Barrie WETT Inspector

Why Do I Need a WETT Inspection?

Many insurance companies are insisting that the inspection and/or installation and/or maintenance of wood-burning appliances and equipment be performed by someone who is WETT certified.

Who is WETT Certified?

In order to become WETT Certified an inspector must take the following courses:

  • Successfully complete the three-day Code Compliance course.
  • Successfully complete the two-day Woodburning Systems course.
  • Successfully complete the one-day SITE Basic Inspection course.
  • Submit a verifiable declaration of 80 weeks inspection, installation and/or sales experience as well as a letter of reference.

How Long is WETT Inspection Report valid for?

The WETT report is only valid for the time of the inspection.  Your insurance company is the only requirement for obtaining a WETT inspection and will typically tell you what their current requirements are.  Some insurance companies will require a WETT Inspection when a property changes ownership.

What Regulations is the WETT Inspection based on?

Wett Inspections are based on the Ontario Building Code and B365-the Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment.

Grandfather Protection

Certain products which are not allowed to be used today are still acceptable if being used in its original application.  Take an A type chimney, as long as it is still hooked up to original appliance and no changes have been made it would be considered acceptable.  If you change your wood stove, you would have to upgrade your chimney.

Another example of changes to B365 is the requirement for free standing wood stoves and hearth-mounted stoves that are rear vented to have a Tee mandatory.  This will improve both inspection and maintenance of flue.

Types of WETT Inspections

There are 3 typical levels of WETT Certification which the majority of inspectors will qualify for,  they are:

Site Basic Inspection –  You are required to complete Code Compliance Course, Wood Burning Systems and Site Basic Inspection Course.

Chimney Sweeping – You are required to complete Code Compliance Course, Wood Burning Systems,  Site Basic Inspection Course and Chimney Sweeping.

WETT Technician – You are required to complete Code Compliance Course, Wood Burning Systems and Site Basic Inspection Course.

You are also required to complete 80 weeks of field experience in your chosen path.

EPA Certified Wood Stoves

In the USA wood stoves are regulated for the amount of emissions from wood stoves and fireplaces since 1988.  New wood stoves and fireplaces must meet particulate and smoke emissions limits.  The EPA approximate limit is 5 grams of particulate per hour compared to the old stoves which is about 1/5 th of conventional stoves.

In Canada, British Columbia, is the only province to regulate wood stoves and fireplaces.

For Barrie, Orillia and Alliston call Roger Frost, WETT Certified for over 15 years.

Certified WETT Inspection for only $75.00 when included as part of home inspection.

Buyer Beware – Why You Need a Home Inspection

Do Not Buy a Money PitOver the course of the past fifteen years I have come across many homes which have had problems that would scare any rational buyer away.  Unfortunately not all buyers have a home inspection and find out the hard way about the true condition of their home.  Here are some deficiencies listed in no particular order which may give you some cause for thought.

 Potable Water –  Recently this past summer I was inspecting a home where the dug well was being inspected by a licensed well inspector.  Both Realtors had already performed their own well test and the water had passed the requirements for potability. the well inspector asked me to look at the well after he had removed the cover and there was feces floating on top of water.  The home had a UV light filter and a cartridge filter installed which removed enough contaminants to allow water to pass.  The clients walked away from this particular home.

WETT Inspections –  Many times individuals call to have a wood stove that they have been using inspected due to a request from their insurance company.  Wood stoves have to meet the required distances to combustible material as listed on a plate usually located on back of the stove.  Many older stoves were not Certified which then requires a minimum distance of 48 inches from front, back and sides to combustible material.  When buying a home always request a WETT Inspection to ensure you can continue to use appliance safely.

Asbestos – Many older homes had boilers and/or furnaces that was insulated with asbestos.  Over the years the boilers were removed and most of the visible asbestos was also removed.  Unfortunately many ducts which travel between floors or under floor boards still were wrapped with asbestos.  Your trained home inspector will usually detect this asbestos and often the seller will remove the asbestos at their expense.  If you fail to detect the asbestos then you will be responsible for the expense of removal.

Knob & Tube Wiring –  Homes built prior to the 1950’s usually had knob and tube wiring installed. Many insurance companies will not insure a home with any knob and tube wiring installed.  Many times during a home inspection I have found knob and tube circuits still in use and some which have even been used to extend an existing circuit during a home renovation.  Some home owners and some electricians will skip removing all the knob an tube wiring because it is hard to access or they just think no one will ever notice or detect the remaining circuits.

Galvanized Plumbing – Galvanized plumbing was used in built in the early 1960’s and earlier and was quite common.  Many insurance companies will not insure a home which has pressurized galvanized plumbing lines.  Galvanized plumbing can contain lead which has collected from old lead supply lines and is known for corrosion which can reduce water flow, especially in the hot water line.  Galvanized pipes are also known for corroding at joints and should be regularly inspected for potential leaks.

Vermiculite Insulation –  Vermiculite is a naturally occurring product which is treated with heat to create insulation.  One particular mine in Libby, Montana produced a lot of this particular product which was later found to contain asbestos.  The only way to determine whether asbestos is present is to have samples collected and then sent to lab for testing.  Removing and replacing asbestos for a small bungalow can start at around $15,000.00 and up.  Many people have just installed newer type insulation over existing vermiculite in an effort to make detection difficult.

Aluminum Wiring – Check with your insurance company prior to buying a home with aluminum wiring.  According to the US insurance company statistics having aluminum wiring in your home can increase the risk of fire by 55%.  Everyone has a different point of view on the issues of aluminum wiring and as a consumer it is advised you educate yourself on the implications of buying a home with aluminum wiring installed.

Foundations –  Earlier this year I received a phone call from an individual who had bought a recently renovated property.  After the purchase was complete, without a home inspection,  his neighbours informed him that there was no foundation for home.  The seller had constructed a fake foundation cover while the home was actually built on wood logs sitting on the ground.

Building Permits – Many Do-It-Yourself contractors think nothing of totally renovating a basement without obtaining a building permit.  If you buy such a home you are assuming responsibility for everything in the home.  I have inspected homes under 10 years old that have improper electrical wiring and plumbing that is visible in renovated basement.  If the home was ever inspected by electrical, plumbing or building inspector the walls and floors would probably have to be removed and all work redone.  There is no insurance for this type of problem and as the home owner you would be totally liable for all costs.

Flooding –  After buying a home a client of mine discovered mould on walls and flooring when she moved in to home.  She called me back to assist her in determining what had happened to cause this problem.  After thoroughly investing the basement I went to the exterior to find a probable cause and found nothing.  I then checked with neighbours to see if they had encountered a similar problem.  Bingo,  the one neighbour informed me that her daughter had to go over to house to mop up a flood caused by a sump pump failure which the seller would not acknowledge or disclose.  This eventually ended up in small claims court where settlement was reached in favour of my client.

Caveat Emptor –  Buyer Beware   Ultimately when buying a home the responsibility is solely that of the buyer.  That is why it is so important for potential home buyers to educate themselves prior to deciding what home to buy.

Most people have a home inspection prior to purchasing a new home and home sellers know this.  A home inspection cannot protect you from sellers who knowingly hide or fail to disclose material defects in a home.  For example,  say the subject property has a water issue in the basement every spring.  The home sellers paint the walls with a fresh coat of paint and sell their home in the fall when there is no water issue.  There is no moisture or water present to be detected by the home inspector and everyone  is satisfied that the home is safe and sound by all appearances.  The next spring you find water staining on your basements drywall and you want to find out why you were not told about this prior to purchasing home?  You call your Realtor who will refer you to your home inspector, but what can he do?  There was no water or moisture at time of inspection!  If you talk to your neighbours and they inform you that this was an ongoing problem you could go after the sellers and recoup costs for repairs but that can be expensive and very stressful.

If you require a WETT Inspection of your fireplace or wood stove in the Barrie or Simcoe County area call Roger Frost at 705-795-8255 or Email Roger

Wood Stove in Garage

Wood Stove Requires Added Protection

Whether you should or can installing a wood burning stove in a garage is a very confusing.   There are a number of  reasons that installers will take different stands on the acceptability of garage installations, and most of them are due to differences in how to interpret CSA Standards B365-10 Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment.  As with all code books, B365-10 is written in a legal manner to protect from lawsuits and liabilities.  This manner of rule enforcement sometimes even confuses the professionals and the home owner is just left shaking his head in bewilderment.

Call the Barrie WETT Inspection service for answers to most questions regarding installations of wood burning appliances.

 The section that deals with solid-fuel appliances in residential garages can be found under section 4.3 Hazardous Locations.

The wording reads as follows:

 An appliance shall not be installed in a location where a corrosive atmosphere, flammable gas or vapour, combustible dust, or combustible fibres may be present. An appliance may be installed in a

(a) storage or residential garage, provided that the appliance is mounted at least 450 mm (18 in) above floor level and protected against physical damage; . . .

 The first point that ought to be considered prior to installation is to determine how a garage is being utilized.  After all, the primary purpose of a garage is for motor vehicle storage. Aside from cars and trucks, homeowners often store motorcycles, all-terrain-vehicles, lawn mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws and other assorted equipment that all burn fuel.

The garage is also where a lot of  do-it-yourself  mechanical repairs are completed. Oil, grease, jerry cans, propane, solvents and other flammables are commonly found in most residential garages. So the question that needs to be asked is: Is the typical garage any place for errant sparks or open flames?

One of the WETT past presidents has come out against installation in garages, saying, “No. It’s about common sense. The presence of  gasoline alone should be reason enough for concern. This stuff  is really quite dangerous. Any fuel that leaks or gets spilled quickly evaporates, and these vapors are heavier than air, so they spread out at the floor level or pool in confined spaces.  Then, all it takes is a single spark to ignite a flash fire.  If  oily rags or solvents are present, things can turn nasty in a hurry.” this is based on the belief that there really should be no confusion in the interpretation of  B365. To him, the wording clearly prohibits a solid-fuel-burning appliance within a garage that is being used for what would be traditional vehicle storage purposes.  It is for this same reason that some insurance companies will not provide coverage if  a solid-fuel-burning stove is installed within a garage. This view is also held by the National Fireplace Protection Agency  in the United States. The NFPA specifically prohibits solid-fuel-burning appliances within a residential garage

Garages that are converted into woodworking or crafting workshops may be no better. Aside from highly flammable oils and solvents that are commonly used, wood fines that get kicked up into the air by cutting, planing, or sanding could be potentially explosive. These airborne particles are highly flammable. Again, the prescriptive wording of  B365 could prohibit installation of  a solid-fuel burning appliance in these applications.

As for measuring the height required from floor to bottom of the stove,  there was a change in wording in 2011 that addressed this issue.  Language dealing with the installation height of appliances has been clarified. The wording now reads, “Any component representing a source of ignition, such as a blower or the bottom of the firebox, is at least 450 mm (18 inches) above floor level.” The old wording was open to much interpretation. It stipulated that the “appliance” must be mounted 18 inches above floor level. To be sure, the height of the appliance’s pedestal or legs was being factored in as part of the appliance. This resulted in platforms that were taller than they needed to be to satisfy the intent. Even with the revision, installers will still need to check with their local-authority-having jurisdiction as to what they want to see to satisfy the requirement for protection against physical damage.

You will notice that no matter what agency makes a comment on a particular installation requirement,  they typically will always distance themselves from any hint of responsibility by stating that installers still have to check with the “Authority having Jurisdiction” prior to installing anything.  What makes this kind of comical is that some municipalities will ask home owners to supply the building department or fire department with a Wett Inspection report.   Everyone wants a piece of paper in their file absolving them of any responsibility,  but it is all done the expense of the home owner.

The right fireplace for your home

The right fireplace for your home.  When choosing a fireplace for your home, you will need to decide what style will fit with your decor and budget. A new fireplace can be made from different materials, such as marble and limestone. These days you can choose to have wood burning or gas fires instead of electric appliances which are quickly becoming obsolete.

reproduction fireplace by barrie wett inspections

Reproductions are very good quality and they also mean you can get a fireplace that suits your taste without being restricted by how old your house is. Antique fireplaces are popular but they are very rare as most were destroyed in the Sixties and Seventies when real fires weren’t in fashion. It is possible to get reproductions of Georgian and Victorian fireplaces.

Carrara marble appeals to people because of its striking look with veins of white running through the cream surface. Jura stone is a fairly affordable option that still provides a beautiful look and is made from unappealing sheets of marble covered with one of two finishes. Agean limestone is widely used and each piece will have its own unique look, as is also the case with Portuguese limestone, which is also popular.

The majority of people who have the option prefer to have a real, solid fuel fire as the visual effect is second to none. Electric fires appeal to minimalists and look striking in contemporary homes where they blend in well without dominating the room. Gas fires provide an easy source of heat and modern versions look far better than those of yesteryear, which often seemed cheap.

The right fireplace for your home will be something that suits your taste, so don’t be swayed by a feeling that something else would be more appropriate for the age of your property. Go for a fireplace that complements the room. Pick a fuel source that suits your way of living.

If you live in Ontario you will require a WETT Inspection by your insurance company.  A certified WETT technician will inspect all the visible parts of your appliance and check clearances to combustibles.  He will pass your unit if no problems are found.  When looking for a Certified WETT inspector visit  the Barrie WETT Inspector

Improve Your Fireplace With A Wood Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts require a Stainless Steel liner to be installed in all masonry chimneys.  A continuous stainless steel liner with approved cap and connector can be purchased at most building supplies stores in varying lengths. Call the Barrie WETT Inspector today for more information on installation.

There is nothing nicer than unwinding in front of a fire on a wintry day, and traditional fireplaces have a basic beauty and charm that appeals to several. On a cold day heating your home can get expensive. A fireplace is a great way to heat a room without running up your electric bill. Fireplace can be an energy efficient way to heat a room, Nonetheless, conventional fireplaces aren’t probably the most efficient means to heat a residence.

Most of the heat in a wood-burning fireplace escapes from the chimney. A wood fireplace insert transforms your fireplace into an effective heating mechanism for your residence, a lot like a wood burning stove, while maintaining the conventional overall look of a great fireplace.

A wood fireplace insert is essentially a wood burning stove that has been made to fit within an current fireplace. The insert is surrounded by a steel shell with a glass front cover, which ensures that most of the heated air is delivered to the room, as opposed to escaping into the masonry of the fireplace or by means of the chimney.

A elaborate face plate helps the fire place insert blend in with the physical appearance of the fireplace. When blended with a stainless steel chimney liner, a wood insert is efficient, reliable, and simple to clean and manage. The key to an efficient fireplace insert is proper installation, so be certain to hire an experienced installation technician.

Using a wood fireplace insert, your fireplace need no longer be purely decorative. With the insert put in, your fireplace will be able to heat your room resourcefully, keeping you warm and cozy while minimizing your heating bill. To get the most use and satisfaction out of your present fireplace, have an insert and chimney liner added this year.

If you are building a new home or retrofitting your heating system,  check with local building officials for permits you may require.  WETT Inspections are normally required by your insurance company.

Fireplace Inserts and WETT Inspections

Fireplace Inserts and WETT Inspections.  Inserts are made from plate steel or cast iron and most have glass doors so you can see the flames. These appliances fit into the opening of the fireplace, with some models protruding onto the hearth. An insert which is extended out may be more efficient because the sides, top, and bottom provide additional radiant heat.

Masonry chimneys. When chimney fires occur in masonry chimneys, the 2100 degree temperatures, and the extreme pressure’s that result, often crack the terra cotta clay flue tiles which line the chimney. Chimney fires are NO ordinary fires! They frequently melt dampers and chimney caps, and can actually “melt” mortar! Flue tiles expand until they crack when subjected to such extreme temperatures. These cracks then provide a pathway for flame under intense pressure to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. Enough heat can also be conducted through a perfectly sound chimney to ignite nearby combustibles.  Even if a first chimney fire doesn’t seem to have harmed a home, the structure may be so weakened that a second fire will burn it down.

In the past, most installers placed inserts in the fireplace without any chimney connections. This method, in some cases, allowed creosote to build up inside the fireplace, presenting a potential fire hazard. To prevent this, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) now requires that inserts be installed with at least (minimum) a positive connection to the chimney.

It is important to note that when relining an open hearth fireplace, a proper transition also constructed of stainless steel must be installed and sealed in the existing smoke chamber. Failure to properly install and seal this transition will result in smoke seeping to the outside of the liner carrying with it by products such as soot and creosote.

Inserts must have a connector between the appliance outlet and the first section of the flue liner. This sends the smoke and gases up and out of the chimney more directly, minimizing combustible deposits that condense in the fireplace. Most fireplace insert installations will benefit from a full relining of the chimney, because the smaller pipe size will provide a better draft as well as an added margin of safety.

Creosote is easy to identify as it is usually black in appearance. It can be the fine black dust called soot, (1st stage creosote); or porous and crunchy, (2nd stage: see photo on left); or it can be tar-like: drippy and sticky, until it hardens into a shiny glaze, (3rd stage). All forms of creosote can occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and ignites inside the chimney flue: the result is a volcanic chimney fire.

For a WETT inspection of your woodstove, fireplace, insert, pellet stove or space heater you can contact the WETT Inspector to schedule an inspection.  WETT inspections are provided to Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetang, Rama, Lagoon City, Newmarket, Bradford, Alliston, Angus, Everett, Thornton, Cookstown, Stayner, Innisfil, Lefroy, Alcona Beach, Wasaga Beach and most of Simcoe County.  Your wood burning appliance will be inspected by a WETT Certified Inspector with over 7 years of WETT inspection experience.

For wood burning appliances in the Alliston area contact the Alliston WETT Inspector.

If you live in the Barrie, Angus, Alliston, Midland or Orillia area and require a WETT Inspection Contact Barrie Wett Inspections