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 Would I Need a WETT Specialty Inspection?

An inspection for the wood burning appliances in your home is important for a number of reasons, most importantly, the safety of you and your family. With wood burning appliances, the potential for harmful pollutants to be released into your home as well as combustible materials to ignite is increased, so it is important that these appliances are regularly inspected and properly 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, consulting with a WETT certified inspector or technician is a necessity.

WETT inspections are now required as a part of the home insuring process. Many homeowners first hear about WETT inspections because their 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 of these features is not in compliance with WETT standards. An inspection will tell you if your wood appliances are operating optimally, are in sound structural condition, and that they burn in a way that does not compromise your health and safety.

What is included in a WETT Inspection?

A WETT specialty inspection is an inspection that must be conducted by an inspector who is WETT certified. It is advised that you use a licensed and experienced WETT inspector because only they will have the true in-depth knowledge necessary for examining these systems correctly.

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 there is a problem with the function of the technology in your home, it is important that the technician you employ is also a licensed WETT technician.

The Bottom Line

WETT specialty inspections are more than just something to offer you peace of mind, if wood-burning appliances are a part of your home’s features, it is of paramount importance that these appliances are both installed properly and inspected for your safety. If you have any questions regarding WETT specialty inspections, you can call Hoover’s Home Energy Inc.
Mark Hoover is a Solid Fuel Space Heating Technician, Solid Fuel System Advisor, Chimney Sweep, SITE Basic Inspector and SITE Comprehensive Inspector. Mark is trained and licenced to address any of your needs when it comes to Wood Energy Technology Transfer.