WETT Inspections

Code Compliance, Clearly Documented

WETT Inspections

in Calgary & Area

A WETT inspection evaluates the accessible components of your wood-burning appliance, chimney and venting system for code compliance.

Our WETT-certified inspectors record relevant measurements and provide an emailed report documenting the conditions observed. Whether requested for insurance, real estate, a new installation or another concern, we clearly explain the findings and recommended next steps.

Professional WETT Inspections

A Clear Assessment of Your Wood-Burning System

WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer. A WETT inspection is an evaluation of a solid-fuel-burning appliance and its venting system performed by an individual who holds the appropriate WETT certification. During the appointment, the inspector examines the components included within the agreed inspection level. Depending on the system and scope, this may include the fireplace, wood stove or insert; hearth and floor protection; connector pipe; chimney; chimney cap or termination; clearances to combustible materials; certification markings; and other visible installation details. The inspector compares the observed installation with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions and the applicable code and standard requirements. When the installation manual or certification label is unavailable, the assessment is based on the information that can be confirmed and the applicable reference requirements. You receive a written inspection report—not a “WETT certificate.” WETT certifies qualified individuals; it does not certify appliances, installations or companies.

When an Inspection May Be Needed

Why Are WETT Inspections Requested?

Insurance Requirements

An insurance provider may request a current inspection report before issuing or renewing coverage for a home with a wood-burning fireplace, stove or insert. Confirm your insurer’s requirements before booking.

Real Estate Transactions

Buyers, sellers, real estate professionals and home inspectors may request a WETT inspection to document the accessible condition and code compliance of a wood-burning system during a property transaction.

New Installations or Changes

An inspection may be requested after a new appliance is installed or when changes have been made to an existing fireplace, stove, insert, connector pipe, chimney or surrounding construction.

Recommended Follow-up

A WETT-certified professional, home inspector, technician or insurance representative may recommend a more detailed inspection when a concern cannot be fully assessed within the original scope.

What to Expect

Inside a Crown WETT Inspection

The exact process depends on the type of appliance, the chimney and venting configuration, the reason for the inspection and the level of access required. A typical appointment follows four stages.

1 Confirm the Scope & System

We begin by confirming who requested the inspection, why it is required and whether the requesting party has specified a particular inspection level, form or documentation standard. The inspector identifies the appliance type, fuel type, chimney or venting configuration and the components included within the agreed scope. Please mention multiple appliances, unusual access conditions or known alterations when booking so the appointment can be scheduled appropriately.

2 Review Labels & Documentation

When available, the appliance certification label and installation manual provide model-specific information about required clearances, floor protection, venting and installation details. Please locate the manual before the appointment if possible and avoid covering or obstructing the manufacturer’s label. If the manual or label is unavailable, the inspector uses the information that can be confirmed and the applicable code and standard references, which may include CAN/CSA-B365 and relevant building or fire-code requirements.

3 Examine & Measure Components

The inspector visually examines the accessible components included within the scheduled inspection level. Depending on the system and available access, this may include the appliance, hearth and floor protection, connector pipe, chimney, venting components, certification markings, dampers, cleanout doors and chimney termination. Relevant measurements are recorded to assess the installation against applicable codes, standards and manufacturer requirements. This can include clearances from the appliance and venting to nearby walls, ceilings, mantels and other combustible materials, as well as hearth dimensions, shielding, supports and other installation details. Visible deterioration, damage, alterations or installation concerns are documented when appropriate. Only components that are visible and accessible within the agreed inspection level can be assessed. Concealed areas are not represented as inspected unless they have been specifically accessed within the scheduled scope.

4 Record & Explain the Findings

The inspector documents the observed system, measurements, certification details and applicable code-compliance findings. Photographs may be included when they help identify a component, explain a concern or support a recommendation. You receive a written inspection report describing the areas assessed and whether the observed installation complies with the requirements applied to those areas. If a component cannot be inspected, the limitation is noted. The report records what was visible and accessible at the date and time of the appointment. If further access, cleaning, repair or another inspection level is recommended, the reason and available next step will be explained. No additional service proceeds without your knowledge and approval.

The Appropriate Inspection Level

Visual or Technical. Clearly Scoped.

WETT’s SITE inspection process uses different levels of access. Crown Chimney Sweeps offers Visual and Technical inspections, with the appropriate level determined by the reason for the inspection, the requesting party’s requirements and the access needed to assess the system.

VISUAL INSPECTION — LEVEL 1:

Readily Accessible

A Visual inspection is a non-invasive review of readily accessible components. It is commonly requested for insurance, real estate and general code-compliance documentation when no specific concern requires additional access.

A Visual inspection may include:

Examining components that are quickly or easily reached
Measuring accessible clearances
Opening readily accessible appliance doors, dampers and cleanout doors
Viewing the chimney from ground level
Examining easily visible areas of the appliance and flue
Recording certification markings and installation details
Using basic tools such as a tape measure, flashlight, mirror and camera
Providing a written inspection report

A Visual inspection generally does not require the removal of panels or system components. Ladder access is not normally part of the scope unless it has been discussed and agreed upon in advance.

TECHNICAL INSPECTION — LEVEL 2:

Accessible

A Technical inspection includes a more detailed assessment of accessible components and may be recommended when additional verification is required beyond a Visual inspection.

A Technical inspection may involve:

Moving or removing accessible doors, panels or coverings
Separating accessible sections of connector or flue pipe when appropriate
Entering an accessible attic to view additional system components
Using a ladder to access the roof or chimney when required
Examining accessible components with common hand tools
Documenting areas that could not be reached or confirmed
Providing a more detailed written inspection report

A Technical inspection does not involve opening walls, ceilings or structural building elements. When critical areas are concealed and cannot be assessed without invasive access, a separate Level 3 Invasive inspection by an appropriately certified SITE Comprehensive Inspector may be recommended. Invasive inspection is not included as a standard Crown WETT-inspection service.

INSPECTION LEVEL NOTE:

For most insurance and real estate requests, a Visual inspection may be sufficient, but the person or organization requesting the report determines what documentation it will accept.

Ask your insurer, lender, buyer, seller or other requesting party whether it has specified an inspection level or form before booking.

WETT Inspection FAQs

Understand the Inspection Before You Book.

What is a WETT inspection?

A WETT inspection evaluates the accessible components of a wood-burning appliance, chimney and venting system for compliance with applicable codes, standards and manufacturer installation requirements. The inspector records relevant observations and measurements in a report that is emailed the day of inspection.

When might I need a WETT inspection?

WETT inspections are commonly requested by insurance companies, lenders, buyers, sellers and home inspectors. You may also require one following the installation or alteration of a wood stove, fireplace, insert or chimney system.

What level of WETT inspection do I need?

The person or organization requesting the report determines what documentation it will accept. A Visual inspection is usually sufficient for many insurance and real estate requests, while a Technical inspection involves additional access, measurements and documentation. Confirm the required inspection level before booking whenever possible.

Does a WETT inspection include chimney cleaning?

No. A WETT inspection and chimney cleaning are separate services. If soot, creosote or debris prevents an accessible component from being adequately observed, cleaning or a follow-up appointment may be recommended. Tell us when booking if you require both services.

How should I prepare for the inspection?

Do not use the appliance before the appointment, and make sure it is completely cool when the inspector arrives. Clear furniture, decorations, firewood and personal belongings from the work area. Have the installation manual and any documentation supplied by the requesting organization available if possible.

What will I receive after the inspection?

You will receive an emailed report within the day of the inspection, documenting the accessible conditions observed, relevant measurements and any noted code-compliance concerns. The report reflects the installation as it appeared within the scheduled inspection scope at the time of the appointment.

Does a WETT inspection result in a pass or fail?

The report documents the inspector’s findings and code compliance, rather than issuing a universal pass-or-fail certificate. An insurer, lender, buyer or other requesting party may review those findings and determine whether the installation meets its requirements.

What happens if a concern is identified?

The inspector will explain the finding and any recommended next steps. Depending on the concern, this may involve maintenance, repair, further evaluation or a more detailed inspection. No additional work proceeds without your knowledge and approval.

Can concealed areas be inspected?

A standard Visual or Technical inspection is limited to components that can be accessed without opening walls, ceilings or structural elements. If an important area is concealed, a separate invasive inspection by an appropriately certified inspector may be recommended.

Questions? Contact Us Today.

Tell us what type of fireplace, wood stove or insert you have, who requested the inspection and whether you have been given any specific documentation requirements. Crown Chimney Sweeps will help you identify the appropriate starting inspection and schedule the required appointment time.