You’ve just purchased the “perfect house” with the fireplace you’ve always dreamed of having. The fireplace looks great and you can just see yourself relaxing by a crackling fire with family and friends.
Question: Is the fireplace in as great a shape as it looks? You’re informed that this is a “working fireplace”, but is it safe to use? There’s only one way to find out. Have a WETT* (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified technician inspect your fireplace.
As you would rely on a professional “house inspector” to determine the condition of the home’s infrastructure, so should you rely on a professional chimney technician, a WETT certified technician, to determine the condition of the wood burning fireplace or wood stove in your new home.
A new home owner (or prospective buyer) will often refer to an inspection of a wood burning appliance as a WETT inspection. In fact, it is an inspection performed by a WETT certified technician.
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association. It provides training to those who offer wood-energy products and installation and maintenance services to the public and to those who conduct inspections of wood-burning systems.
WETT Inc. confirms and recognizes the knowledge and skills acquired through field experience, self-study and successful completion of WETT courses by issuing certificates of qualification.
Why should I have a WETT certified technician inspect my fireplace or wood stove?
- To have the full assurance that your wood-burning appliance is installed in accordance with building and fire code requirements. Safety is paramount, and wood-burning appliances are manufactured to work safely and efficiently when they are installed, used and maintained properly.
- To satisfy the requirements of the insurance company. (Some insurance companies will require that an inspection of your wood appliance be performed by a WETT certified technician before they provide you with insurance).
- If you are the person selling your home, having a WETT inspection done before listing your home alerts the homeowner of any potential repairs that may require attention.
- Making any repairs ahead of listing your home avoids having these issues become stumbling blocks when a purchaser submits an offer.
- A favourable WETT inspection report reflects well on the condition of a “Home For Sale” and will therefore command a higher price than one that is in need of repair.
Before you contemplate having that first fire, set up an appointment with a WETT certified technician.
