Barrie, ON is consistently being noticed as a “investment opportunity” city with buyers that are flocking to the city to invest in Real Estate. Recently Barrie was ranked only behind Waterloo, Kitchener and Hamilton by the Real Estate investment Network. The “REIN” cites the annexation of Innisfil as a future engine that will drive development in the area.
Many Toronto property investors are buying townhouses and rent to own properties in Barrie, due to its close proximity to Toronto and the affordable prices that make properties attractive to purchasers.
Barrie currently has a population of over 143,000 and has grown 5.7% since 2006. The City takes in over 100 sq km of land and has a large networks of parks, many of which are on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. Barrie is currently in the process of extending it park land along Lakeshore Drive which hopefully will improve the enjoyment of the water by its citizens. The Barrie waterfront is the City’s greatest asset and attraction, characterized by outstanding natural features, vibrant and diverse public spaces and high-quality recreational facilities. It is a prized and shared resource for recreation, economic development, events and programming on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay.
Currently Barrie’s inventory of homes available for sale is low compared to previous years creating a “sellers market” which has resulted in many properties being sold above their asking price. Some Realtor’s estimate that the average home price in Barrie has already risen over 9% in 2015. Many seniors in Toronto have chosen Barrie as their retirement location, cashing in on a hot real estate market in Toronto and purchasing property in the Barrie and surrounding areas.
Mortgage rates are also part of the reason that Real Estate is experiencing substantial growth. Low rates are allowing people, such as first time home buyers, to invest in their first home at an affordable cost. One thing that has been consistent over the years, the price of Real Estate always goes up, even when there has been dips in housing prices, at the end of the day, they have alway risen. Many people are using Real Estate investment as a hedge against inflation, realizing that just leaving money invested with a bank will eventually see their “nest egg’ decline in value as inflation steadily eats away at its value.
When purchasing an investment property you need the services of a Professional Home Inspector. Roger Frost, the Barrie Home Inspector, has been inspecting homes for over 10 years and is a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association. Roger is also a Real Estate investor with both Commercial and Residential investments, which allows you to benefit from his experience and expertise. Free Thermal Imaging scan of your home is also included with every property inspection. The Barrie Home inspector can give you “Peace of Mind” when making your next purchase.
DIY Electrical Problems & Solutions
There are many common electrical issues that I have found over and over again while performing home inspections in the past ten years. You might want to look around your own home and see if any of these issues are present.
These electrical issues are also Red Flags that work was most likely done without a permit, which in a basement renovation means the complete basement was finished without the proper building permit of subsequent inspections.
Electrical wiring in metal stud walls
When using metal stud walls the electrical cable requires approved inserts (grommets) to protect the cable where it passes through the metal stud. ESA also states in its bulletin that NMSC cable cannot be fished through a metal stud wall.
Mechanical Protection Required in Attic
A running board must be installed for NMSC installed in attic where distance between joist and rafter exceeds 1 M.
Kitchen Islands
If you install a fixed kitchen island with a work surface greater than 300 mm X 600 mm then an electrical outlet is required to be installed.
Cold Air Returns
While you are allowed to have electrical cables installed in a cold air return, the entry and exit point must have an approved insert to protect the cable. You are not allowed to “fish” and electrical cable through a cold air return.
Bundling of Electrical Cables
Electrical cables maybe bundled as long as approved cable ties rated for 23 kg or greater are used and bundled cables are not in contact for more than 600 mm.
TWO GFCI outlets on same circuit
Most builders will install a single GFCI outlet and use this to protect the installed outlets downstream. This is common for both exterior outlets and for bathrooms. Because most home owners do not have a GFCI tester they wrongly assume that because there are no test or reset buttons on the outlet it is not protected. Many times I have tested a GFCI protected outlet and then had to hunt down the extra one the homeowner has installed in order to get a reset. The circuit is still fully protected but it is not good workmanship to add GFCI outlets to a circuit that is already protected.
Lights in Showers
Lights in showers have to rated for use in damp location. This is typically a pot mounted light with a glass lens. Sometime individuals will remove glass lens to install a higher wattage bulb, this is not permitted and is an electrical shock hazard.
GFCI’s & Light switches in Bathrooms
Light switches in bathrooms have to be 1 metre away from shower or bathtub or GFCI protection is required. GFCI protection for outlets has been required since 1975.
Kitchen GFCI’s
Kitchen outlets were not required to have GFCI outlet protection until 2003.
Home owners who do their own electrical wiring should have it inspected by ESA or other Licensed Electrical Inspector prior to covering up wiring. Failure to do so could adversely affect the resale value of your home and even jeopardize your family’s safety.
If you have any questions about electrical problems or home inspection information please contact Roger Frost at Barrie Home Inspections.
Electrical Service Boxes
Self Test GFCI Receptacles
Buying a home can be a very stressful event for most people. In the heat of the moment it can be very easy to forget or not realize how important a home inspection is when buying any property. In the fast paced Barrie Real Estate market arranging a home inspection can be very trying as time is sometimes of the essence.
Most home buyers are not aware that buying a home does not come with any guarantees. Caveat Emptor, Let the buyer beware, is not just a saying when it comes to buying a house, it is the law of the land. That is why having a professional inspect your home is so important.
Although some Realtor’s may place down the importance of choosing the right home inspector, when it comes time to explain why there is a problem with your new home, you will most likely be referred back to your home inspector. In my ten years experience as a home inspector I have had this happen countless times, clients calling with concerns with issues not disclosed by sellers or problems that have occurred since the inspection. This is when the value of choosing a professional home inspector becomes so important.
WETT Certified – Most insurance companies now require any wood burning appliance
to be inspected by a WETT certified technician. The Barrie Home Inspector offers a WETT inspection for $50.00 as part of home inspection package. The Site Basic inspection consists of visually check your chimney, appliance, damper, firebox, hearth, and clearances required from unit to any combustible materials.
FREE Thermal Imaging – The Barrie Home Inspector was the first home inspector in Simcoe County to offer Thermal Imaging as part of home inspection. We now offer this service Free as part of home inspection package. Thermal imaging can help find hidden moisture and water leaks, missing insulation, areas of heat loss and electrical hot spots.
Experience – My personal experience starts at being a Registered Building with HUDAC, which were the original Home Warranty Program for Ontario. I then followed that up with 7 years in charge of Project Reviews for Fire Department where I was responsible for reviewing plans and drawings and making site visits to ensure compliance with the National Building Code. I was during this time with the DND that I obtained by Certified Building Code Official designation from the Ontario Building Officials Association. Currently I have performed over 5,000 home inspections over the past ten years.
Training – My training related to the home inspection field:
Master Inspector Qualification
Graduate Carson Dunlop Home Inspector Course
Member of Nachi
Former Registered Builder with HUDAC – Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada – was new home warranty program from 1971 to 1973 when it was replaced by TARION
Over 26 years of combined Building and Inspection Experience
Residential and Commercial Inspections
WETT Certified – Over 6 years
Woodburning Systems – WETT recertification course
Mould Testing – Pro Labs level one mould course
Commercial Cooking Equipment Maintenance and Installation
Basic Sprinkler Inspection – CASA
Ontario Building Officials Association and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Courses – all 40 hours and taught in Toronto at OBOA
Part 9 -The House – Health & Safety
–deals with plan examination and inspection of the health and safety-related aspects of the house. This course includes: an introduction to the Ontario Building Code; the house – general; fire safety and protection; chimneys; fireplaces; inserts and solid-fuel-burning appliances; stairs; guards; insulation; health and comfort requirements; party walls; final interior inspections; and final exterior inspections.
Part 9 -The House – Building Envelope
–deals with basic part 9 house structural requirements and inspections, including the study of the building envelope. It includes: an introduction to the Ontario Building Code: difficulties confronting building inspectors; reading plans; the building permit application; the house – general; site plans; footings; foundation walls; concrete slabs on ground; roof and ceiling construction; floor construction; wall construction; and brick veneer and structural components.
Part 9 – Buildings – Structural Requirements
–deals with the more complicated aspects of the structural requirements and limitations of part 9 buildings in general. This course does not deal specifically with the design of structural elements. The course addresses: getting started; the law; excavation inspection; footing and foundation inspections I; footing and foundation inspections II; structural framing inspections I; and structural framing inspections II.
Part 3 – Large Buildings – Health & Safety
–includes the following topics: separation of occupancies; spatial separation and exposure protection; exits; lighting and emergency power; flame spread rating and interior finishes; service spaces and rooms; egress and exiting from mezzanines; health requirements; and fire alarm and detection systems.
Part 3 – Large Buildings – Classification & Construction-2006
-deals with the elements of a structure which are important when dealing with larger buildings. This is considered an introduction to part 3 buildings and includes the following: building classification; separation of major occupancies; building area and height; streets; building size and construction; occupant load; fire separation/fire-resistance ratings; firewalls; closures – Ontario Building Code requirements; firestopping; provision for fire fighting; and mezzanines and interconnected floor spaces.
Part 3 – Large Buildings
–It is largely based on the Large Building Syllabus – 2006 published by the Building and Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and deals with relevant portions of Division A – Parts 1, 2 and 3; Division B – Part 3, and those points of interest as found in Division B – Parts 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12. Additionally, parts of Supplementary Standards SB-2, SB-3, and SB-8 are reviewed. Some areas covered by this course include: – Occupancy, Construction Types, Fire-Resistance and Occupant Loads – Building Fire Safety – Safety within Floor Areas – Exits – Vertical Transportation – Health Requirements – Barrier-Free Design – Portable Classrooms and Self-Service Storage Buildings – Public Pools and Spas – Rapid Transit Stations – Tents and Air-Supported Structures, Signs and Shelf/Rack Storage Systems – Change of Use and Renovations – Environmental Separation – Structural Design, HVAC, Plumbing – Resource Conservation
Part 10/11 Renovations & Change of Use
-training inspectors to be able to properly identify that a building’s use and occupancy is appropriate and the construction requirements due to a change-of-use in an existing building. This course covers the following areas: requirements for permits; applicability of parts 10 and 11; code terminology for evaluating renovation projects; building systems; occupant load; change in major occupancy; fire separations; basic renovations; example projects; site generated challenges; and change-of-use without construction.
House – areas covered are: Basics of Structural Requirements Design of Areas and Spaces Doors Windows and Skylights Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards Means of Egress Fire Protection Sound Control Excavation Dampproofing, Waterproofing and Soil Gas Control Drainage Footings and Foundations Floors-on-Ground Columns Crawl Spaces Attic and Roof Spaces Above Grade Masonry Chimneys Fireplaces Wood Frame Construction Sheet Steel Stud Wall Framing Heat Transfer, Air Leakage, Condensation Control and Part 12 Roofing Cladding Stucco Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes Flooring Plumbing Electrical Facilities Garages and Carports Cottages Log Construction Park Model Trailers
General Legal/Process
–this course deals with the Building Code Act, responsibilities of Governments, Municipalities, Building Departments, Inspectors, Designers and Architects.
Fire Protection
– deals with provision of the Building Code that relates to fire suppression, fire detection, firefighting and fire safety and covers Occupancy Classification & Construction Requirements ·Provisions for Firefighting ·Automatic Sprinkler Systems ·Fire Separations, Closures, Fire Stopping & Firewalls, Safety Within Floor Areas, Exits, Chutes ·Fire Performance Ratings, Fire and Sound Resistance of Building Assemblies ·Fire Alarm and Detection Systems ·Standpipe and Hose Cabinet Systems ·Emergency Power, Lighting and Protection of Electrical Conductors ·Ventilation ·High Building Requirements ·Special Protection for Interconnected Floor Space ·Part 9 Buildings ·Renovations ·Rapid Transit Stations, Tents and Air Supported Structures, Portable Classrooms, Self-Storage Buildings
Nachi Courses
Note: These are online courses and are open to all NACHI members.
Green Buildings
Online Roofing Course
Commercial Inspection Prerequisite Course
Inspecting Foundation Walls and Piers
Although finding a professional home inspector can seem very daunting with new inspectors appearing every day, take your time and interview 2 or 3 inspectors to verify their experience before making a decision. You will be glad you did if the house your thinking about buying has issues you should know about.
Call the Barrie Home Inspector anytime to discuss your requirements or just for information. Cell 705-795-8255 or Toll Free 888-818-8608
The home owner is responsible to test their Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet every month, which I am sure we all do, Right? I know after a long day of testing other peoples outlets, I do not come home and test mine. Shocking…and it could be!
Electrical manufactures have developed a GFCI outlet that will test itself every 60 seconds. It will not only check the Ground Fault function but ensure unit is correctly wired. Improperly wired GFCI outlets are quite common and considering most incorrectly wired GFCI’s are found in the home bathroom the chances of disaster are enormous.
These GFCI’s will still have the manual test mode but the diagnostic testing will be on a continuous 60 second cycle and will immediately shut down the circuit if a “Ground Fault” is detected. There will also be a red flashing light indicating unit has lost capability to provide protection. If outlet has reversed wiring condition it will not be able to be manually reset.
When manually testing GFCI the unit is tested by circuit board at the same time to ensure functional capabilities.
Typical behaviour of a GFCI outlet will disconnect a circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized (line) conductor(s) and the return (neutral) conductor. In normal circumstances, these two wires are expected to carry matching currents, and any difference usually indicates a short circuit or other electrical anomaly is present. Even a small leakage current can mean a risk of harm or death due to electric shock if the leaking electric current passes through a human being; a current of around 30mA (0.030 Amps) is potentially sufficient to cause cardiac arrest or serious harm if it persists for more than a small fraction of a second.
Electrical Service Boxes
DIY Electrical Problems in Home
Electrical Problems and Home Inspections
Aluminum Wiring in your Home
Common Problems found during Home Inspections
Certified Home Inspections Barrie
Every new home constructed is required to go through a rigorous design process, which normally includes a plan of subdivision. The plan of sub division is the proposed layout of all roads, sidewalks, ditches and more importantly to home owners,storm water control and hydro geological study. This initial study should ensure when you buy your new home that your basement should not be affected by pooling water or unusual drainage issues.
Your municipality or city Building Department is required under the Ontario Building Code to perform mandatory inspections of your new home. Your Building Department is paid for these inspections by fees levied by issuing a Building Permit. A list of what is typically required to be inspected follows, also included are the common issues I have found when inspecting this various items during a home inspection or experienced when building homes:
Footing – Footing are to be constructed on undisturbed soil or soil that has been compacted. If ground is “deemed” to be wet then footing size is doubled.
Back Fill – Only clean fill is supposed to be used to backfill your foundation. Many builders will bury building debris while back filling foundation.
Framing – Joist hangers are supposed to be completely nailed ( all holes used ) using “rated nails” which usually are stamped on nail head.
HVAC Rough in – Substantial completion of ductwork and piping.
Insulation – Completion of insulation and vapour barrier. Many times trades will remove insulation and vapour barrier and neglect to replace when job is completed. Attic insulation is often not installed evenly and areas of low insulation can exist.
Fire Separations – Many times drywall tape is falling off seams due to poor installation.
Water Supply and Plumbing – Some plumbers will install clean out above floor grade creating a trip hazard.
Final Interior Inspection – Doors, windows, floors, walls, ceilings and fixtures are inspected.
Final Exterior Inspection – This is where many times I find new homes with no Ice or Water Shield installed under shingles. The roofer saves himself $300 to $500.00 in materials because he knows the inspector will not go up to the second floor on a ladder and check shingle installation.
Occupancy Permit is Issued.
Personally I think any time you find a issue in your new home that should have been caught by your local Building Department, you should contact them to ask for re-inspection. They are specifically trained to inspect the construction of your home and legally not permitted to inspect any construction beyond the scope of their learning. As a home buyer you pay for the cost of these inspections and as the end user should expect your home to be free of obvious defects.
Buying older Homes
When you buy an older home that has been renovated you should ensure all work was done with a Building Permit and the proper inspections were completed. If you purchase a home that has been renovated and no permit was issued, you will then assume responsibility for any subsequent work that may be required to bring your home up to the required standards. This can be particularly expensive if structural, plumbing or electrical work is involved.
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
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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
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.
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.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.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Wear your Poppy in Remembrance and Pride for those valiant warriors.
Take a moment from your day to day to remember all those who so bravely gave their lives to fight for their country and their beliefs. The freedom we enjoy in our lives is due in part to the ultimate price they and their families paid.
