What Is a WETT Inspection?
WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer — a Canadian training and certification body for individuals who install, inspect, and service wood-burning appliances. A WETT inspection is a specialized safety check of a wood stove, fireplace insert, pellet stove, or wood furnace, evaluated against the CSA B365 installation standard.
Why It Matters
Solid-fuel appliances carry real fire risk when installed incorrectly — inadequate clearance to combustible materials, an undersized or improperly installed chimney, or an uncertified appliance can all contribute to a house fire over time, sometimes years after installation. A standard home inspection includes a general visual look at fireplaces and chimneys, but a WETT inspection goes considerably further.
What a WETT Inspection Covers
- Clearance to combustible materials for the appliance, connector pipe, and chimney
- Whether the appliance is a certified unit (ULC, CSA, or similar) or requires the larger clearances mandated for uncertified stoves
- Chimney height and condition, including the "3-2-10 rule" for termination height
- Hearth and floor protection where the appliance sits
Levels of Inspection
WETT inspections range from a Level 1 visual inspection of readily accessible components — usually sufficient for insurance purposes — up to a Level 3 invasive inspection, which may be required after a chimney fire, seismic event, or when a system is concealed and its condition can't otherwise be confirmed. More information on leveles of inspection can be found here: Levels of Inspection
What this means for you
Most home insurance providers in BC require a WETT inspection report before issuing or renewing a policy on a home with a wood-burning appliance. If you're buying a home with a wood stove or fireplace insert, it's worth arranging a WETT inspection as a condition of your offer rather than discovering an insurance issue after removing subjects. Certified WETT inspectors can be found here: Find a certified WETT Inspector