Wood Burning Fireplaces

Fireplace FAQ’s

Buying: 

When buying a property with a wood burning appliance, your home insurance provider will want more info. The two main concerns will be: 

1. Is this WETT Certified?
2. Will you be using it as your primary heat source? (Burning more than 3 cords of wood per year?)

Selling:

The goal of any seller is to remove doubt from a buyer’s mind. Make sure you have a WETT certification handy for the listing info package, OR provide a clear explanation on your Property Disclosure statement if the Fireplace is broken or has not been used in a long time. 

Maintaining/Repairing/Inspecting:  https://flue.guru/

• Annual chimney sweeping is a good idea, and in some stratas, mandatory. Keep your receipts so when you sell, you can demonstrate you’ve taken good care of things. 

Insurance: See our list of insurance people here: https://www.citynest.ca/blog/good-people-to-know/

What is WETT certification? 

A “WETT inspection” typically refers to a Wood Energy Technology Transfer inspection. WETT is an organization in Canada that focuses on promoting safe and effective use of wood-burning appliances, such as stoves and fireplaces. WETT inspectors are certified professionals who assess and verify the proper installation and maintenance of these wood-burning systems to ensure they comply with safety and environmental standards.

During a WETT inspection, an inspector will examine the wood-burning appliance, chimney, and related components to ensure they meet safety codes and regulations. This inspection helps ensure that the appliance is safe to use and not posing any fire or health hazards. The inspector may also provide recommendations for maintenance and improvements if any issues are identified.

What is a CORD of wood? 

A cord of wood is a standard unit of measurement for firewood in the United States and Canada. It is a quantity of stacked firewood that measures 4 feet (1.22 m) in height, 4 feet in width, and 8 feet (2.44 m) in length. In other words, a cord of wood is a neatly stacked pile of wood that occupies a volume of 128 cubic feet (4 x 4 x 8 feet).

A cord of wood typically consists of split and seasoned firewood, which is ready to be burned in fireplaces, wood stoves, or other wood-burning appliances. The specific size of the pieces and the type of wood can vary, but a standard cord should be neatly stacked and tightly arranged. When purchasing firewood, it's important to clarify whether you are buying a full cord, a face cord, or a fraction of a cord, as these terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, leading to confusion.

A face cord, for example, is often a stack of wood that is 4 feet high and 8 feet wide but may be less than 4 feet deep. This means it contains less wood than a full cord. To ensure you're getting the amount of firewood you need, it's best to specify the dimensions and quantity when ordering.

-Vince