Canada Post Strike
Please be advised that if you are awaiting a package containing course materials or declaration documents, there is a delay due to the ongoing Canada Post strike. For more information, please visit Canada Post.
If you have any questions, please contact info@wettinc.ca.
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Call for Applications- SME Researchers
Request for Applications:
Subject Matter Experts Content Researchers.
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc (WETT) is looking for 6 Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Content Researchers to join a roster supporting course development led by the Education Coordinator. We are looking for experts in the following areas:
· Inspections (2 positions)
· Installations / technicians (2 positions)
· Installations / technician – Masonry (1 position)
· Insurance professionals (1 position)
The Role:
As a SME Content Researcher, you will use your expertise, research and communication skills to produce short written reports on subjects requested by the Education Coordinator. It is anticipated that a SME Content Researcher will work for a minimum of 10 hours over the course of 2025. SME Content Researchers will be compensated at a rate of 75$ per hour.
What you bring to the role:
You will have:
· Current and demonstrable expertise in at least one of the subject areas listed above
· Excellent research and written communication skills
· Effective time management skills and availability
· Experience as a WETT member in good standing for a minimum period of 5 consecutive years.
· Ability to research and concisely explain answers to difficult questions.
How to Appy:
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to the WETT Office (certification@wettinc.ca) by December 31st, 2024.
Supporting WETT’s work:
WETT, a non-profit training and education association, oversees a program with the objective of developing, maintaining, promoting and delivering professional training courses within the framework of the Wood Energy Technical Training Program (WETT) for practitioners of trades related to the sale, installation, maintenance and inspection of systems using wood and other biomass fuels. WETT offers a series of core courses required for the certification of WETT members as well as continuing education courses to support WETT members as they continue to learn and develop their skills and knowledge of their industry.
Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) believes that a diverse and pluralistic society is central to our association’s identity. Educators have a responsibility to contribute to a culture that recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion.
WETT strives to deliver inclusive service. We recognize and energetically affirm the dignity of those we serve and employ, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capabilities, or income.
WETT understands that an acceptance of differences can place individual and collective values in conflict. We are committed to tolerance and understanding. We act to ensure that people can enjoy services and employment free from any attempt by others to impose values, customs or beliefs.
We encourage all Canadians to apply regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capabilities, or income.
If you require accommodation in the hiring process please contact our Executive Director, Rudi Genovese at manager@wettinc.ca
Letter from the President, Matthew Harwood
Greetings from the WETT National Board! My name is Matthew Harwood, and I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share some of the latest updates taking place at our organization, as well as some of our goals for the next year.
In 1997, I started working on the loss prevention side of the insurance industry, completing inspections. After almost three decades in the vendor world servicing the largest insurers across Canada, I moved to the insurance side and became a Manager of Prevention at Wawanesa in 2023.
In 2019, I was first appointed to WETT National Board, and served as Treasurer for the past two years. Then, at the June 2024 board meetings, I became the new WETT President for a two-year term.
So, I think you could say that I’ve got a bit of experience from both the inspection side – writing reports and inspecting – as well as being on the consumer-end of the reports – reviewing and helping underwriters to accept the reports provided by WETT-certified professionals.
I’m looking forward to using this experience to help WETT evolve over the next two years.
New Management Company:
As you know, WETT National uses a management company along with the volunteer board to care for the needs of courses, certification, and initiatives to move our organization forward. In September, we transitioned from partnering with Funnel to a new company, Managing Matters. Please be patient with us as we try to get through this as smoothly as possible.
After over 20 years of serving our organization, we are sad to see Funnel go. Many of you have been assisted by Peter, Evonne, and the rest of the team over the years, and we will miss them. We would like to thank them for their many years of diligent service to help us grow to where we are today.
We are excited to work with Managing Matters, who have already shown a wide range of skillsets that will help us as we work towards our goals. Rudi Genovese will be our new Executive Manager, and has a lot of trade experience that will help him to understand and meet our needs.
You will also get to see or talk to Sarah Mackenzie who will be overseeing some of the board and committee meeting and Heitor Purcino who will be scheduling courses, as well as handling certification and education. There are a number of other members of the team who will be assisting, including those who will be responsible for planning events, helping with technology, and managing our communications.
Upcoming Year:
This year as President, my goal is to help us progress to the next level. I believe that this can be done by good communication between all, and working together as a board to listen to and address your needs as members.
Communication: As a board, we serve at your pleasure. None of the board members can dictate policy, and our goals should be your goals. To help with that, we have implemented a new plan to make sure there is clear communication between all board members and affiliate boards, so that everyone knows what is happening.
As you may know, each of the four affiliates has a representative on the National board to advocate for your needs. So, to make sure you are heard, a section of the board meeting will now be dedicated to hearing from the affiliate representatives.
Furthermore, all WETT National board meeting minutes will be circulated to the affiliate board members to bring awareness to new developments. This communication will ensure that whether you are talking to someone from the office, a board member, or an affiliate board member, the same information will be passed on to you.
Strategic Focus: In the near future, a subsection of the board will be tasked with working with Managing Matters to prepare a strategic plan for WETT going forwards. This will allow us to progress and put the effort where it’s most beneficial. Once this plan is prepared, it will be brought to the full board for approval and action.
Some of the key things we are exploring as part of that strategy include:
Communication with the insurance companies and understanding their needs
Investigating development of an app to make filling out reports easier
Updating and streamlining the WETT forms to address comments from members
Providing additional training opportunities and skill-development programs
Researching government grants that could help expedite our growth
Seeking collaborative opportunities with similar organizations
Updating courses to meet current needs and technologies
Educating all stakeholders in the inspection, sweeping, and installation industry on the requirements of WETT certification
Increasing organizational awareness by attending various industry events
Planning special events that incentivize member attendance
In Summary:
We look forward to sharing with you the developments we have achieved at the 2025 AGM in Penticton, BC. There are many exciting plans for that event, including a tour of a manufacturer, a visit to a winery, new educational opportunities, and exhibitors that will make it a remarkable event.
I believe we are at a great place in our organizational development where we can make true, meaningful change for our members, but also for the industry. I am looking forward to this journey with you! Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Matthew Harwood
President
Are the Cracks in My Clay Tile Chimney Liner That Big of a Deal?
Reprinted with permission from Steve Sobczak, Total Chimney Care
In the fall and winter, chimneys see pretty extensive use, especially when the home’s heating relies on a fireplace or wood stove. To help keep everything functioning smoothly and safely, the National Fire Protection Association has mandated annual chimney sweeps and inspections. For chimneys experiencing heavier use, more frequent attention could be of benefit. As a homeowner, you must be involved in the inspection process by asking questions and understanding the basics. Request a video scan as part of the inspection and, if the inspector does not mention the condition of the chimney liner, then ask. As it turns out, cracks and gaps in the chimney liner are quite serious!
The chimney serves a vital function for the home, which is to expel toxic fumes produced by the fire out of the home. In an ideal state, hot air filled with smoke and other poisons rises through the chimney, safely away from the living space. To assist in the safe transfer of these fumes, every chimney should contain a chimney liner made of heat-resistant metal or ceramic. This liner acts as a protective barrier, shielding the chimney and house from the hazardous smoke. When the liner is not sealed all the way up, it can start to cause some trouble.
As tiles expand and contract with heat, you may think that a hairline crack is not a problem; it can be. With every heating of the flue, this crack will expand and allow smoke to pass through its opening. If this continues to happen, problems can arise because smoke is a gas. It expands to fill its container/chimney and any surrounding spaces. Therefore, when the smoke rises through the chimney and passes by a gapped seam in the liner, some of the smoke will spread out into that space and will create soot deposits in an unsweepable area OR a stray ember could actually pass through the crack and ignite the soot and lead to a devastating fire.
Aside from this risk, the acidic nature of the chemicals in the smoke will start corroding whatever material it touches, masonry or not. Over time, this acidic deterioration degrades the strength of the individual materials and of the entire structure, which could lead to partial or complete collapse.
Also, over time if this crack is neglected, the crack will fill with soot and creosote and be prevented from fully closing when the chimney cools. This will exert pressure on the neighbouring tiles and this pressure could cause what I like to call the Domino Effect. Pressure from the cracked tile will possibly crack the tile above or below it, and so on and so on.
The other problem with smoke leaking into the chimney cavity behind the tile liner involves the smoke travelling back into the living space. Smoke contains a variety of harsh chemicals, including carcinogens like creosote and soot. Additionally, all types of smoke have the invisible toxin known as carbon monoxide. In high enough concentrations, carbon monoxide in a living space can cause loss of consciousness and even death in a matter of minutes. The movement of air back into the house can also reduce the strength of the draft and even reverse it with a large enough leak. This is made evident by smoke stains on the hearth or face and around the fireplace from smoke backing up into the house.
Fortunately, all of these problems are preventable by annual inspections during your chimney sweeping appointment. The only way for a chimney inspector to properly determine the state of the liner is with a video scan. Regular inspections only reach as far as the eye can see from inside or from the roof, but a video scan reveals every imperfection. Top to bottom.
Repairs could involve resurfacing the inner liner or replacing a chimney liner with a large-bore stainless steel liner that has been mathematically sized for your fireplace dimensions and height, or installing a fireplace insert with full stainless steel chimney liner attached.
In any of the above scenarios, a cracked or broken flue tile renders the chimney non-code compliant and the system should not be used until addressed with a reparation solution geared to your specific needs and problems.
Contact your local WETT-certified chimney professional to get advice on all your chimney needs.
Is Your Continuing Education Credit Due in 2024? Register Now for the SITE™ Inspection Course!
If you haven't already completed the SITE™ Inspection course, this is the one you must complete for your next continuing education (CE) credit.
The scope of this course is to create more uniformity in inspection activities and reporting. Included in this course are five case studies. Guided by expert instructors, you will be asked to work through scenarios, mimicking an inspection, the process of documenting the inspection through the WETT Inspection™ forms and addressing common challenges. Through actively doing these inspections, you will both gain new knowledge and learn how to apply it.
This course consists of:
a pre-course (one-hour video plus quiz)
the classroom course (two days, plus evening study)
After you register and pay for the SITE™ Inspection course, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to access your pre-course.
You must complete the pre-course at least one week prior to your course start date in order to be allowed to attend the classroom part of the course.
Testing House Pressures
Let’s take a minute to revisit the physics of air flows in houses and chimneys for those new to our membership and the industry. Chapter 6 of the WETT Reference Manual, Section 3.1, covers the “why” behind Temperature Difference Produc(ing) Pressure Difference. Not only that, but it also provides a handy table “Pressure for Various Stack Heights & Temperature Differences.”
Pull out your manual for a quick recap so your learning doesn’t take a back seat!
We’d like to highlight to the membership WETT Reference Manual, Chapter 6 page 25-27 “…an increasingly important skill for wood-energy technicians (is the ability to conduct pressure tests of houses).” This section within the manual guides members through the process with suggested best practices and provides a sample Pressure Test Report.
Pull out your manual for a quick recap so your learning doesn’t take a back seat!
Log in to the Forum to discuss your questions about Conducting a House Pressure Test today!
Another topic of great importance is Make Up Air Supplies, as covered in the WETT Reference Manual, Chapter 6 Section 7. Most modern homes are quite energy efficient, which means that sometimes a home requires a make-up air supply to bring in fresh air to address the needs of the people who use the space and ensure the appliances installed are performing optimally. Review this section and its subsequent case studies to refresh your knowledge.
Welcome your 2024-2025 WETT National Board
The WETT National Board for 2024-2025 was confirmed at our AGM on June 13. Here are your representatives.
From top to bottom, left to right.
Matt Harwood, President; Ian Myers, Vice-President; Martin Aubé, Past President; Zigi Gadomski, Secretary
Pat Cormier, Treasurer; Jason Cramer, Director; Randy Hoeppner, Director; Dalton Hooker, Director
Peter Miller, Director; Ryan Renshaw, Director; Andrew Simpson, Director; Sandy Yorke, Director
What is a WETT Inspection™?
DEFINITION: A WETT inspection™ is the inspection of a solid-fuel-burning system, performed by a WETT-certified professional, for compliance with applicable codes and standards.
WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) is recognized nationally as the self-regulating education body solely responsible for the standards-based education and certification of individuals. There is no national government agency that requires a solid-fuel-burning system to be installed, constructed, serviced or inspected by a WETT-certified professional.
A WETT Inspection™ is, however, a requirement that is being mandated by the insurance industry. The definition, therefore, should be communicated to all stakeholders to avoid the use of non-inspection terminology.
A WETT-certified professional does not and cannot certify, pass, fail or condemn a solid-fuel-burning appliance or system, nor render it (verbally or in written form) safe or unsafe.
A WETT-certified professional does not issue a WETT certificate.
A WETT-certified inspector cannot and should not guarantee that a solid-fuel-burning system will perform in a manner as claimed by the product manufacturer or builder. The inspector’s role is to verify compliance or non-compliance to applicable codes and standards, based on the type of inspection conducted.
Terms and terminology used in the body of the SITE Table are included in the definitions to ensure consistency and correctness.
Every WETT Inspection™ begins with a complete Visual Inspection. A WETT-certified professional, as a policy or a business practice, may choose to do only Technical Inspections. However, WETT requires that the Technical Inspection must include all the requirements of a Visual Inspection (see Technical Inspection Scope: What is required). This principal also applies to Invasive Inspections.
There is nothing to prevent the inspector who has been contracted to perform a specific level of inspection from conducting parts of a higher level of inspection. However, the level of inspection must be clearly communicated and understood. The documentation (report) must state the level of inspection performed.
It is absolutely necessary that members understand the SITE Table, definitions, guidelines and process. Most problems arise because WETT members do not understand or apply these principles when communicating with the client.
WETT 2024 Award of Excellence recipient: Patrick Bourque
The WETT Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the objectives of WETT Inc. This year WETT is awarding two individuals for outstanding contributions.
Our second 2024 recipient is Patrick Bourque.
Patrick is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and a profound passion for the hearth industry.
In February 1980, Pat made a significant career move by acquiring A1 Chimney Sweepers, a venture that showcased both his business acumen and unwavering commitment to providing essential services to the community. In 1988 he formed Maritime Fireplaces. Since inception, he worked closely with local fire departments and served on several steering committees, ensuring safety and community needs were paramount.
Throughout the years, he actively participated in the development of the Canadian wood energy industry, collaborating on various initiatives for the Canadian Wood Energy Institute and Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT). His dedication to advancing sustainable energy practices and fostering safe industry growth remains unwavering.
A-1 Chimney Sweepers and Maritime Fireplaces staff have had over 30 years’ volunteer service as Board members and at least 8 years of serving Presidents through the generosity and guidance of Pat. He has always supported WETT, having all his sweeps and wood-product installers certified, at one time earning his company the distinction of having the most certified WETT technicians in one company. His WETT number, old 377, reflects his longstanding commitment to WETT and the industry as a whole. His daughter Sarah’s number is 11381.
Pat also dedicated significant time and expertise to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC), serving as a board member for several years before ultimately assuming the role of President.
Today, Pat continues to be a driving force in his industry, seamlessly blending experience, leadership, and a forward-thinking vision for a sustainable future. His daughter Sarah is now heading up the company, ensuring contributions continue to shape and inspire positive change within the industry and beyond.
WETT Certification vs. WETT Inspection™
By Cindy Buckle
To completely understand the difference, let’s first answer “What is WETT and what does WETT do?”
Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems in Canada.
Objectives of WETT
To develop, maintain, promote and deliver professional training courses within the framework of the Wood Energy Technical Training Program (WETT) for practitioners of trades related to the sale, installation, maintenance and inspection of systems using wood and other biomass fuels.
To maintain a registry containing the names of holders of valid WETT certificates and those who are students under the program.
In accordance with the WETT Code of Ethics, foster and promote among certificate holders the highest level of professional conduct in the delivery of services to the public.
To encourage and promote the safe and efficient use of wood energy through the distribution of public information materials and through collaboration with government agencies and related industries.
To foster and promote research and education in the utilization of wood as a source of energy.
To promote the interests and activities of the members of the organization in a reasonable and legal manner.
To provide a forum for the discussion of issues of importance or interest to the members and to share information and opinions for the mutual benefit of the members.
To carry on such other activities as may, from time to time, be ordered by the Board of Directors of the organization and which are consistent with these objectives.
Through the Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) program, industry professionals spend many hours to become sufficiently educated to perform their jobs in the field when installing, servicing or inspecting solid-fuel-energy systems. When taking the path to WETT certification, any person who wishes to hold a WETT credential agrees to abide by the WETT Code of Ethics that holds them to a higher standard of performance and professional behaviour.
Individuals who have achieved WETT certification and hold a current, valid WETT certification number may do the following:
Inspect a solid-fuel-burning system.
Report on the condition of the inspected fuel-burning system.
May, but are not required to, provide advice on how to bring the inspected solid-fuel-burning system into code compliance. However, this may require a higher level of certification or training.
WETT Inc. does not certify appliances.
WETT Inc. does not certify an installation of a solid-fuel-burning system.
Manufacturers of solid-fuel-burning systems certify their appliances by test laboratories, like CSA or Intertek.
A WETT-certified individual cannot certify an appliance or an installation.
A WETT-certified individual can only attest to the proper installation of said appliance and chimney according to both Manufacturers’ Written Installation Instructions and the Provincial/National Codes that apply to that installation.
To find a WETT-certified professional in your area to inspect your solid-fuel-burning system, check the Search for Professionals page on our website
WETT 2024 Award of Excellence recipient: Jesse Richer
The WETT Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the objectives of WETT Inc. This year WETT is awarding two individuals for outstanding contributions.
Our first 2024 recipient is Jesse Richer.
Jesse got an early start in the fireplace business in the mid 1970s while still studying psychology at the University of Calgary. Like many students, cash was in short supply, so she took a part-time job with a friend. There was plenty of weekend work available installing stoves & fireplaces. Before long, an area distributor offered full employment. Jesse was awarded the contract for the installation of fireplaces in condominiums at the new Panorama ski resort under construction near Invermere, BC. She took the job, left university behind, and never looked back.
In the late seventies, Jesse returned to her home province of Ontario to work as a fireplace/chimney contractor in the Ottawa area. This led to full-time work as a solid-fuel technician for Advanced Prefabs (The Fireplace Center). Later, Jesse relocated to Hamilton to continue as a subcontractor with various dealer stores including HearthStone; the store owned by Jan Herald. Later, Jesse had her own business just down the road called “Log & Lawn of Burlington.” She was ahead of her time. Aside from stoves & fireplaces, Jesse’s store sold plenty of specialty barbecue grills & patio furnishings.
In 1994, General Steel Wares (aka GSW) came calling just as Jesse was winding down her business in Burlington. They asked her to set up a technical support department for residential DIY applications. Before long, she was promoted to Technical Support Manager. When Selkirk Corporation acquired GSW in 1998, Jesse continued in the same role and has been there ever since. Today she serves as Senior Product Technical Manager for the Duravent Group (Duravent acquired Selkirk Canada, Selkirk Corp., and Hart & Cooley in 2021).
All along, Jesse has been a tireless volunteer for our industry. She served with the Canadian Wood Energy Institute (CWEI), and with ARWETO when it was established in 1988. Later, Jesse stepped up to work with WETT National serving terms as both treasurer and president. Even today, Jesse is still there volunteering her time as a member of the WETT Ethics Committee. All along, she has advocated for best practices based on a foundation of knowledge, experience, and professionalism.
Over the last 40 years, Jesse has worked with dealers and installers from all over North America. During that time, she had the good fortune of seeing & working on many important solid-fuel chimney innovations. Her technical writing is featured within many of Selkirk’s solid-fuel chimney installation manuals. She has also had a hand in developing catalogues and other product literature, and still handles technical calls and warranty inquiries. This role has now expanded to work under other brands made by the Duravent Group which now owns Selkirk Chimney. Even so, one of her proudest achievements was the establishment of WETT’s Selkirk Training Bursary in 2012. Jesse saw the need for this and lobbied hard to secure the necessary funding. This annual bursary covers all costs of course fees needed for the recipient to achieve WETT certification.
As the Senior Product / Technical Manager for Selkirk Canada Inc., my responsibilities is to provide technical support for all of Selkirk residential product lines for North America. Selkirk is a leading manufacturer of chimney, venting and fireplaces supplied to the Retail, HVAC, Hearth & Commercial/Industrial markets.
BACKGROUND:
1976 to 1978 – Ecco Fireplaces in Calgary AB as a fireplace installer / contractor
1978 to 1986 – Fireplace Center (Advanced Prefabs) as installer and installation coordinator. My skills were toned to include complete installation of solid-fuel systems, from the set and stack to the finishing of the wood-burning appliance. In the later years of employment, I became the coordinator of all installations, supervising 6 crews of installers.
1986 to 1994 – Owner /Operator of Log’N Lawn of Burlington. I continued to enhance my skills as a solid-fuel technician for residential installations. In the late 80s, added to our scope the installation of gas-fired residential appliances.
1994 to 1995 – Employed by GSW Heating Product as a line / assembler for the gas division.
1995 – 1998 – Promoted to Technical Administrator under the new created Technical Department.
1998 to 2005 – Selkirk acquired GSW in 1998. And continued in this role.
2005 to 2021 – Promoted to Sr. Product/Technical Manager for all legacy companies (GSW, EnergyVent, Heatfab), Selkirk (US and Canada), Hart & Cooley and Amerivent. Have taken on the responsibilities in developing, creating, and updating all product installation instructions.
2021 to present – Duravent Group acquires Hart & Cooley, Selkirk Corp and Selkirk Canada. Continue as Sr. Product/Technical Manager. Added Duravent and Security Chimneys to responsibilities of developing, creating, and updating all product installation instructions.
EDUCATION:
Belcourt Secondary High School - Grade 13; Ottawa, ON
Algonquin College - High Studies in Recreology; Ottawa, ON
Calgary University - Psychology; Calgary AB
CWEI (Canadian Wood Energy Institute) training; Ottawa, ON
ARWETO and WETT Certificate holder as a Solid Fuel Space Technician and SITE Comprehensive Inspector; Wood Technology Training Inc., Markham, ON
TSSA Ontario Certificate of Qualification as a G.2 Gas Technician; Mohawk College
AFFILIATIONS:
1979 - 1981 – Guest speaker at seminars for Un-Traditional Jobs for Woman at Algonquin College - challenges faced when seeking careers in these fields.
Since 2002 have been actively involved with WETT Inc. Some key points:
2005 took on the position of Treasurer of WETT and serve on the executive board.
2010 took the position of President of WETT.
2010 introduced the Selkirk Training Bursary.
Served on the WETT Education Committee
Currently active on the WETT Ethics Committee.
2003 to 2006 – Was actively involved in the Burn-it-Smart workshop campaign, as presenter assigned to a Southwestern Ontario region and some partners in the US to deliver workshops offering useful information on efficient and safe wood-burning practices. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) was the lead on this cross-jurisdictional venture for cleaner, safer, more efficient wood burning. The national campaign on residential wood heating was to reduce wood-smoke pollution. These workshops were overseen by the industry specialist and delivered by WETT professionals with added training as a presenter.
Participant on various Technical Committees with CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and TSSA (The Technical Standards & Safety Authority):
2004 to 2020 as an alternate on the CSA B365 Technical Committee representing Selkirk as a manufacturer.
2007 to 2019 participating member of the CSA B415 Technical Committee representing Selkirk as a manufacturer.
Since 2004 I am a participating member on TSSA Risk Reduction Group. This group meets every 3 months to review if an alternate compliance strategy is warranted on issues in the field which may constitute hazardous.
2012 - present, participating member with CSA Technical Committee on Energy Efficiency and Related Performance of Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment (JB 121), P.3, P.5 and P.6.
2013, participating member with CSA B149 Technical Committee.
2015, participating member with CSA on the B139 and B140 Technical Committee for Oil Burning Appliance Standards (JB 103, JB 104).
Spring Cottage Life Show, Toronto, ON
Brian Palmateer and Ian Myers were proud to represent WETT Inc. at the recent Spring Cottage Life Show at the Toronto International Centre March 21-24.
We engaged the public regarding member services (WETT-certified chimney sweeps, installers and inspectors) promoting all the benefits of hiring persons who have been through the WETT training system. We also met with potential future new WETT students, explaining the steps they could take to become WETT certified.
It was a very worthwhile experience! We were even visited by David Allen, a former WETT Past President, still very active in Nova Scotia.
From left to right: Brian Palmateer, David Allen, Ian Myers
Ideal Home Show, Halifax, NS
The Ideal Home Show in Halifax, March 22-24, 2024, was attended by local members Steve Falt, Raymond Teasdale, Patrick Mullen and Sandy Yorke with financial support from WETT’s National office.
Our goal was to direct the public to the National web site when looking for a WETT-certified professional. This was accomplished by sharing a QR code that took them to the website directly on their phone and a staff member showed them how to navigate the site to find the service they were looking for.
Our collective experience was although many people said they have used our services, the contact was made with them through a retailer, real estate or insurance contact.
Public awareness of the WETT website will allow for a direct contact from the public to all our certified members and will be especially helpful in finding local sweeps and installers.
We supported the use of WETT ID card and discussed why the homeowner should be asking to see our identification.
Overall, the feedback from the public was positive and I feel this was a great service to our membership.
Sandy Yorke
Executive Director
WET-NS
Update on WETT Inspection™ Forms
Valued members,
As you know, a number of years ago, the organization put into motion a number of initiatives that would help us prepare for mandating our inspection forms in order to constitute a WETT Inspection™.
Trademarking the term "WETT Inspection™"; we started the application process with the support of legal counsel some years ago and only last year were approved;
Finalizing and testing new and improved inspection forms for systems (updates on this below);
Launching a new SOP for inspections, which was released to members a couple of years ago;
Creating a new SITE Inspection course; this is not a revised SITE Basic Inspection course, but a completely new course with a new approach to teaching.
WETT Inspection™ forms have been available to members for download from both the members only section of the WETT National website and our Student Member website, since Candidate members may use the WETT-branded inspection forms for inspection purposes.
After a thorough testing period, the forms were launched as fillable PDFs and have been in action in the field for close to two years now. We have continued to gather feedback from members and applied slight modifications to improve the functionality of the WETT Inspection™ forms. One of the biggest changes is the ability to click and unclick the checkboxes at will. We also removed some drop-down menu options based on feedback that members would prefer to not have limitations to their responses.
The newest versions of the inspection forms, labelled V1, are the forms all members should now be using. Please replace the files you are using currently with the latest versions. With plans to mandate the use of our inspection forms by all WETT members coming soon, we encourage you all to begin using them if you have not already. Once mandated, only the current version of the inspection forms will constitute a WETT Inspection™.
We have provided you with editable files so that you can complete them electronically. These forms are modifiable as long as they are not signed. This is a feature to safeguard against any potential tampering or alteration not made by you, the inspector.
Once you add your digital signature to the form (opened using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat), the form locks, with the exception of the digital signature field for the client. This prevents the client from changing any of the content. However, if the client’s digital signature is added first, you — the inspector — cannot add your digital signature: you must add your signature before the client’s signature is added. Once the signatures have been added, the form is locked and can no longer be edited.
If for some reason you are not adding your digital signature, you can add password security (File – properties – security – password security).
The forms must be saved to your device before sending.
Edit at your leisure, however, do not sign the form until it is FINAL. Your client is still able to add their signature after you have locked the form.
Member access and posting of WETT-branded inspection forms
WETT recognizes that the need to post inspection forms on members’ websites is important in order to communicate to consumers the need and value of having a WETT Inspection™ done. Therefore, we have also made available sample watermarked forms to help you promote your WETT Inspections™.
Because access to these forms is limited to WETT-certified individuals and Candidate members, the following must be adhered to:
Only WETT-certified professionals, or companies that employ WETT-certified professionals, may post WETT-branded inspection forms on their websites as reference for consumers
Only the provided sample version of the inspection form may be posted. This can be found in the WETT members only section of the website in the Documents section.
The inspection form can only be used in its original format. It cannot be altered in any manner without prior written approval by WETT Inc.
If a certificate holder fails to maintain membership with WETT for any reason, the right to use the inspection form is forfeited.
If a company no longer employs any WETT-certified person, the company forfeits the right to use the WETT inspection form and must remove the form from its website or advertisements within 60 days of the last WETT-certified person no longer being employed.
WETT Inc. reserves the right to require companies to suspend use of the inspection form if WETT Inc. deems the use inappropriate or damaging to the reputation of WETT Inc.
WETT may require the addition of text to accompany the inspection form to clarify the nature of support.
A disclaimer should accompany the forms stating that the inspection form is only valid when it includes the inspector’s WETT certification number.
SBI Training Bursary: Congratulations to Our 2023 Bursary Winner
SBI and WETT would like to congratulate Lucas Eady, the 2023 winner of the SBI Training Bursary.
Lucas has worked in the construction industry for a little over 30 years in a family business, mainly doing roofing and chimneys, and is looking for a new career that is not so physically demanding on the body.
He has been working for his brother, James Eady (Eady Home Inspections) in the home inspection industry for the last two years and would like to add WETT Inspection™ to his profile.
The purpose of this bursary is to provide financial assistance to a person seeking WETT certification as an installer, system advisor or sweep following the WETT path to certification. Eligibility is open to applicants seeking WETT certification who are Canadian citizens, reside in Canada and are family members of current or recently WETT-certified (within the last five years) professionals.
The recipient will have the course fees waived for:
The Code Compliance course
The Wood-burning Systems course, and
The SITE™ Inspection course.
Submission deadline for 2024 is September 30.
WETT Will be at the Spring Cottage Life Show
WETT members —Inspectors, Sweeps and Installers— will be promoted by the WETT National Vice President and Instructor in training Ian Myers, and Past President/long-time WETT instructor Brian Palmateer.
If you are going to the show, stop by and say hello!
Elections for the WETT National Board Have Launched
Key Dates
February 1, 2024: Call for Nominations released
March 22, 2024: Nomination Deadline
April 1, 2024: Voting Opens (make sure you have renewed for 2024)
May 3, 2024: Ballot Voting Deadline
June 13, 2024: Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Nominations for candidates for the 2024-2026 WETT Board of Directors are now closed. The Board is composed of a minimum of eight (8) and not more than twelve (12) directors, consisting of at least two each of WETT-certified advisors, inspectors, technicians and sweeps, with no more than five from any one category. The term is for two years.
A slate of nominees was sent electronically on April 1, 2024 for voting. The new Board will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for June 13, 2024. This year we have openings for three (3) directors, as one position is acclaimed.
Elections will be done electronically.
For those members who do not have an email on file with the office, ballots will be mailed.
WETT names John Gulland as Honorary Member
WETT is pleased to announce that John Gulland has been named an honorary member of the organization. Honorary Membership is bestowed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the organization and/or to the WETT Inc. professional training system.
John Gulland's involvement with wood burning began in 1974 when he built a wood stove for his own home. Since then he has gained professional experience in virtually every aspect of residential wood burning, including product design and manufacture, safety and environmental standards development, stove, fireplace and chimney retailing, policy and market analysis, laboratory and field research, and professional training. He is a founder and principal writer for the popular woodheat.org web site.
John Gulland
WETT Acting Executive Director, 1999/2000
WETT Conference & Expo
WETT 2024 Conference & Expo
WETT is pleased to announce that we will be hosting our first ever Conference & Expo being held in Moncton, New Brunswick on June 13 in collaboration with WETT-NB.
Our focus this year is on awareness and education.
The program will open with a keynote address from John Ceaser, Chair, Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
John is also the host of a podcast titled “Lend me your ears”, where he shares his experiences in being a business owner. We look forward to getting insights on this and also his perspective on the solid fuel industry and the synergies between CSIA and WETT. Learn more about John here…
The day will continue with a mix of hands-on training in:
Stainless steel liners
Masonry repointing parts 1 & 2
Flashing a metal roof
as well as some theoretical seminars on:
WETT Inspections™
Insurance Risk Analysis
CO Detection
Look for more details on these sessions and on our exhibitors coming soon.
Sign up early to secure your spot for what is sure to be an exciting day of learning and networking.