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WETT Certified Inspections

Systems Inspections and Technical Evaluation

What type of WETT-certified professional do I need?

WETT primarily certifies individuals in the following categories
(and combinations thercof):

SITE® Basic Inspector — These are individuals who can perform a Visual
inspection.

Technician — These are individuals who can install or perform maintenance
on wood-burning appliances. They can also perform a Visual or Technical
inspection.

Chimney Sweep — These are individuals who can clean and maintain your
entire wood-burning system, including sweeping the chimney. They can also
perform a Visual or ‘Technical inspection.

SITE® Comprehensive Inspector — These are individuals who can perform
a Visual, Technical or Invasive inspection. These individuals are also
technicians and/or sweeps.

How Can I Verify That Someone Is Certified?

You can verify that someone is certified by checking the WETT Inc. website or by calling the WETT National office at
1-888-358-9388

It is important to note that WETT certifies individuals, not companies. Logo 01
Companies may advertise that they have WETT- certified people on staff.

When contacting companies, you should make it clear that you are looking for a WETT-certified individual to complete work on your behalf. WETT professionals are issued photo ID cards, which include a sticker. This sticker must be for the current year.

I Need My Wood-burning System Inspected

Inspections of solid-fuel-burning systems (fireplaces, chimneys, wood-burning appliances, central heating systems) are conducted for a variety of reasons. Typically, they are conducted for insurance purposes, for real estate transactions or to investigate a concern with the way the system is functioning.

Can I get a WETT Inspection™ or a WETT certificate?

AWETT Inspection™ is the inspection of a solid-fuel-burning system, performed by a WETT-certified professional, for compliance with applicable codes and standards. Appliances and installations cannot be WETT certified.

WETT frequently receives requests for a “WETT certificate,” a “WETT certification,” a “WETT approval” or asked if it’s a “WETT-certified installation.” We also receive requests for companies that are “WETT certified.” These are common misconceptions — they do not exist. What should be issued is an inspection report completed by someone who is WETT certified. The WETT certification number of the member should be included on his or her report.

Contact a WETT-certified professional to inspect your solid-fuel-burning system. WETT has adopted a process to help identify the level of inspection required. We call this SITE®.

What level of SITEⓇ inspection do I need?

SITE is a set of standardized guidelines and procedures that are recommended by WETT for the inspection and/or evaluation of solid-fuel-burning systems. SITE® has three levels of inspection:

Level 1: Visual Inspection – “Readily Accessible” Readily Accessible is defined as quickly or easily reached for inspection.

A Visual 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 will measure clearances, open stove doors and all ground-accessible dampers/clean-out doors, visually inspect the chimney from the ground and inspect the easily visible portions of the flue (such as first tiles of an open fireplace, or top section if the inspector has accessed the roof).

A measuring tape, flashlight, mirror, camera, 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.

Level 2: Technical Inspection – “Accessible” 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, taking apart flue pipes, entering the attic to view additional system components or accessing the chimney from the roof.

Accessible system and/or building components can be repositioned to their original location and/or condition.

In addition to the tools used in a Visual inspection, the inspector may use a ladder and hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers.

Level 3: Invasive Inspection – “Concealed Accessibility” Concealed Accessibility is defined as not able to be accessed except by invasive methods.

Access to concealed areas would require general construction work to building elements, including the opening of walls or ceilings, the dissassembly or invasive work on masonry or prefab chimneys and examination of the chimney liner.

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 from the Authority Having Jurisdiction when compromising structural building components. The WETT inspector should get an agreement in writing from the client prior to any invasive methods.

In addition to the tools used in a Visual and Technical inspection, the inspector may use specialty tools such as video scanning or other equipment utilized by installers or chimney sweeps. Power tools including drills, saws or other equipment may be used, based upon work required.

WETT Certified Inspections

What type of WETT-certified professional do I need?

How Can I Verify That Someone Is Certified?

I Need My Wood-burning System Inspected

Can I get a WETT Inspection™ or a WETT certificate?

What level of SITEⓇ inspection do I need?

What type of report will I receive?

For how long is an inspection report valid?

What is the cost of an inspection?

WETT Certified Inspection