What is a WETT Inspection ?
A WETT inspection is a visual inspection of a wood-burning appliance to help ensure the appliance is safe and complies to the current building code requirements (BC365). WETT inspections are commonly requested by real-estate agents during a home sale or purchase and home owners when requested by their insurance companies.
WETT Inspection Training
Roger Frost has been a WETT Certified Inspector for over 20 years. Every 5 years he is required to take refresher courses to maintain his Certified WETT Inspector status. Roger is Level 1 Certified which is the level required for Home Insurance and Municipal Building Permits. Although WETT is not a formally recognized body or a required part of any Building Code or CSA requirement they are accepted by both Insurance Companies and Building Departments. How insurance companies deal with Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, Fireplace Inserts and Pellet Stoves is totally different as each company makes up their own guidelines that their clients have to follow. For example a lot of Home Insurance companies will not insure a property with an un-certified wood stove, even though it meets all the requirements of CSA B365. Home owners thinking of buying a new home should consult with their insurance company prior to purchasing if a wood stove or fireplace etc is involved.
Who is WETT ?
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by holders of valid WETT certificates. Through its administrative designate, WETT Inc. functions as the national registrar of the WETT program. Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems in Canada.
In carrying out its mandate to promote increased safety and effectiveness, WETT Inc. maintains the Wood Energy Technical Training program (WETT). The program is designed to:
- Provide training to those who offer wood-energy products and installation and maintenance services to the public and to those who conduct inspections of wood-burning systems,
- Confirm and recognize the knowledge and skills acquired through field experience, self-study and successful completion of WETT courses by issuing certificates of qualification,
- Provide training to specialty audiences as the need and demand arises.
The WETT system consists of several courses recognizing the various types of work done by wood-energy professionals. Certification is achieved by completing courses to earn educational credits. A technical reference manual has been prepared to assist trainees in preparing for courses and as a reference for certificate holders.
WETT-certified professionals must abide by a code of ethics requiring professionalism in all aspects of their work. The installation and maintenance of wood-burning appliances is not a federally regulated industry in Canada. As a non-profit training and educational association, WETT does not oversee, nor is it responsible for, the workmanship of its members. As such, WETT does not act as a regulator. WETT does maintain internal processes to address breaches of our code of ethics. However, WETT cannot become involved in resolving consumer disputes.
Why I Need a WETT Inspection
Most insurance companies are asking for WETT Inspections on wood burning units. One misconception is the term “WETT Certificate”. Never has this certificate existed. All that is provided and needed is the actual WETT report.
We have performed thousands of WETT Inspections and there are many unsafe and potiential fire hazrds out there just waiting for some innocent individual to light the fire that will most likely bring the house down. I recently inspected a brand new multi-million dollar water front property with two custom fireplace which the mason had forgot, or din’t know, to install combustion air. The local building inspector, who was WETT Certified, did not notice or bring it to the attention of the contractor. So just because something is new does not mean it is right!
When someone is buying a home we always recommend that they get the chimney cleaned prior to inspection. Creosote build up can hide cracks in flue tiles and other deficiencies. When purchasing a home with a wood burning appliance it is always wise to know you are starting out with an appliance that is safe to use.
https://wettinc.ca has a search feature that allows you to find multiple Chimney Sweeps and WETT Certfied Inspectors close to your home. I always recommend checking prices prior to hiring some one.
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.
- In accordance with the WETT Code of Ethics, 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 the 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.
WETT Inspections are typically available the same or next day depending on time of the year. WETT Inspection Report is provided at time of inspection.
WETT Inspection – Pass or Fail ?
There is no pass or fail on a WETT Certified Inspection.
The WETT Certified Inspection consists of filling out a WETT Approved Form which specifies what Inspection Items are in Compliance. Items not in compliance are noted on the report. Unfortunately a WETT Certified Inspection report is an assessment of the wood burning appliance at the time of inspection. It does not take into account any items that were approved at the time of contruction but are non-compliant with current installation requirements.
Roger is available 7 days a week to answer questions on Installation or Compliance requirements.
Phone 705-795-8255