WETT Inspections
About WETT Inspections
WETT inspections are visual inspections of a wood-burning and pellet stove installations to help ensure the appliance and venting is safe and complies to the current building code requirements (CSA B365). WETT inspections are commonly requested by real-estate agents during a home sale or purchase, or by home owners when requested by their insurance companies.
Nordic Energy’s WETT certified technicians are capable of performing these inspections. If your current wood-burning unit doesn’t meet current building code requirements, our experts will guide you through what needs to be done next. Nordic Energy’s technicians are able to perform the required work to get your installation back into compliance.
Do I Need My Wood-burning System Inspected?
Inspections of solid-fuel-burning systems (fireplaces, chimneys, wood-burning appliances, central-heating systems) are conducted for a variety of reasons. Typically, they are conducted for insurance purposes, for real estate transactions or to investigate a concern with the way the system is functioning.
Can I get a WETT inspection or a WETT certificate?
A WETT inspection is the inspection of a solid-fuel-burning system, performed by a WETT-certified professional, for compliance with applicable codes and standards. Appliances or installations cannot be WETT certified.
WETT frequently receives requests for a “WETT certificate,” a “WETT certification,” a “WETT approval” or asked if it’s a “WETT-certified installation.” We also receive requests for companies that are “WETT certified.” These are common misconceptions — they do not exist. What should be issued is an inspection report completed by someone who is WETT certified. The WETT certification number of the member should be included on his or her report.
Contact a WETT-certified professional to inspect your solid-fuel-burning system. WETT has adopted a process to help identify the level of inspection required. We call this SITE®.
What type of WETT-certified professional do I need?
WETT primarily certifies individuals in the following categories (and combinations thereof ):
SITE® Basic Inspector — These are individuals who can perform a Visual inspection.
Technician — These are individuals who can install or perform maintenance on wood-burning appliances. They can also perform a Visual or Technical inspection.
Chimney Sweep — These are individuals who can clean and maintain your entire wood-burning system, including sweeping the chimney. They can also perform a Visual or Technical inspection.
SITE® Comprehensive Inspector — These are individuals who can perform a Visual, Technical or Invasive inspection. These individuals are also technicians and/or sweeps.
How can I verify that someone is certified?
You can verify that someone is certified by checking the WETT Inc. website www. wettinc.ca or by calling the WETT National office at 1-888-358-9388.
It is important to note that WETT certifies individuals, not companies. Companies may advertise that they have WETT-certified people on staff.
When contacting companies, you should make it clear that you are looking for a WETT-certified individual to complete work on your behalf. WETT professionals are issued photo ID cards, which include a sticker. This sticker must be for the current year.
An inspector will be able to help you assess which level of inspection is required based on your needs. For most insurance and real estate inspections, a Visual inspection may be sufficient. If, during the course of the inspection, the inspector sees signs of concern, a Technical or Invasive inspection may be recommended. Inspection or service of a solid- fuel-burning system may result in a recommendation for further action including, but not limited to, repair or replacement of system components, and/or sweeping of the venting system, and/or a higher level of inspection.
If your wood-burning system is not functioning properly or is causing concerns such as smoke spillage, rapid creosote accumulation, etc., you should discontinue use and contact a WETT-certified technician or sweep.
What type of report will I receive?
You will receive a written report detailing the areas in which the installation meets or does not meet the requirements of the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the appropriate codes. An installation is either in compliance of the inspection area or it is not.
WETT provides members with inspection forms for their use. Typically, most forms for Visual inspections will capture information that includes appliance type, certification markings, clearances and if the installation meets the relevant codes. Given the detailed nature of Technical and Invasive inspections, additional information may be captured.
For how long is an inspection report valid?
The nature of any inspection report is that it records what was seen at the date and time of the inspection. After completing an inspection report and leaving the premises, the inspector has no control over, nor knowledge of, any changes to a solid-fuel-burning system. Consequently, an inspection report can only warrant what was seen and recorded at the time of the inspection.
What is the cost of an inspection?
WETT’s authority does not include regulating how much WETT-certified professionals charge for their services. This question can be asked when you call to arrange for an inspection. Pricing may vary depending on the level of inspection required, travel distance for the inspector and documentation provided.
How to find an inspector?
Nordic Energy has WETT-Certified Inspectors on staff. Fill out the form below to request a WETT inspection in the Greater Sudbury area.
If you’re located elsewhere visit the WETT website and use the “Find a WETT-certified Professional” search feature.
What level of SITE® inspection do I need?
SITE® is a set of standardized guidelines and procedures that are recommended by WETT for the inspection and/or evaluation of solid-fuel-burning systems. SITE® has three levels of inspection:
Level 1: Visual Inspection — “Readily Accessible”
Readily Accessible is defined as quickly or easily reached for inspection.
A Visual 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 will measure clearances, open stove doors and all ground-accessible dampers/clean-out doors, visually inspect the chimney from the ground and inspect the easily visible portions of the flue (such as first tiles of an open fireplace, or top section if the inspector has accessed the roof ).
A measuring tape, flashlight, mirror, camera, 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.
Level 2: Technical Inspection — “Accessible”
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, taking apart flue pipes, entering the attic to view additional system components or accessing the chimney from the roof.
Accessible system and/or building components can be repositioned to their original location and/or condition.
In addition to the tools used in a Visual inspection, the inspector may use a ladder and hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers.
Level 3: Invasive Inspection — “Concealed Accessibility”
Concealed Accessibility is defined as not able to be accessed except by invasive methods.
Access to concealed areas would require general construction work to building elements, including the opening of walls or ceilings, the dissassembly or invasive work on masonry or prefab chimneys and examination of the chimney liner.
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 from the Authority Having Jurisdiction when compromising structural building components. The WETT inspector should get an agreement in writing from the client prior to any invasive methods.
In addition to the tools used in a Visual and Technical inspection, the inspector may use specialty tools such as video scanning or other equipment utilized by installers or chimney sweeps. Power tools including drills, saws or other equipment may be used, based upon work required.