We bought our Orangeville property in 2024 — 1978 farmhouse with a large stone masonry fireplace in the great room. The home inspector noted the fireplace but said “appears serviceable” without doing a detailed assessment. Three months after moving in, we had a WETT Level 2 inspection done before we used the fireplace for the first time.
What the WETT inspector found:
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The terra cotta flue liner had multiple full-circumference cracks visible on the video inspection — 4 identified from the 22-foot run. Any one of these represents a potential path for hot gases and sparks to reach the combustible framing around the chimney.
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The smoke chamber was deteriorated — the parging (mortar that forms the smoke chamber cone) had crumbled significantly, leaving gaps between the firebox throat and the flue. Not a fire safety issue in isolation but reduces draft and allows creosote accumulation.
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The chimney cap was missing — birds had nested in the top section and there was organic debris (leaves, sticks, possible nest material) in the flue for at least 4 feet.
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The stone exterior of the chimney had multiple open mortar joints — not through-and-through, but allowing water infiltration.
WETT inspector recommendation: Do not use until the liner is repaired or replaced.
What we did:
- Stainless steel relining (6-inch diameter, full 22-foot run): $2,800
- Smoke chamber restoration with HeatShield (spray-applied refractory mortar): $1,400
- New stainless chimney cap with spark arrestor: $280
- Tuckpointing exterior mortar joints (contractor did 3 courses at top): $640
- Bird debris removal and cleanout: included with lining
Total: $5,120
The fireplace now draws perfectly, passed the re-inspection, and our insurance is satisfied. The lesson: “appears serviceable” from a general home inspector is not a WETT inspection. Get the real inspection before you use it.