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Certified WETT Inspections for Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, Pellet Stoves and Boilers

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WETT INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

A WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) inspection is essential for homeowners who have a wood-burning appliance, such as a stove, fireplace, or wood furnace, to ensure the system is installed and operating safely and complies with building and fire codes. Here’s why homeowners may need a WETT inspection:

1. Insurance Requirements

  • Many insurance companies require a WETT inspection before they will issue or renew a home insurance policy. This is to assess theWETT Inspection Requirements risk associated with wood-burning appliances and to ensure they meet safety standards.

2. Safety

  • Improper installation or maintenance of wood-burning systems can lead to hazards such as chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or house fires. A WETT inspection identifies potential safety issues and ensures the system is functioning correctly.

3. Buying or Selling a Home

  • When buying or selling a property with a wood-burning appliance, a WETT inspection provides peace of mind for both parties. It ensures the appliance meets standards and is safe for use.

4. Compliance with Regulations

  • WETT-certified inspectors ensure that the appliance complies with local building codes and safety regulations, reducing liability for the homeowner.

5. Maintenance Assessment

  • Over time, creosote buildup or structural wear and tear can occur. A WETT inspection can reveal maintenance needs, preventing long-term damage or safety risks.

6. Legal and Liability Protection

  • If an issue arises (e.g., a fire), having a recent WETT inspection can demonstrate that the homeowner took reasonable steps to ensure the safety and compliance of the wood-burning system.

In short, a WETT inspection is crucial for safety, compliance, and peace of mind when dealing with wood-burning appliances.

Many Canadian home owners are surprised that their insurance company requires them to have their wood burning appliance inspected. Although your stove may be “certified” by ULC or another listed rating agency, that only supplies the required installation instructions for that particular appliance. There are many agencys that can Certify solid fuel burning appliances. Three common agencies which test or list wood burning appliances are; C.S.A., Underwriters Laboratories, and Warnock Hersey. Your insurance company will most likely require that your stove be inspected by a WETT Certified Professional Inspector prior to issuing an insurance policy.

The testing agency will set up a manufactures appliance in accordance with the installation instructions and perform a test firing. They set up thermal couplers at all sides of appliance to ensure unit does not exceed safety requirements for temperature. Only when the unit passes this test will a ULC rating sticker be allowed to be attached to appliance.

As part of your Wett Inspection your appliance will have all its parts inspected including chimney, damper and vents. All parts have to be in good condition and operable in order for your appliance to pass this part of the inspection. A broken damper or cracked chimney would be cause for failure.

When installing your wood burning appliance you will have to ensure all clearances on rating data tag are met. If there is not rating or listing tag then the minimum distance to combustibles will be 48 inches. If required, you may install a radiation heat shield which can allow up to 67 percent reduction in clearance. This shield has to be constructed in strict accordance to CSA B365 requirements.

Wood appliances will usually have either a single wall or double walled pipe. Usually most people use a double walled pipe to avoid the 18 clearance required by use of single wall pipes. When passing through a wall or chimney a listed thimble is required. A listed thimble can reduce the required 18 inches of clearance required to 2 inches.

If your masonry chimney has damaged clay flue tiles most experts will recommend installing a flexible stainless steel liner. These liners come in various sizes and are guaranteed for life. This re-lining method is both faster and cheaper than repairing a damaged masonry chimney.

Many fires are caused by individuals not cleaning their wood burning appliance and chimneys. Regular inspection and cleaning is the most important method of preventing chimney fires. Take down the stove pipe at least once or twice during the heating season and clean out the soot. Removing the accumulated soot saves fuel, increases heat and minimizes the danger of fire.

Insurance Company Requirements

There are only 3 types of rules governing your installation of Wood Stove, Fireplace, Pellet Stove or Outside Boiler. Factors-for-insurance-coverage

  • Ontario Building Code – Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code covers the construction requirements of masonry fireplaces.
  • CSA B365 govens the installation requirements for solid fuel burning appliances. (basically any un-certifed stoves, flue pipes, shielding venting, combustiion air and installation of appliances.
  • Manufactures installation requirements take precedent because the unit has been tested and deemed safe and compliant by a registed testing laboratory.

WETT Inc does not make or create any rules or requirements, they only teach individuals to inspect in accordance to the above rules.

Insurance companies tend to make their own rules when it comes to insuring a building with a solid fuel burning appliance.  In my 20 years of performing WETT Certified Inspections it continues to amaze me at the level of inconsistancy when it comes to “making up rules” by insurance companies.  It is highly recommended you contact your insurance company to inquire about their specific “rules” prior to purchasing or installing a solid fuel burning appliance.

Insurance Policy & Guidelines

Insurance companies have different requirements for solid fuel-burning appliances (such as wood stoves, pellet stoves, or coal stoves) to manage the unique risks associated with these devices. These differences stem from factors like liability concerns, underwriting guidelines, and regional variations in risks and regulations. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Fire Risk

  • Solid fuel-burning appliances pose a higher fire risk than other heating systems due to open flames, high temperatures, and the potential for creosote buildup in chimneys, which can lead to chimney fires.
  • Each insurance company may assess fire risk differently based on their historical claim data and risk models, leading to varying requirements.

2. Installation Standards

  • Proper installation is critical to safety. Insurance companies may require compliance with specific building codes, manufacturer guidelines, or standards like those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
  • Some insurers might be stricter about requiring professional installation or periodic inspections, while others might accept self-installed units if documentation is provided.

3. Maintenance Requirements

  • Maintenance, such as regular chimney cleaning and inspection, is essential to prevent hazards. Insurers may set different maintenance schedules based on their experience with claims.

4. Appliance Type and Certification

  • Some companies only insure appliances certified by organizations like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), as certified appliances are generally considered safer and more efficient.
  • Variations in requirements can occur due to differing levels of comfort with uncertified or older appliances.

5. Property Location

  • The geographic location of a property influences risk. For instance:
    • In areas prone to wildfires, insurers might impose stricter rules to minimize external fire risks.
    • In colder climates, where solid fuel-burning appliances are more common, insurers may have well-defined policies and requirements.

6. Insurance Company Policies

  • Each insurer has its own underwriting guidelines, shaped by their appetite for risk, claims history, and target market. Some companies might specialize in rural properties or high-risk homes and thus have more lenient or specific rules.

7. Regulatory Variations

  • Local building codes and environmental regulations influence requirements. Insurers in different states or countries may align their policies with regional standards, leading to variability.

8. Potential Liability

  • Improper installation or usage of solid fuel-burning appliances can lead to injuries or property damage, increasing the insurer’s liability. By enforcing specific requirements, insurers mitigate this risk.

Conclusion

The differences in requirements reflect each insurer’s approach to balancing safety, risk management, and customer accessibility. Before installing a solid fuel-burning appliance, it’s crucial to consult your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements to ensure compliance and maintain coverage.

For more information visit  Barrie WETT Inspections

ULC – Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) is an independent product safety testing, certification and inspection organization.

CSA – CSA Group is a not-for-profit membership-based association serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace.

Warnock Hersey – The Warnock Hersey Mark (WH) is North America’s leading product safety and performance mark for building and construction products.

Call Roger Frost for your WETT Certified Inspection.  705-795-8255

WETT Inspection is only $100.00 when included with Home Inspection.