We want insulation ... insulation ... INSULATION!

Factual Questions
1

*Who is Number One? *

In fireproof insulation, that is. So we have a hole in the side of our house. The bottom of the fireplace chase is made up of cement board. I think that’s what it’s called, but its name doesn’t really matter because it’s falling down. Inside the chase is the flue for the furnace (it runs up the house alongside the fireplace flue). Where the furnace pipe enters the house it cuts through the cement foundation. At that point the only thing between the basement and the outside world is a thin, ill-fitting piece of sheet metal. Also, the top of the foundation wall by the chase is tremendously gap-filled. It’s like having a large bay window open to the elements.

We had the furnace inspected/maintained today, and a chimney sweep was out a couple days ago, so everything chimney-wise is in good shape. Our contractor/handyman won’t be able to make it out for a week or so, and then a repair will be depend on temperatures being warm enough for new concrete to set (so it may be many weeks before he can do anything). When he’s here he’ll be doing a ‘real’ job of insulating.

But until that time, I want to crawl under the chase and do what I can to keep the cold air out. Given that it’s a furnace pipe and a chimney, I’m wary of stuffing old socks and oily rags in the holes (just kidding; I keep all our oily rags in a large pile in the basement next to the open gasoline containers). I’m heading to Lowes tomorrow morning to pick up—what? Just grab a few rolls of the pink stuff and jam it in there? Will some clearly say “flame-proof, feel free to use these wherever you want!” or should I look for some sort of insulation code? Is there any reason I can’t rent one of those cool looking foamy things and just go to town under there (or would that make the contractor’s job more difficult)?

I am not an R-value, I am a real man!

2

The pink part is fiber glass, so it’s inherently fire proof. The paper is likely treated, but you could pull the paper off and just use the fiberglass material right by the flue. Use gloves, and a dust mask would be a good idea.

Own your R-value! Maybe use it as a pick-up line: “Hey babe, my attic is R-57, to keep us cozy warm at night.”
ETA: Sorry, didn’t follow the theme with my remarks.

3

The kraft paper facing is flammable. But you can buy the fiberglass insulation without the facing.

4

“You won’t get it!”

“By hook or by crook…we will!”

5

I hate to be alarmist, but do check to see if this is asbestos reinforced cement sheet. Crawling around in crumbling asbestos sheet is not the healthiest of activities. If it is, things can be messy and more expensive to clean up, but very much worth doing right.