WETT Inspections for Barrie | Orillia | Midland | Alliston

ETT Inspection of Chimney

Whenever installing a Certified Chimney you have to follow the manufacturers installation instructions.  This guide is provided to help you plan your installation only. Masonry Chimney’s have to be installed in accordance with Ontario Building Code and CSA Standard B365.  Read about Construction and Safety of Masonry Chimneys.

A WETT inspection, which stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, includes a thorough inspection of all wood burning appliances such as stoves and open fireplaces, by a certified WETT inspector.

Why A WETT Inspection is Required

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.

For expert information for wood stove installation call the Barrie WETT Inspector

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 for certificate holders.

WETT-certified 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.
• In accordance with the WETT Code of Ethics, 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 the 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.

CHIMNEY-OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE.
Wood stoves can quickly create large deposits of creosote in the chimney. Some wood stoves can create enough creosote in two weeks to cause a chimney fire. When using a wood stove, we recommend that you:
1. Initially inspect the chimney system weekly. From this you will learn how often it will be necessary to clean your chimney.
2. The chimney should be inspected at least once every 2 months during the heating season to determine if a creosote or soot build-up has occurred: if creosote or
soot has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of chimney fire.
3. Have your chimney cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep. If you want to clean your chimney yourself: clean your chimney using plastic, wood or stainless steel
brushes. Do not use a brush that will scratch the stainless steel interior of your chimney.
4. Do not expect chemical chimney cleaners to keep your chimney clean. Their use does not negate the necessity of periodically inspecting and cleaning your chimney.

CHIMNEY FIRES
If you are having a chimney fire, follow these steps:
1. Close all heater doors and combustion air controls. For fireplaces, block the fireplace opening with a noncombustible material (such as an asbestos or steel sheet).
2. Alert your family of the possible danger.
3. If you require assistance, alert your fire department.
4. If possible, use a dry chemical fire extinguisher, baking soda or sand to control the fire. Do not use water as it may cause a dangerous steam explosion.
5. Watch for smoldering or fire on combustibles next to the stove, stove pipe and chimney. Check outside to ensure that sparks and hot embers coming out of the chimney
are not igniting the roof.
6. Do not use the stove again until your chimney and stove pipe have been inspected by a qualified chimney sweep or fire department inspector.

Call Roger at 705-795-8255 for Certified WETT Inspections in Barrie, Alliston, Orillia and all of Simcoe County.

Email Roger for Information or to Arrange a WETT Inspection