Question 1

What is a WETT inspection?

Accepted Answer

A WETT inspection is a certified safety assessment of wood-burning heating appliances — fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts, and chimneys — conducted by a WETT-certified inspector. WETT stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, the Canadian organization that sets standards and certifies inspectors for wood-burning systems. In Waterloo and across Ontario, a WETT inspection assesses your entire system against CSA B365 standards, covering the appliance condition, chimney flue liner, clearances to combustibles, creosote buildup, chimney cap, and hearth dimensions. The inspection results in a formal WETT certificate required by most Ontario home insurers before they will issue or renew coverage on a property with a wood-burning appliance.

Question 2

Is a WETT inspection required to sell my Waterloo home?

Accepted Answer

In Waterloo and across Ontario, most home insurance companies will not issue or renew a policy on a property with a wood-burning fireplace, wood stove, insert, or pellet stove without a current WETT inspection certificate on file. Since buyers require insurance before their mortgage funds and their lender requires coverage as a condition of closing, a missing WETT certificate in a Waterloo sale can block financing on closing day. Having a valid WETT certificate as part of your listing package removes this risk entirely and speeds up the buyer's financing and insurance approval process.

Question 3

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 WETT?

Accepted Answer

A WETT Level 1 inspection is a thorough visual assessment of all accessible components of the solid fuel appliance and chimney — firebox, flue liner (visually from above and below), clearances to combustibles, chimney cap, crown and flashing, creosote buildup, damper operation, and hearth extension dimensions. Level 1 satisfies the requirements for real estate sales and insurance renewals in Waterloo. A Level 2 inspection includes all Level 1 components plus a continuous video scan of the full flue interior using a camera — required by WETT standards after any chimney fire event, after a change or addition of a new appliance, or any time the Level 1 visual assessment cannot adequately assess the flue condition.

Question 4

How much does a WETT inspection cost in Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

WETT Level 1 inspections in Waterloo start from $199 for a single fireplace or wood stove installation. Homes with multiple appliances — for example, a masonry fireplace plus a wood stove in the basement — are priced at an incremental rate per additional appliance. Level 2 inspections with continuous video flue scanning are additional and priced based on the chimney height and complexity of access. We issue the WETT certificate the same day inspection is completed so your Waterloo real estate transaction or insurance renewal is not delayed.

Question 5

What happens if the WETT inspection fails?

Accepted Answer

If deficiencies are identified during a WETT inspection in Waterloo, the certificate cannot be issued until they are corrected and verified. Common deficiencies include: insufficient clearance to combustibles (wall framing, floor joists, or mantels too close to the firebox or flue); deteriorated or missing flue liner sections; excessive creosote buildup requiring professional sweeping before re-inspection; chimney height below the required 2-foot above-peak-or-10-foot from roof-surface calculation; missing or damaged chimney cap; and cracked or deteriorated crown. Most deficiencies are straightforward to repair. Our report documents each finding with photos, references the applicable WETT/CSA B365 standard, and provides the information your Waterloo chimney sweep or mason needs to complete corrective work.

WETT Inspection Waterloo | Certified Inspector | ASADS