Barrie Home Inspector

Home Maintenance and Tips for Home Owners

Category: WETT Inspections

WETT Inspections in Barrie, Orillia, Alliston, Midland and Bradford

WETT Inspections for Insurance

WETT Inspections

With over 10 years of experience as a Certified WETT Inspector the Barrie Home Inspector offers Basic Site Inspection services for Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves and Fireplaces.

Many people wrongly assume that they require a WETT Certificate to fulfill their insuranceWETT Certified Certificate company requirements.  Your WETT inspector is actually the one who is WETT Certified to perform the WET Inspection in accordance with Provincial Building Code requirements, Fire Code requirements and CSA requirements.  Your trained WETT Certified Inspector will inspect your wood burning appliance and issue you with a report of the findings.

What 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 manual for certificate holders.

WETT trained 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 regulated 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.

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.
  • To 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 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

Woodburning Appliance Inspections: (WETT)

Do you require a basic visual inspection such as for insurance or pre-purchase inspection of a home equipped with a wood burning appliance or fireplace? A basic visual inspection is a general overview of the readily accessible parts to determine if the system meets current regulations. Most often homeowners ask about WETT (Wood Energy Technical Transfer) because their insurance company has asked that they have their appliance WETT certified

Typically, when people are looking for an insurance type of inspection, a visual inspectionChimney Installation for Wood Stove is conducted to determine if there is evidence of any problems with the installation. This includes examining clearances, chimney heights and visual signs of deterioration. If there are concerns identified, then the inspector should make a recommendation that the appliance be checked and, if necessary, repaired by a WETT certified technician

Woodstoves and fireplace inserts are required to be installed according to CSA B 365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment. Masonry fireplaces are required to be built to the Ontario Building Code.  Most insurance companies, for home insurance purposes, require a report stating that the wood burning appliance meets these installation practices

 

Barrie WETT Inspection

Home Inspection, WETT Inspections

Barrie WETT Inspection. Most people love the idea of having a natural wood burning fireplace in their home, but they sometimes do not realize all of the responsibilities that come with it. Fireplaces do take a bit of care to ensure that they do not cause any problems. Just one little issue with a fireplace could result in your house catching fire, so having a regular WETT inspection by a trained professional is very important. WETT inspections are performed for a variety of reasons, including insurance company requests, code compliance, and inspection after and overheat or chimney fire.

Most Insurance Company’s require a WETT Inspection anytime a Wood Burning appliance is installed or when buying a new home. There are strict requirements that affect clearances that many older stoves and fireplaces will not meet.

There are several things inspectors will look at when they perform a WETT inspection. Unsafe Chimney & Flue Items such as the chimney, the liner, the smoke chamber, damper, firebox and other working parts inside the fireplace or woodstove to make sure that they are working properly. The inspector will also make sure clearances to combustible materials are sufficient so you can use your wood burning appliance safely.

Complete inspection of any wood burning appliance involves an evaluation of every part of the heating system, from the floor pad to the chimney cap. All of these parts are covered in the codes, so compliance can only be determined if every part is inspected.

The chimney is usually the most difficult part of the system to inspect properly. Flue liners are subject to cracking inside masonry chimneys, or buckling and corrosion in the case of metal chimneys. It is difficult to inspect a chimney liner unless it has just been cleaned.

Inspectors only become certified after at least 80 weeks of work in the field and require a WETT Certified Certificateletter of reference. WETT Certified Inspectors must take and pass a two day Code Compliant course with a passing grade of 70 percent. WETT Inspectors then have the choice of becoming a certified tech or advisor, earn their certification in chimney sweeping, or earn a WETT certification in SITE basic.

In many cases, insurance companies will require you to have your units WETT certified, although this is a bit of a technical problem because of how the process works. WETT inspectors do not certify appliances, although they do provide certified inspections for the insurance company to show that all parts of the fireplace are in good working order.

The Barrie WETT Inspector will include a WETT Inspection of one appliance for $50.00 when included as part of Home Inspection package.  We also provide Alliston WETT Inspection services to the Town of Alliston and New Tecumseth.   We have been WETT Certified for over 10 years and have a wealth of knowledge concerning Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves and Fireplaces.

WETT Inspections for Barrie, Alliston and Orillia

WETT Inspections

WETT Inspections for Barrie, Alliston and Orillia.  The Barrie Home Inspector provides WETT Inspection services to Barrie, Alliston, Orillia, Stayner, Innisfil, Thornton, Rama, Lefroy, Alcona Beach, Bradford, Newmarket, Churchill, Tiny Beaches, Midland, Penetanguishene, Penetang, Wasaga Beach, Everett, Tottenham, Beeton and Simcoe County.

WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer)
SITE (System Inspections and Technical Evaluation)

SITE is a set of standardized guidelines recommended by WETT for the inspection and evaluation of wood-burning and other solid fuel burning systems. This chart identifies what each inspection level includes, its purpose and process. An inspection at any level
may include more but not less than that outlined in the “SITE Chart and Guidelines”.

To find out more valuable information on WETT Inspections visit  WETT INSPECTON’S for all the information you will need when installing a wood stove, fireplace or pellet stove

Level 1 Inspection “Readily Accessible” Level 2 Inspection “Accessible” Level 3 Inspection “Concealed Accessibility”
Scope (What is Included) The inspection of “readily accessible” components of: (1) A wood/solid-fuel burning appliance, or (2) A site-built fireplace, and (3) The venting system for:

a)The proper use of required components, and

b)clearance to combustibles, and

c)readily visible system obstructions or deposits.

 

 (1)A Level 1 inspection, and (2)an inspection of all “accessible” components of the system for clearance to combustibles and for obstructions or deposits, and (3)an evaluation of the construction, sizing, condition and suitability of “accessible” components of the system.   1)A Level 1 and 2 inspection, and (2)an inspection of system components in areas of “concealed accessibility” for clearance to combustibles, and (3)an evaluation of construction, sizing, condition and suitability of components of the system in areas of “concealed accessibility”, and (4)an examination of surrounding construction for evidence of damage.

 
Purpose (Why and When) (1) To verify code compliance of the readily accessible components: (a)At a homeowner’s request, or (b)with a homeowner’s permission, when requested by a third party such as a Realtor, insurance company, home buyer or seller etc.   1)When a Level 1 inspection is deemed insufficient because of a detected or suspected compliance issue or hazard, or (2)when verification of the suitability and integrity of the system components is required, or (3)after an operating malfunction or external event that may have caused damage to the system, or (4)if the system experiences combustion spillage events, or

(5)when an appliance is replaced, or

(6)when a major system component is replaced or requires significant repair.

 

 (1)When a Level 2 inspection is deemed insufficient because of a detected or suspected compliance issue or hazard that cannot be fully verified without access to concealed areas, or (2)after an incident that may have caused damage to any concealed parts of the system or building construction related to the system.
Process (What to Expect) 1)A basic visual inspection by a WETT certified SITE inspector; performed without a ladder or specialized tools. (2)A report using WETT’s recommended inspection checklist(s) or similar checklist(s), for the type of system being inspected. (1)Inspection of accessible system components, which may include disassembly of accessible system components, by a WETT certified SITE Comprehensive Inspector, or by a WETT certified Technician, as a part
of an installation or major system component repair process. (2)A report using WETT’s recommended checklist(s), or similar checklist(s). (3)A written evaluation of the suitability and integrity of the system  		 (1)The inspection by invasive means of concealed areas of the system by a WETT certified SITE Comprehensive Inspector, including the removal of nonstructural building components and/or the disassembly of parts of the system. (2)The possible use of specialized tools and equipment. (3)A comprehensive written report of the findings and possibly including inspection checklists.  
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association. Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood and solid-fuel burning systems in Canada. SITE and WETT Inc. are registered trademarks of WETT Inc. 

Chimney Fires

WETT Inspections

Chimney Fires. If a chimney fire does occur, immediately shut off the air supply by closing all dampers and air openings on the stove or glass doors of the fireplace. If the fire in the stove or fireplace can be extinguished safely, put it out as quickly and safely as possible. A dry chemical fire extinguisher works well in putting out a wood fire. Never throw water on a stove fire as it could cause a large burst of steam and also possible burns. When working around a wood stove or fireplace a good pair of fireproof gloves are a must.

Chimney fires are often dramatic events, with flames and cinders leaping high enough to come to the attention of neighbors and passersby. But they’re not all like this. They can also burn quite slowly if they aren’t being fed by much air or fuel. These sleeper fires are no less dangerous than the more visibly dramatic ones. They still reach high temperatures and can damage the chimney and nearby combustible parts of the house. The heat can be so intense that it can actually pick the mortar out from between bricks or stones.

A chimney fire can catch your roof or any walls near the chimney on fire. Once fire has occurred in a chimney the entire chimney is usually replaced due to cracked flue tiles. Clay flue tiles are designed to vent the gases and not contain a hot fire which is what occurs when there is a chimney fire.

One cause of chimney fires is debris in the chimney. If birds drop in nesting material or the like, the hot products of combustion can cause the nesting material to catch on fire, resulting in a fire in the flue system. In order to prevent chimney fires from being caused in this manner, it is important to have a cap at the top of your chimney. A stainless steel chimney cap will not allow birds or bats to enter the chimney at all due to small wire mesh. A chimney cap saves the lives of animals and also prevents chimney fires.

A chimney fire extinguisher looks like a flare. The most popular extinguisher is called Chimfex. It essentially extinguishes the fire by using up all of the oxygen in the chimney. If you do have a chimney fire, you should strike the Chimfex flare and throw it into the firebox. If you are using a fireplace with glass doors, be sure to shut the doors as that will help to cut off the oxygen supply.

Leaves, birdnests or debris from your gas or oil heating system can block your chimney. A crack or break in the flue tile to can interfere with the chimney’s ability to vent properly. If your chimney is blocked or is not airtight, Carbon Monoxide may seep into your home unnoticed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu: headaches, fatigue and nausea. If undetected, this odorless, colorless gas can be fatal.

Have your chimney inspected by a WETT Certified Professional who is trained to check for problems before a chimney fire happens to you. WETT Inspectors or Licensed Chimney sweeps will inspect and report on the condition of your chimney. You should have your chimney cleaned every year to help prevent the buildup of harmful creosote and also to check for any cracked or damaged flue tiles. The Barrie WETT Inspection Service provides this service to Simcoe County and area.

Pellet Stove Installation Requirements

WETT Inspections

Pellet Stove Installation Requirements. Until the 1990s, stoves were not tested for safety, and homeowners had little or no guidance on installation. The result was house fires that were avoidable. Today, after years of co-operative efforts by all levels of government, the wood-heating industry and groups such as Fire Prevention Canada, several measures are
in place to help you heat with wood – safely. These safety measures include the following:
• a reliable installation code (“CSA B365 Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment”);
• safety-testing standards for stoves, inserts, fireplaces, furnaces, chimneys and flue pipes (almost all equipment for sale carries a certification label indicating that it conforms to safety tests); and a thorough training program for retailers, installers, chimney sweeps, municipal fire and building inspectors, and insurance inspectors (professionals in every part of Canada have completed the WETT or APC programs).

When installing a Pellet Stove the termination of a sidewall vent serving a pellet-burning appliance shall be located to avoid personal burn injury, fire hazard, and interference with or damage to adjacent properties. A vent shall not terminate less than 2.1 m above any public sidewalk, lane or street or right of way. It shall not be within 1.8 m of a mechanical air supply inlet to a building. The vent shall not be within 1 m of a building opening or air inlet or another appliance or within 1 meter of the center line of an exterior gas meter. The vent shall not be within 1.8 m of any gas service regulator vent outlet or within 1 m of an oil tank vent or an oil tank inlet. The vent must also be located not less than 0.3 m above grade level or any surface that may support snow, ice, or debris or be located under a veranda, porch or deck.

A clear space of at least 1 m shall be provided from the termination to any building projection, adjacent wall, or any combustible materials such as trees, shrubs, fencing, etc. Guards shall be provided around the termination of the sidewall venting system to prevent individuals from accidentally running into the venting system and mechanical damage from occurring as a result of vehicular traffic. Where termination is above the roof line, the vent shall terminate at least 1 m above the adjacent roof surface.

Every automatic fuel-feeding device servicing a steam boiler using solid fuel shall be equipped with the following controls; a clearly labeled device, located near each entrance to the automatic feeding device floor space and capable of manual operation, for the stopping the supply of fuel to the fire grate; and an automatic device for stopping the automatic feeder if there is a low water level, press exceeds the maximum, shutdown or failure of the combustion air fan; shutdown or failure of the mechanical flue-gas exhauster; a device for maintaining minimum fire and at least one automatic control to regulate or control the normal operation of automatic fuel-feeding device.

Every automatic fuel-feeding device serving a forced-air furnace using solid fuel shall be equipped with the following controls: A clearly labeled device, located near each entrance to the automatic fuel-feeding device floor space and capable or manual operation, for stopping the supply of fuel to the fire grate. This device shall be capable of stopping the fuel-feeding if the temperature exceeds 95 deg C in the furnace supply plenum; shut down or failure of combustion air; failure of the combustion air supply mechanism to stay in the fully open position; shut down due to mechanical failure or failure of the flue-gas flow. The automatic fuel-feeding device shall have a control that will maintain a minimum fire and one automatic control to regulate the fuel-feeding device under normal operation.

When installed and used correctly, certified clean-burning appliances significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires. Their advanced combustion systems burn the smoke inside the firebox, so less creosote forms in the chimney. As a bonus, you save on chimney-cleaning costs, which can be significant for conventional systems that need cleaning two or three times each heating season.

WETT Inspections in Barrie, Alliston, Orillia and Tiny Beaches

WETT Inspections

WETT Inspections in Barrie, Alliston, Orillia and Tiny Beaches.  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.

A certificate holder will not knowingly sign or issue a false or misleading certificate, report or other document. A certificate holder will not knowingly sign or issue a false or misleading certificate, report or other document. A certificate holder will not make a false or malicious statement or publication that injures the professional reputation of another holder of a valid wett certificate.

Like any other human endeavor, wood heating can be done badly or well. Firewood can be harvested poorly, burned dirty and its heat wasted. The harmful behavior of those who burn wood badly has led to continual attacks in the media on the whole idea of residential wood heating. The increasing public backlash and government response to wood smoke, particularly in urban areas, is of such concern to us here at woodheat.org that we created a new site called The Woodpile to serve as a place to discuss the future of wood heating. Please visit The Woodpile and give your views on the state of wood heating today.

Large parts of North America have highly productive forests that could sustainably supply fuel for far more homes than are currently heated with wood. The productivity of many forests can be improved by thinning, and this process could yield a large amount of wood fuel. Advanced technology wood heaters can effectively burn tree species that have historically been considered inferior. Poplar, spruce, pine and willow can be used as firewood in modern appliances. Firewood production can provide the incentive for good forest management and its use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuels.

The US government’s regulation of wood stove emissions, starting in 1988, produced a technological revolution that changed wood heating forever. Wood stoves certified by the Environmental Protection Agency emit roughly 90 percent less smoke and deliver up to one-third higher efficiency compared to older conventional stoves like the so-called ‘airtights’ of the 1970s and 1980s. Advanced technology, EPA certified wood stoves certainly do burn much cleaner and are also more pleasant to use, but there is more to reduced smoke emissions than using better technology. There are really three aspects: advanced technology in the form of EPA certified heaters, good quality fuel that is dry enough and split to the right size, and user practices that can reduce wood smoke and boost efficiency.

All wood, regardless of species, has about the same energy content per pound. The different species vary mainly in density. Traditionally, the favored trees in central North America were oak and maple because they are very dense and produce long-lasting coals. But these are valuable trees and in many areas are not plentiful enough to burn. No problem, just use softer woods like birch or poplar (aspen) or any other tree that is readily available. By far the most important characteristic of any firewood is its moisture content. Keep in mind that people living in the coldest areas of North America have no hardwoods to burn and they get along just fine – their main firewood species are spruce and aspen. Ultimately, it is more important to have wood that is cut and split to the right size and properly dried than it is to get the hardest wood available.

The Barrie Home Inpector is a Certified WETT Inspector and provides services in Barrie, Alliston, Orillia, Midland, Penetang, Bradford, Newmarket, Innisfil, Tiny Beaches, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Alcona Beach, Lagoon City, Brechin, Angus, New Lowell and many other communities in Simcoe County.

 

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