Wood stoves and wood-burning fireplaces are part of what makes a mountain home feel like one. When you buy a home with one, there is a good chance your insurance company will ask for a WETT inspection. Here is what that means.
What WETT is
WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer. WETT Inc. is a Canadian non-profit that trains and certifies people who install, inspect and maintain wood-burning systems. Certification belongs to the individual, not the company they work for. I have been a WETT-certified SITE Basic Inspector since 2021.
Why insurers ask for one
A wood-burning appliance that was installed incorrectly, or has the wrong clearances to walls and floors, is a fire risk. Insurers often want an inspection by a WETT-certified professional before they cover a home with a wood stove, insert or wood-burning fireplace, especially when the property changes hands.
What a SITE Basic inspection covers
A SITE Basic inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible parts of the system. I look at:
- The appliance itself and its condition
- Clearances from the appliance and its flue pipe to combustible materials
- Floor protection in front of and under the appliance, and wall protection where it is needed
- The flue pipe, chimney or venting that can be seen, and how it is put together
- How the system is installed overall
You get a written report of what I found. If something needs attention, the report says what and why, so you or the seller can have it corrected.
Gas fireplaces
Many homes have gas fireplaces as well as, or instead of, wood-burning ones. Gas fireplaces aren't part of a WETT inspection, but they are checked during a home inspection, along with their venting. If you are unsure which you need, call me and I'll explain.
Adding it to your home inspection
A WETT inspection can be added when you book your home inspection, so everything is done in one visit. You can also book it on its own if your insurer asks for one later.
Kyle Dowdeswell, Certified Master Inspector®, Rocky Mountain Home Inspections, Canmore