What is WETT Certification and Inspection? (Explained)

A WETT certification refers to expertise in the safe installation, maintenance, and inspection of wood-burning appliances, such as stoves and fireplaces. 

During an inspection by a WETT-certified professional, they will assess the installation of these appliances, making sure they are installed according to building codes, functioning properly, and meeting safety standards. The WETT certification exists to prevent fire hazards and protect the well-being of occupants and the property. 

In this article, we’ll take a deeper what is WETT certification and the process of acquiring it. We’ll also provide insights into finding a WETT-certified inspector in your area and offer a glimpse into what you can anticipate during the inspection process.

What is WETT Certification?

WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, a nationally recognized certification program in Canada designed to ensure that wood-burning appliances are properly installed, maintained, and inspected. 

Given Canada’s chilly climate and frequent use of wood heating systems, WETT-certified services are in high demand. They’re commonly sought out by professionals in the fireplace, chimney, and wood stove industry across the country as they demonstrate their expertise and adherence to safety standards.

Before a professional can get WETT-certified, they have to undergo comprehensive training and testing to demonstrate their knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and best practices related to wood energy technology. The training also covers topics such as appliance installation, chimney systems, fire safety, and how combustion works.

To assess their understanding of these subjects, they must then pass an examination. In addition to that, they also need to fulfill practical requirements such as conducting inspections or installations with the guidance of an experienced professional. 

Obtaining a basic WETT certification can take several months to a year or more, depending on the individual’s knowledge and experience. For professionals with existing experience, the process may be shorter. Once certified, they are equipped to perform inspections, issue compliance reports, and provide advice to homeowners on the safe and efficient use of wood-burning appliances.

WETT has different levels of accreditation, catering to different aspects of wood energy technology. 

WETT Basic Certification (Level 1)

This beginner-level certification is for newcomers to wood energy technology. They must complete basic training and pass a written test.

WETT Technician Certification (Level 2)

This is for experienced professionals. They need to finish advanced training on installation techniques, rules, and fixing problems. Then, they must pass both written and hands-on exams.

WETT Site Basic Inspector Certification

This is for pros who mainly perform basic inspections of wood-burning appliances. To prove they understand these topics, they must complete training on inspection methods, safety rules, and reporting and pass written exams.

WETT Site Comprehensive Inspector Certification

This certification is for experts who perform detailed inspections of wood-burning setups, such as stoves and chimneys. They need thorough training on inspection methods, rules, spotting issues, and reporting. To get certified, they must pass both written and practical exams.

WETT Certified Chimney Sweep

This certification is for chimney sweep specialists. They need to complete training on chimney cleaning, safety, and equipment use and pass exams on these subjects.

Different WETT certification levels suit professionals with different levels of experience in wood energy technology. A certification ensures they have the required skills to safely install, inspect, and maintain wood-burning systems through specialized training and exams. 

What is WETT Inspection?

A WETT inspection is a thorough assessment conducted by a certified WETT inspector to check the safety, efficiency, and compliance of wood-burning appliances and related installations. It is typically done in certain situations, such as when purchasing or selling a property with a wood-burning appliance, installing a new appliance, or as part of regular maintenance. 

During a WETT inspection, the professional will check the appliance itself, the chimney and venting system, and their installation configuration. They’ll then check its condition and functionality, checking if it’s properly working, its clearances to combustible materials and nearby structures, and any signs of wear or damage. 

They’ll also check that the chimney and venting system has proper drafting and that there are no obstructions, such as creosote buildup or debris. If it’s a new fireplace, they’ll check its overall installation, making sure it complies with local building codes and manufacturer specifications.

An inspection is important because it gives homeowners peace of mind about their wood-burning appliances. They can fix any issues found during the inspection to reduce fire risk, save energy, and prolong the lifespan of the appliance.

Which WETT Certified Expert Should I Hire?

When choosing a WETT-certified expert to hire, you want to consider several factors to make sure you find the right person for the job. As discussed earlier, there are different levels of certifications tailored to different aspects of wood energy technology.

Find out what areas of expertise are relevant to your situation, whether it’s a new wood-burning appliance, conducting an inspection for compliance, or routine maintenance.

Let’s recall some levels of the certifications we discussed earlier:

WETT Site Basic Inspector

A technician with a basic inspector certification can perform basic inspections, which is ideal for homeowners who need a general assessment of their wood-burning system’s (appliance, chimney, and venting system) safety and compliance. 

WETT Technician (Level 2)

It’s ideal to hire this technician if you need expertise in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining your wood-burning systems. 

WETT Site Comprehensive Inspector

This inspector specializes in conducting more thorough and detailed inspections. They can identify potential hazards, assess code compliance, and provide recommendations for repairs and improvements to improve your wood-burning system’s safety and efficiency.

WETT Certified Chimney Sweep

This professional specializes in cleaning and maintaining chimneys to prevent hazards like chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup. They’re suited for homeowners who need regular chimney maintenance to remove creosote, debris, and obstructions. They’ll also perform inspections to identify potential issues and ensure the chimney is safe and functioning properly. 

How Can I Find A Qualified Wett-Certified Inspector In My Area?

There are several ways to find a qualified WETT-certified inspector in your area.

1. Check WETT’s official website

Go to WETT’s official website (www.wettinc.ca) and use the Find A WETT Certified Professional search feature. Type in your location, and you will be shown certified inspectors near you.

2. Ask for local referrals

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues who recently had a WETT inspection. They can provide valuable insights into the quality of service and reliability of inspectors in your area.

You can also approach businesses that sell wood-burning appliances, as they have connections with WETT-certified inspectors. These retailers know the importance of proper installation and maintenance, and they usually have a list of trusted professionals in their contacts.

3. Check online reviews

Take advantage of online review platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, or local business directories to find a WETT-certified expert in your area. Beyond the high ratings, also look into the reviews, both good and bad, as this gives you insight into the reputation and quality of their services.

4. Ask professional associations and insurance companies

Check with local or regional professional associations related to home inspection, chimney sweeping, or fireplace installation, as they may have resources that can help you find an inspector. You may also check with your insurance company since they often require WETT inspections for coverage purposes. 

5. Review credentials

After you’ve found potential inspectors to hire, verify their credentials and certifications through the official WETT website. Enter the name or certification number of the inspector. If they are WETT-certified, their information should appear in the search results.

Make sure their certification is valid and up to date. Also, verify that their certification level aligns with the expertise required for your specific needs, whether it’s basic inspections, comprehensive inspections, chimney sweeping, or other services.

Conclusion

WETT certification and inspection are essential for keeping fireplaces safe and compliant with regulations and insurance requirements. They show that a professional knows how to properly install, maintain, and check wood-burning appliances.

An inspection helps you find problems like poor installation or a blocked chimney, which could cause fires and impact air quality. By getting regular WETT inspections and working with certified professionals, you can enjoy your fireplace with peace of mind, knowing it’s safe and efficient.