Do We Need a Wood Stove or WETT Inspection?

Smart buyers considering purchasing a home with a wood stove, wood-burning fireplace, pellet stove, or pellet insert should definitely include a WETT inspection as a condition of sale. WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) is a non-profit association that promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems. To accomplish this, it trains and certifies home inspectors to conduct specialty WETT inspections.

While overwhelmingly safe, wood-burning technologies can pose a threat to the health and safety of a home’s occupants. When buying, selling or currently residing in a home that has wood-burning units, you should confirm that these devices are safe. A successful WETT inspection provides that assurance. In Canada, it is also required to have a wood stove inspection for insurance. 

A thorough home inspection will ideally already include a visual inspection of any fireplaces, their surrounds and the chimney.  But this special wood-burning unit inspection-which must be undertaken by a WETT certified inspector-goes further.  Essentially it is a very detailed-focused inspection of any wood-burning technologies fitted in a home.

A WETT inspection ensures these devices:

• are installed properly

• follow local building codes

• comply with any applicable local regulations.

What A WETT inspection includes:

• A detailed appraisal of the chimney which includes components on the roof.

• An assessment of the liner and flue.

• A check of the smoke chamber

• An examination of the damper.

• A thorough assessment of the firebox.

• A general inspection area of the area around the fireplace/appliance such as the hearth.

A WETT inspection will confirm any wood-burning fireplaces/appliances:

• are operating optimally

• are in good structural condition

• are burning in a way that is consistent with a home’s occupant’s health and safety

If an older home is equipped with wood-burning fireplaces/appliances, a WETT inspection is a non-negotiable necessity. Vacation homes and cottages also frequently have wood-burning features. Many times, a WETT inspection reveals these features do not comply with current WETT standards. This increases the risk posed by a faulty device to a home’s occupants.

How Can We Help?

Strathcona Home Inspections’ licensed professionals deliver high-quality home inspection services throughout the Vancouver Island area. The company provides a variety of services to Campbell River, Comox Valley, Courtenay and Northern Vancouver Island. Licensed home inspector Royce Babcock, owner of Strathcona Home Inspections, is justly proud of the company’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive home inspections. The company would be honoured to undertake any needed WETT inspections for you.

Strathcona has built a solid reputation for providing next-level service in the communities it serves.  Royce Babcock welcomes the opportunity to conduct a thorough WETT inspection for you should the need arise. Strathcona can deliver to you and your family the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing any wood-burning devices in a home you are considering, or already own, are operating efficiently and safely.