What is a WETT InspectionThe term "WETT Inspection" is a type of evaluation inspection conducted on a solid fuel burning appliance, and equipment by a WETT trained, WETT certified inspector. A WETT Inspector makes observations when able and reports his or her findings in WETT Inc's inspection and reporting procedures. There are three different levels of WETT Inspections available, level 1 WETT Inspections, Level 2 WETT Inspections, and Level 3 WETT Inspections. The WETT Inspector must be qualified under WETT's various designation certificates to perform the applicable level of inspection.
|
What is WETTWood 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.
|
WETT Certified
WETT Certified, SITE Comprehensive Inspector qualified to conduct level 1, 2, and 3 WETT Inspections.
WETT Inspections
SITE (System Inspections and Technical Evaluation) GuidelinesINSPECTION LEVEL DETAILSLEVEL-1 INSPECTION (READILY ACCESSIBLE)1.1 (A) DEFINITIONReadily Accessible is defined as quickly or easily reached for inspection.
A level-1 inspection does not require the use of special tools for the opening or removal of any panel, door, covering, or system components; nor (unless at the discretion of the inspector and client) would it require the use of ladders. An inspector should be able to inspect any moveable components of the fireplace, appliance or venting system that are readily accessible. Examples would be components utilized during normal operation or visual inspection by the user of the system, such as readily accessible loading doors, primary combustion chamber, ashpan doors, cleanout doors, dampers, air controls, etc. A tape measure, light, mirror, camera, magnet, selfie-stick and/or other basic tools should comprise (but are not limited to) the typical tools required to perform for this level of inspection. 1.2 (A) GUIDELINES — GENERALA level-1 inspection includes:
1) a determination for compliance of readily accessible system components, including the proper use of required components, their required clearances to combustibles, their proper support, as well as their condition and structural integrity, 2) a determination for compliance of readily accessible shielding, outdoor air components, enclosures and ductwork, if present, 3) readily accessible evidence of operating malfunction, which may include but is not limited to smoke spillage, 4) obstructions and combustible deposits visible through readily accessible cleanout doors or inspection ports. |
|
LEVEL-2 INSPECTION (ACCESSIBLE)
2.1 (A) DEFINITION
Accessible is defined as able to be reached for the purpose of inspection, without the use of invasive methods to access areas of
the building, property or components of the solid-fuel-burning system.
Access may require the moving or removal of doors, panels, other coverings or system components, and will require the use of
ladders and common tools typically used by a WETT-certified chimney sweep or technician.
Accessible system and/or building components can be repositioned to their original location and/or condition.
the building, property or components of the solid-fuel-burning system.
Access may require the moving or removal of doors, panels, other coverings or system components, and will require the use of
ladders and common tools typically used by a WETT-certified chimney sweep or technician.
Accessible system and/or building components can be repositioned to their original location and/or condition.
2.2 (A) GUIDELINES — GENERAL
A level-2 inspection includes (in addition to all aspects of a level-1 inspection):
1) continuity of accessible venting system and/or ductwork components,
2) proper use and suitability of accessible venting system and/or ductwork components, supports and mechanical
connections, including proper sizing,
3) internal and external surfaces of accessible system components for damage and/or deterioration, for freedom from
combustible deposits, blockage or obstructions and for evidence of operating malfunction,
4) surroundings and/or enclosures of accessible system components for proper clearances and construction. The inspection
may include locations within attics, crawl spaces and basements that can be accessed through doors, hatches or other
openings that do not require removal of parts of the building construction (that are) considered to be permanently
attached.
1) continuity of accessible venting system and/or ductwork components,
2) proper use and suitability of accessible venting system and/or ductwork components, supports and mechanical
connections, including proper sizing,
3) internal and external surfaces of accessible system components for damage and/or deterioration, for freedom from
combustible deposits, blockage or obstructions and for evidence of operating malfunction,
4) surroundings and/or enclosures of accessible system components for proper clearances and construction. The inspection
may include locations within attics, crawl spaces and basements that can be accessed through doors, hatches or other
openings that do not require removal of parts of the building construction (that are) considered to be permanently
attached.
LEVEL-3 INSPECTION (CONCEALED ACCESSIBILITY)
3.1 (A) DEFINITION
Concealed Accessibility is defined as not able to be accessed except by invasive methods.
Access to concealed areas would require the removal of constructed property and/or system components by invasive methods,
for the purpose of implementing a level-3 inspection. This may require the use of specialty tools and equipment, such as a
video scanning device or flue tile removal system.
It may not be possible to reposition the removed property or system components to their original location and/or condition.
A permit would be required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction when compromising structural building components.
Access to concealed areas would require the removal of constructed property and/or system components by invasive methods,
for the purpose of implementing a level-3 inspection. This may require the use of specialty tools and equipment, such as a
video scanning device or flue tile removal system.
It may not be possible to reposition the removed property or system components to their original location and/or condition.
A permit would be required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction when compromising structural building components.
3.2 (A) GUIDELINES — GENERAL
A level-3 inspection includes all aspects of a level-2 inspection plus:
1) the examination of concealed areas within, around and enclosing the system components for evidence of non-compliance,
malfunction, suspected hazards and/or damage to system or building components, and
2) surroundings and/or enclosures of concealed system components for proper clearances.
1) the examination of concealed areas within, around and enclosing the system components for evidence of non-compliance,
malfunction, suspected hazards and/or damage to system or building components, and
2) surroundings and/or enclosures of concealed system components for proper clearances.
3.2 (B) GUIDELINES — INVASIVE
Examples of invasive methods may include:
1) drilling or cutting holes through the surface of an enclosure wall (chase) to insert a camera or video scanning device,
2) removing a thimble or breech pipe,
3) removing masonry or other non-combustible materials to expose suspected combustible material,
4) removing or cutting a section of drywall or plaster that may conceal an abandoned chimney breech hole,
5) removal of facings or flashings to expose suspected hazards or deterioration, or other invasive methods as required, to
expose concealed areas for inspection.
1) drilling or cutting holes through the surface of an enclosure wall (chase) to insert a camera or video scanning device,
2) removing a thimble or breech pipe,
3) removing masonry or other non-combustible materials to expose suspected combustible material,
4) removing or cutting a section of drywall or plaster that may conceal an abandoned chimney breech hole,
5) removal of facings or flashings to expose suspected hazards or deterioration, or other invasive methods as required, to
expose concealed areas for inspection.
3.2 (C) ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
When it is necessary to access and/or remove constructed property (or system components), the inspector and client must sign
a consent form:
1) to outline what invasive method(s) will be taken, as well as the means to access the concealed area(s), and
2) to outline the responsibilities of each party in regard to the condition the property will be left upon completion of the
level-3 inspection.
a consent form:
1) to outline what invasive method(s) will be taken, as well as the means to access the concealed area(s), and
2) to outline the responsibilities of each party in regard to the condition the property will be left upon completion of the
level-3 inspection.
Canadian Chimney Inspections
Canadian Chimney offers WETT Inpections as well as non WETT inspection services. Some evaluation and inspections services include: chimneys, masonry, gas fireplaces, gas appliance venting systems, heating ducts, solid fuel appliances and their equipment as well as a wide range of chimney sweep services, various chimney, fireplace, wood-stove and wood-burning fireplace inserts, repairs, dryer vent cleaning and other home services.
