WETT Inspections Barrie

wett certified inspections

Most problems with Fireplaces and Wood Stoves originate from not being properly inspected.  The masonry chimney is the one item that is prone to damage, from overheating or moisture penetration.  Water damage is the worst culprit when it comes to chimney damage.  Your chimney is constantly exposed to rain, snow and the ongoing freezing and thawing cycles.  Water will enter the smallest crack, and it becomes like a “little jackhammer” constantly freezing and expanding the crack.  Although a slow process, the water will continue downwards destroying everything in its path.

Barrie has many older homes that were built with old style fireplaces.  Many of these fireplaces are not safe to use and should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected prior to using.  A chimney that has not been used or inspected for a long period of time could have many serious defects that could cause a fire.  Water may have cracked your flue tile, birds may have nested in your chimney, the list is endless.

Older style chimney caps are no longer permitted.  They now have to be one piece caps with a “drip edge” installed. As you can see in the picture, the mortar is deteriorating and cracking.  Water will soon start making its way through the brick and brick mortar.  Older home owners are not very likely to climb their roof to check their chimney.  This is where a WETT Inspection is invaluable for the protection and safety of the home.

Water penetration can cause interior and exterior damage to your home and masonry chimney including:
  • Rusted damper assemblies
  • Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies
  • Rusted fireplace accessories and glass doors
  • Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings
  • Water stained walls and ceiling
  • Clogged clean out area
  • Deteriorated central heating system
  • Stained chimney exterior
  • Decayed exterior mortar
  • Cracked or deteriorated flue lining system
  • Collapsed hearth support
  • Tilted or collapsed chimney structure
  • Chimney settlement

An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure when it comes to your masonry chimney.  If you can see cracks at the side of your chimney cap then you know there will be cracks on the top.

Ember Protection

Ember protection is another requirement that has evolved over time.  A wood stove is required to have 18 inches of ember protection in front of the opening door.  Stoves that only require ember protection can be placed directly on floors of non-combustible construction, such as tile or brick.  Sheet metal and any other non-combustible product that has no gaps etc.   Custom Hearthpads are available for purchase and are ULC rated.

Most modern stoves do not require “heat protection” for the floor.  The stove legs are typically long enough to not require any protection.  It would be wise to double check for this when buying a wood stove.  The cost of installing a proper heat pad can be expensive.

Fireplace Hearth Extension

Fireplaces with less that 6 square feet ( 0.56 M2 ) of opening require a hearth that extends 16 inches to the front and 8 inches to the sides.

Fireplaces with over 6 square feet of opening require a hearth that extends 20 inches to the front and 12 inches to the sides.

A clear area in front of fireplaces of 48 inches is usually required to provide room for fueling and ash removal.

Inspect Your Wood Appliance Every Year Prior to Using

Exterior

  • Look for loose or damaged bricks on chimney exterior
  • Make sure flashing (metal barrier at roof line) is intact and in-place
  • Check for cracks or leak lines on chimney crown
  • Clear chimney cap and grate (wire mesh) of debris; ensure tight fit
  • Clear path down flue through smoke chamber
  • Look for stains or leaks down flue
  • Make note of visible creosote buildup

Interior

  • Check for damage to floor and wall protection
  • Note rust damage
  • Look for smoke or leak stains
  • Check gaskets and gasket rope on doors; ensure tight fit
  • Inspect door and window seals
  • Check that glass window is crack-free; clean soot
  • Dump ash drawer; replace empty
  • Check fireplace screen for holes
  • Make sure damper (interior door into chimney throat) is clear of debris
  • Open damper for good oxygen flow
  • Clean dust off woodstove blower; ensure operable
  • Replace filters
  • Replace batteries in carbon dioxide and smoke detectors
  • Make sure fire extinguishers are current and easy to access

Hiring a WETT Certified Inspector

WETT Inspection Barrie is available 7 days a week for your convenience.  Call Roger today  705-795-8255

Wett Certified for Over 15 Years

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WETT Inspections in Barrie & Simcoe County

WETT Inspections in Barrie

We provide same day service to clients in Barrie and Area

If you require a Certified WETT Inspection of your Woodstove, Fireplace or Pellet stove
Call the Barrie WETT Inspector.

What is WETT ?   Wood Energy Technology Transfer is a Non-Profit education and training association dedicated to training individuals to perform a Certified Inspection of your Wood Burning appliance.

How Long is Wett Certified Inspection good for?   WETT Inc. has no time limits on the validity of your WETT Inspection report.  Your Home Insurance Company is the deciding factor and each company is different.   Some Insurance Companies will require a new WETT Certified Inspection when a home is purchased.  Many people are requested to obtain a new WETT inspection when changing Insurance Companies.   Check with your Insurance Company prior to changing to ensure your saving enough money to justify the cost of a WETT Inspection.

Some of the Items Checked during WETT Inspection

WETT Certified Inspections 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smoke Chamber – checked for cleanliness and any openings or cracks.

Damper – checked for proper operation

Firebox – all seals and material are inspected for openings or damage

Hearth & Floor Protection –  Inspected and measured to ensure compliance

Flue Pipes & Venting – Correct installation and clearances verified

Clearances to Combustibles –  All required clearances are verified

Chimney Construction – All surfaces and supports are inspected

Rain caps – recommended for all clay flue chimney installations

Chimney Cap and Liner –  Inspected for cracks or missing mortar

Ensure your families “Peace of Mind” by having your “Wood Burning Appliance” inspected by a WETT Certified Inspector.

If you are purchasing a new home that has a Wood Burning Appliance you can take advantage of the Barrie Home Inspector’s discount of $150.00 when included as part of Home Inspection package.

That’s right!  Your WETT inspection is only $100.00 per appliance with Home Inspection package. Regular WETT Inspection fee is $250.00.

Visit the Barrie WETT Inspection website for useful information about installation or clearances required.

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WETT – Wood Energy Thermal Technology

Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT)

is a non-profit training and education association that promotes the safe and effective use of wood burning systems in Canada. With the cost of heating fuel climbing ever higher, more and more people are choosing wood burning systems to heat their homes. While this method offers a less expensive alternative to electrical and gas powered systems, it also poses a greater risk of fire. If your home or business is currently heated completely or partially by a wood burning device it is a good idea to have your system inspected by a certified WETT technician.

A WETT inspection involves examining the appliance for certification by a certified product testing company and confirming that all clearance requirements are met. If the unit is not certified the requirements are more stringent. A WETT inspection will verify the condition of the appliance, proper installation, appropriate ventilation, CSA certification (if any), approved chimney type and installation.

Before arranging for a Certified WETT Inspection there are some basic items you can check prior to calling for an inspection.  You can also call prior to inspection for any information you may require.  Call Roger at 705-795-8255

Fireplace 

  • Check the firebox for cracked firebricks or lining material. Replace any cracked firebricks to keep the firebox in good shape and prevent overheating which can warp steel components and turn the unit into scrap.
  • Check the operation of the damper. Quite often dampers are seized or broken which can lead to unsafe or poor operating conditions.
  • For masonry chimneys, replace any deteriorated or spalling masonry and caulk flashings as needed.
  • Ensure rain caps are present to prevent water leakage inside chimneys and their liners.
  • Clean the unit so a proper inspection can be performed.

Woodstove

  • Visually check the firebox for any cracked firebricks, replace cracked firebricks to ensure the firebox is sound and prevent overheating which can warp steel, crack welds and destroy your woodstove
  • Ensure flue pipes are properly secured with three screws per pipe connection or equivalent pipe clamps installed as per mfg. specs. Ensure the pipe fittings are oriented correctly and the pipe is also sloped correctly.
  • Check the damper operation, door gasket for deterioration and the door glass for cracking.
  • Ensure any heat shielding is secured and in good condition.
  • Keep wood storage and combustible materials at least 4 feet away from the wood stove in all directions at ALL times.

Floor Protection

There are two aspects to floor protection: thermal protection – protecting the floor from radiant heat from the bottom of the stove – and ember protection. For ember

Typical Floor Pad Layout

protection, you need to have continuous, non-combustible flooring under your appliance, extending 8” beyond it at the rear and sides and extending 18” in front of the wood loading door. Continuous means there can be no cracks where embers could get down to combustible material. So, patio stones or bricks won’t work unless you grout between them. If you have a certified appliance, you don’t need to worry about thermal protection. The legs are designed to be long enough to keep the firebox far enough from the floor that the floor won’t get too hot. If you have an uncertified appliance, you will need to have additional thermal protection under the stove.

Flue Pipes

The flue pipe is the pipe that connects the appliance to the chimney. Measure the distance between the pipe and any combustible construction. Required clearance around the standard single wall flue pipe is 18”. Double wall flue pipes have a sticker stating the required clearance (usually 6”).

Installation Guidelines from Woodheat.org

  1. Maximum overall length of straight pipe: 3 m (10 ft.) Typical Chimney Installation
  2. The assembly should be as short and direct as possible between the stove and chimney. The use of two 45 degree elbows is often preferable to a single 90 degree elbow because less turbulence is created in the exhaust flow and they result in less horizontal run.
  3. Maximum number of 90-degree elbows: 2. Maximum unsupported horizontal length: 1 m (3 feet).
  4. Galvanized flue pipes must not be used because the coatings vaporize at high temperatures and release dangerous gases. Use black painted flue pipes.
  5. 6-, 7-, and 8-inch diameter flue pipes must be at least 24 gauge in thickness.
  6. Flue pipe joints should overlap 30 mm (1 1/4 in.)
  7. Each joint in the assembly must be fastened with at least three screws.
  8. The assembly must have allowance for expansion: elbows in assemblies allow for expansion; straight assemblies should include an inspection wrap with one end unfastened, or a telescopic section.
  9. Minimum upward slope towards the chimney: 20 mm/m (1/4 in/ft.).
  10. One end of the assembly must be securely fastened to the flue collar with 3 sheet metal screws and the other end securely fastened to the chimney.
  11. There must be provision for cleaning of the pipes, either through a clean out or by removal of the pipe assembly. Removal of the assembly should not require that the stove be moved.
  12. The crimped ends (male) of the sections must be oriented towards the appliance so that falling dust and condensation stay inside the pipe.
  13. A flue pipe must never pass through a combustible floor or ceiling or through an attic, roof space, closet or concealed space.
  14. Minimum clearance from combustible material: 450 mm (18 in.). The minimum clearance may be reduced by 50 percent to 225 mm (9 in.) if suitable shielding is installed either on the pipe or on the combustible surface.

Don’t put your family’s safety at risk. Maintain wood heat safety requirements by education and proper installation.

Call Roger at 705-795-8255 for your Certified WETT Inspection

Email Roger  for appointments or questions

WETT Inspection Information
Barrie WETT Inspections
WETT Inspection Services

We provide WETT inspections to Angus, Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Brechin, Collingwood, Everett, Innisfil, Lisle, Midland, New Lowell, Orillia, Penetang, Ramara, Stayner, anywhere in Simcoe County.

A WETT Certified Inspection is only $75.00 when included as part of Home Inspection.

WETT Inspections and Chimney Inspections

What is WETT?

WETT certification is the qualification, by physical inspection and written report of all wood burning appliances and smoke stack system.  Manufacture requirements as set-out in the specific manual and the municipal building codes utilized to complete the assessment, report and certification. Since the mid 1970’s a large number of home fires have been attributed to the improper installation and use of wood burning appliances and masonry constructed fireplaces.  Insurance companies have increased the demand for W.E.T.T. inspections due to the high risk involved in wood burning for heating purposes.


Chimney Inspections Explained

Until recently, the scope of work performed in the inspection or evaluation of a fireplace, stove or other venting system was generally up to the discretion of the chimney service technician. Professional service technicians now have an industry standard that removes much of that “discretion.” The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has addressed the minimum chimney inspection standards in its latest publication (NFPA 211) concerning home heating appliances.

Inspections are now classified as Level 1 , Level 2 or Level 3 . Each level of inspection covers specific items depending on the individual appliance and venting system. Below is an explanation of the three levels of inspections and what services your chimney service technician should provide for each level.

Level 1 Inspections

If your appliance or your venting system has not changed and you plan to use your system as you have in the past, then a Level 1 inspection is a minimum requirement. A Level 1 inspection is recommended for a chimney under continued service, under the same conditions, and with the continued use of the same appliance. In a Level 1 inspection, your chimney service technician should examine the readily accessible** portions of the chimney exterior, interior and accessible* portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. Your technician will be looking for the basic soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. The technician will also verify the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits.

Level 2 Inspections

A Level 2 inspection is required when any changes are made to the system. Changes can include a change in the fuel type, changes to the shape of, or material in, the flue (i.e. relining), or the replacement or addition of an appliance of a dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency. Additionally, a Level 2 inspection is required upon the sale or transfer of a property or after an operation malfunction or external event that is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. Building fires, chimney fires, seismic events as well as weather events are all indicators that this level of inspection is warranted. A Level 2 inspection is a more in-depth inspection than a Level 1 inspection.– When a Level 1 or Level 2 inspection suggests a hidden hazard and the evaluation cannot be performed without special tools to access concealed areas of the chimney or flue, a Level 3 inspection is recommended. A Level 3 inspection addresses the proper construction and the condition of concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Removal or destruction, as necessary, of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure will be required for the completion of a Level 3 inspection. A Level 2 inspection includes everything in a Level 1 inspection, plus the accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior including attics, crawl spaces and basements. It will address proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations.

There are no specialty tools (i.e. demolition equipment) required to open doors, panels or coverings in performing a Level 2 inspection. A Level 2 inspection shall also include a visual inspection by video scanning or other means in order to examine the internal surfaces and joints of all flue liners incorporated within the chimney. No removal or destruction of permanently attached portions of the chimney or building structure or finish shall be required by a Level 2 inspection.

Level 3 Inspections

A Level 3 inspection includes all the areas and items checked in a Level 1 and a Level 2 inspection, as well as the removal of certain components of the building or chimney where necessary. Removal of components (i.e., chimney crown, interior chimney wall) shall be required only when necessary to gain access to areas that are the subject of the inspection. When serious hazards are suspected, a Level 3 inspection may well be required to determine the condition of the chimney system.

Order you WETT Certified inspection today!  Only $75.00 when included as part of Home Inspection.

or Call Roger at 705-795-822  or Toll Free at 888-818-8608

WETT Inspection and Chimneys

Chimney Definition

Commonly a chimney is described as a vertical structure incorporated into a building and enclosing a flue or flues that extends above the roof and carries smoke and/or fumes to the exterior.  Defective chimneys are the cause of most failed WETT Inspections.

Common Types of Chimneys

The masonry chimney is probably the most common form of chimney that I have inspected in the past ten years.  Many older homes had one or multiple masonry chimneys installed.  The problem with masonry chimneys is water penetration.  All masonry chimney  materials, except stone, will suffer premature deterioration as a result of extended contact with water. Masonry materials deteriorate rapidly when exposed to the freeze/thaw process, in which moisture that has penetrated the materials periodically freezes and expands causing damage. Water in the chimney also causes rust in steel and cast iron, weakening or destroying the metal parts.  In Ontario you are required to use a one piece concrete cap with drip edge rather than old style mortar caps which were the cause of most water related problems.   Adding a rain cap to your chimney can also greatly extend life of masonry and metal products.

Chimney Liners can consist of clay, ceramic or metal vent installed inside your chimney and are designed to keep products of combustion contained and directed to the exterior of building.  The liner has three main functions, which are:

(1) The liner protects the house components from heat transfer, protecting combustibles.

(2) The liner protects masonry components from corrosive products of combustion.

(3) Liners provide the optimum flue for efficiency of fireplace or wood stove.

Clay tiles are the most common types of liner found in masonry chimneys.  Clay liners are susceptible to cracking from heat or water intrusion and must be repaired prior to using chimney.

Cast in Place liners are light weight, castable, cement like product that provide a smooth, seamless passage for products of combustion in your chimney.

Metal Chimney Liners are the most common type of addition to aging or damaged masonry chimneys. For wood burning stainless steel liners are required and must be installed in accordance with manufactures instructions.  Liner systems are tested and rated by UL or ULC and may not be modified beyond scope of installation instructions.

Chimneys and your homes Neutral Pressure Plane

Homes that have been renovated or newly constructed are made more airtight. This prevents makeup air from entering the home. This is common described as, “hot air rises”, and so does the warm air in your home.

When the warm air rises to the upper areas it’s creates a stack effect. That trapped air creates a pressurized area and forces its way out – through even very small openings such as recessed light fixtures and window frames. At the same time replacement air is trying to enter in the lower part of the building to make up for the escaping air.

Somewhere in your house is an area called the Neutral Pressure Plane (NPP). Above this theoretical plane, the air pressure is slightly positive compared to the outdoor air pressure and is trying to force its way out of the house. Below the plane, it is slightly negative and the house is trying to draw air in. The location of the NPP can constantly change in response to changing tempertures and openings in your home.

All of the factors that affect airflow in the house also influence the level of the Neutral Pressure Plane.  Some affects are using dryers, cooking exhaust fans and bathroom fans.

Anytime a fireplace or fuel-fired heating appliance (except direct vent) is below the plane, air will tend to flow into the house through the chimney or vent. A common example of this is found in homes with two fireplaces, one below the other. As the upper level fireplace uses air for combustion and chimney flow, it depressurizes that level slightly causing air to flow upwards from the lower level. Since the lower level fireplace is below the NPP, it draws air into the basement through the chimney. Unfortunately, since those two flues generally exit the chimney close to each other, the makeup air can contain some smoke from the fireplace above and it can pick up unpleasant chimney odors as it passes down the chimney flue.

Call the Alliston WETT Inspection service for your Fireplace, Wood Stove or Pellet Stove certified inspection.  WETT Certified for over 15 years.  Call Roger at 705-795-8255

When buying a home with a wood stove, pellet stove or fireplace you can receive a $75.00 WETT Inspection in Alliston as part of home inspection package.

Alliston WETT Inspector

When you require a WETT Inspection in Alliston or New Tecumseth, call the Alliston Home Inspector for prompt and experienced service.  Over tens years as Certified WETT Inspector and over 5,000 home inspections ensures your investment is protected when purchasing a new home.

Save Money when Obtaining a WETT Certificate as part of Home Inspection package.  Only $75.00 when included with Home Inspection.

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.

Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) is the authority on all solid fuel burning appliances in Canada. The Canadian Standards Authority (CSA) recognizes the Standard B365 as the guide lines to ensure the safe and proper installation of all wood stoves, pellet stoves, factory built fire places, combination furnaces and add-on furnaces.

Some Common Questions Asked by WETT Inspection Clients

WHAT ARE CLEARANCES?
Clearances represent the minimum distance that a woodburning appliance can be installed from anything that could overheat and potentially burn. During normal operation, the outer surface of a wood burning stove reaches temperatures around 300°C (570°F). At peak output, it can reach temperatures as high as 540°C (1000°F).
If combustible materials are located too close to the stove, they could ignite and cause a house fire. The closer you are to a fire, the more intense the heat. Clearances are designed to keep combustible materials around a (190°F), even in the event of a chimney fire.
Wood exposed to temperatures as low as 120°C (250°F) over a pro-longed period of time will begin to char and may ultimately ignite. The highest temperature to which combustibles can safely be exposed for long periods is 90°C (190°F).
WHAT’S A “COMBUSTIBLE”‘?
A combustible is anything that will burn, including wallpaper, wood studs, certain types of insulation (e.g., polystyrene) and paneling. Even so – called “fire resistant” gypsum board (drywall) panels are considered combustible.  According to the Building Code any product that does not have a fire-resistant rating is considered a combustible.
WHAT CAN FAIL MY WETT INSPECTION?
Many items can cause your WETT Inspection to fail to meet recognized standards.  Some common items are:
Cracked and damaged flue tiles.
Dampers seized and in-operable
Failure to meet required distances to combustibles
Improper wall and ceiling connectors.
There are many more items that you may be required to fix or repair prior to obtaining a WETT certificate that an insurance company will accept.  Call Roger to discuss your installation or concerns regarding WETT inspections for Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, Hearth Mount Stoves and Pellet Stoves.
Do you require a basic visual inspection such as for insurance or pre-purchase 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. If this description fits your needs call today and book your Certified WETT Inspection.