure that all of your systems are in working order and operating as they should, it is recommended that homeowners get an annual chimney inspection. Most homeowners opt to have a Chimney Cleaning done every year as well, especially if they use their fireplace on a regular basis. Other venting systems connected to furnaces and stoves should also be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain safer operation.
What is a Fireplace Insert ?
Fireplace Inserts are essentially a well-designed wood stove that fits inside a fireplace firebox, which transforms the fireplace into a viable source of heat. Fireplace inserts are typically installed inside masonry fireplaces.
What is Creosote ?
Creosote is the substance which is deposited in the chimney whenever a fire is burned, though some fires result in more creosote deposits than others, and is an unavoidable part of using a fireplace. Creosote is black, sooty, and tar-like; and it is dangerous enough that minimizing the amount of creosote in your chimney is an important safety consideration. If too much creosote builds up in your chimney, there is a much greater possibility of a chimney fire, which is extremely dangerous and often leads to deadly house fires.
Can I Reduce Clearance to Combustibles?
Yes clearances to combustibles can be reduced by up to 67% using an approved method and material to construct a heat shield. Read article on Reducing Clearances.
