Insulation

Dear Tom,
I am unable to get to my chimneys from the attic, as I am unable to get upthere myself. Can I use the spray foam insulation that comes in the cansto insulate my chimneys from the bottom up?I would be able to do it that way, but was unsure if it was safe to usethis product in this fashion. I use both oil and wood to heat with, ifthis makes a difference.My house was built in 1845 and I have had two new chimneys put in , butneither of them has the greatest of insulation surrounding them. Thechimneys are about 20 years old.Hopefully I have given you any and all of the infomation that you need toanswer my question. I have long wanted to do this, but was unsure if Ishould. Having you to ask is very nice.Thank you for any infomation you can give me. ctpomerleau@midmaine.com

Hi,
If you have a masonry chimney you can do this from below with foam.This does not meet code since you should maintain a 2" clearance tocombustibles.The reality is that this is not a big deal to me, but in the case of afire, this createsa possible pathway for heat movement to the combustibles around the chimney.Again, my feeling is that this is not a big issue, and I would insulatethis (as I have done in the past!). I would not do this with a metalchimney since a metal chimney is much less massive and less forgiving in aworst case scenario (a chimney fire).
Tom