WETT inspection, (WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer), includes a visual inspection of wood burning appliances such as stoves and open fireplaces, by a WETT Certified Inspector.  It is the Inspector who is WETT Certified not the Inspection.

Given the potential threat these technologies pose to the well-being and health of those in the home, a WETT specialty inspection can give you the peace of mind you need when buying or selling a home, living in a home, and can also be a requirement when securing insurance.

Why I Would Need a WETT Certified Inspection?

An inspection for the wood burning technologies in your home is important for a number of reasons, the most important is the safety of you and your family. With wood burning appliances, the potential for hazardous fumes and gases to be released into your home is increased, so it is important that these appliances are properly inspected and regularly maintained. If you have a home that already includes one of these features, or you would like to purchase one and have it installed in your home, having a WETT certified inspector or technician involved is a necessity.  Most insurance companies will  not issue a home policy without a WETT Certified Inspection if you have a Wood Burning Appliance.

WETT specialty inspections are also now being required as a part of the home insuring process. In fact, many homeowners first hear about WETT specialty inspections because an insurance company asks that their appliances be examined by a WETT certified inspector. In Canada, insurance companies require homes using wood burning appliances to be thoroughly inspected by a professional and cleared/approved before the home can be insured.

If purchasing an older home that includes any of these wood-burning appliances, a WETT inspection is an absolute necessity. Cottages often include wood-burning appliances, and often the installation would not comply with today’s WETT standards. An WETT Certified  inspection will be able to tell you whether or not these appliances are operating optimally, are in good structural condition, and that they do not compromise your health and safety.

What is included in a WETT Inspection?

A WETT Certified inspection is typically a Site Basic Inspection that is performed by a Technician who has obtained his Certification from WETT.  A residential home inspector must take a number of courses to become WETT certified. The course typically consists of 4 days of training as well as 80 weeks of field experience before they can receive their WETT certification.

While a typical home inspection includes a visual inspection of the fireplace, chimney and hearth, a WETT specialty inspection conducted by a certified inspector includes an inspection of all the elements of any wood burning technologies in the home to make sure that they are installed correctly and are installed with compliance to building codes and regulations. It should also include a visit to the roof to examine the chimney for any potential structural or ventilation issues.

The inspection might include an examination of a wood stove, flue pipe, chimney, and wood-burning fireplace. An inspector should look at the positioning of the system, and its distance in relation to any combustible materials. If your appliance does not meet the requirements of Ontario Building Code, CSA  and Fire Code,  you will have to have appliance or installation corrected prior to meeting compliance requirements.

Visit Barrie WETT Inspections today to learn more about WETT Certified Inspections in Barrie ON