I was asked to look at a woodstove and chimney in Orillia today, owner wanted to know if it needed cleaning. Home had recently been purchased and they had a WETT Inspection performed, which had shown it to be all good. Are all WETT Inspectors the same ? NO! Are all WETT Inspections the same ? NO! If you are getting a WETT Inspection insist on a Certified Chimney Sweep who also does inspections! Why? Well the system need cleaning. This is actually one of the question on a WETT Report! Oh, I forgot to mention, the inspector did not do any report or mention of the chimney!! Only the wood stove and flue pipe. But yes the stove and flue pipe needed cleaning as well and no mention f that! Oh well you say, was there anything else wrong? Don't get so picky you say! Well measurement of ember pad was wrong - not serious as was compliant - but still wrong. Ok more nitpicking! What about no screws in stove pipes - code says 3 at each joint - no mention on report - okay some say minor as I carry with me and throw in free if missing on any WETT Inspection. (wonder why this inspector didn't do that) Then the firebricks missing - not just one or two - but most of them! If a stove is not configured the way it was tested to become certified then it either needs to be FIXED or shown as an uncertified appliance. Oh.. then there were several holes in the stove pipes.. yes holes.. you could hold up and see daylight coming into the pipe. And then the chimney -- now a chimney by code has measurement above roof where it exits home as well as minimum height above anything within 3 metres. Well - it failed on both points and no mention in the report. Oh forgot there was no chimney report!! Do you want to sleep soundly at night? Do you want to know your system is safe? So do I!! I inspect and clean like it is my own... nothing left out. That is why you need a COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTOR and a CHIMNEY SWEEP to perform your WETT Inspection.. DO NOT SETTLE FOR LESS WHEN YOU CAN HIRE THE BEST!! This inspector was not from Midland, or even Orillia.. he was from Barrie. http://rawchimney.com
What is a WETT Inspection and why would you need one?
Well lets begin with the WETT Inspections: there are 3 types or 3 levels of inspection. The first is a visual and is as per NFPA-211 for existing systems which have had previous inspection and nothing has changed since last inspection (or if changes have been made - exactly the same components have been used). A Level 2 is a more comprehensive inspection where the system is looked at in more detail and is used where changes have been made using different components or during a real estate transaction (sale or purchase of a home). This is required if changes were made to ensure all is compatible and correct or in case of real estate transaction because you do not know how system was used in past or what was burned - nor if it was ever cleaned or maintained. Now some Home Inspectors will perform a Level 1 - contrary to what the NFPA-211 states, however the better ones will also recommend a chimney cleaning be performed afterwards (always a good ideas as around 80% of the homes for real-estate transactions I have seen did need a cleaning). One note of caution - always ensure you hire a WETT Certified Chimney Sweep or WETT Certified Advanced Chimney Sweep (and preferably one who only does Chimney Sweeping to ensure you get the best)! Level 3 is not often used and generally requested after chimney fire or other major event which may compromise the system. I am actually Certified to perform all 3 inspection types.
When do you need one? Well a WETT Certified Chimney Sweep is giving you an inspection with each and every sweep - not the paper report - but the actual inspection is being done - and they will notify you of any violations or component/system failures.
If you change any component at all in the system - even a stove pipe - you are supposed to have it inspected. Ontario fire code states you need an inspection annually - but you do get one with your sweep/cleaning and of course if you are buying your home!! Remember to get a Level 2 inspection!
I just cleaned one yesterday, vacuumed it out, taught home owner what all controls were used for and how to use the system. They had recently purchased and had Home Inspector do the WETT Report - while passable - the report did miss several items which should have been commented on. The homeowner said they wished they had me do the report, oh well.. they did get everything done in the end - but it does end up costing more to do it twice. Call a Certified Chimney Sweep and get the WETT Report done RIGHT!
When looking at a wood burning appliance, don't assume all is well, even if it has been in place for 25 years. Just did a WETT inspection on a pellet insert that has been in place for two decades and there are some problems. Of course owner asked if any rules have changed. Well, possibly in some cases, but not in this particular one as you see this was clearances to combustibles as tested in the lab on that particular unit and the required measurements were on a label affixed to the unit! So those measurements and label were there when installed. Enjoy your wood burning appliance and burn safely. Call a Certified Chimney Sweep to get your WETT Inspections done! Be sure and be safe! http://rawchimney.com
TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING!!
The weather is getting nice and we all are getting outside to enjoy it! And many at this time of year simply forget about their chimney and fireplace!
But cleaning inspection is essential for safety. There are many benefits of doing it now and getting ready the next season, call RAW Chimney Sweep and Inspections now! Or visit http://rawchimney.com/
Does your woodstove suddenly smoke? Wondering if you have a blocked chimney.. it is possible. And this time of year it may well be a squirrel. Removing squirrel nests are common, and this time of year sometimes even young babies are found in the nest within chimneys. Not something that is enjoyable, but sometimes does happen when a nest is torn apart. If you have a smoky stove, poor draft and think you may have a blocked chimney then give me a call. http://rawchimney.com/schedule-inspection-sweep/
