When you think about your chimney, you probably picture bricks and mortar on the outside. But one of the most important components is something you can’t see from the street—the chimney liner. Whether you use your fireplace often or only on special occasions, understanding the liner is essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term durability.
Motown Fire is the leading expert in the Metro Detroit area when it comes to chimney liners, fireplaces, and more. We serve customers in Troy, MI, Rochester Hills, MI, Ferndale, MI, Birmingham, MI, Royal Oak, MI, and the surrounding towns.
What’s a Chimney Liner?
A chimney liner is a barrier inside the chimney that runs from the top of the flue to the firebox or appliance connection. It’s typically made from clay tiles, metal, or a flexible metal pipe. The liner serves three main purposes:
- It protects the chimney walls from heat and corrosion.
- It improves the efficiency of venting smoke, gases, and byproducts from the fireplace outside.
- It prevents dangerous gases like carbon monoxide from leaking into the home.
Without a liner, the intense heat from a fire can cause the masonry to crack or deteriorate more quickly. That kind of damage doesn’t just reduce your chimney’s lifespan; it creates serious safety hazards.
Why You Need a Liner for Your Metro Detroit Area Chimney
In older homes, chimneys may not have been built with a liner at all, or they may have outdated clay liners that have cracked or become damaged over time. A damaged or missing liner can lead to:
- Fire hazards due to heat transferring to nearby combustibles.
- Carbon monoxide leaks, which can be fatal.
- Creosote buildup increases the risk of chimney fires.
Reduced efficiency, leading to poor draft and smoke backflow. Even if your chimney has a liner, that doesn’t mean it’s in good condition. Over time, clay liners crack and spall due to moisture or heat cycles, and metal liners can corrode from exposure to acidic gases, especially if oil or gas appliances are vented through them.

How to Know Your Chimney Liner Needs Replacing
It’s not always easy to spot chimney liner problems unless you’re a trained professional, which is why annual chimney inspections are so important. However, here are some warning signs:
- Pieces of clay in the firebox
- Smoke backdrafting into your home
- Unusual odors, especially musty or sooty smells
- Visible cracks in the masonry
- Poor draft
If your chimney is lined with clay and you’re switching to a new heating appliance (like a gas insert or wood stove), you may be required to upgrade to a new liner that matches your venting needs.
We Install 316T Insulated Chimney Liners
One of the best solutions for replacing a damaged liner is a 316T stainless steel insulated liner. These liners are extremely durable and built to withstand high heat and corrosive byproducts. Here’s why it’s our preferred choice.
Corrosion resistance
The 316T alloy resists corrosion from gas, oil, and wood-burning appliances, making it a great all-around option.
High heat tolerance
It stands up to the intense heat of regular fireplace use and even chimney fires.
Insulation adds efficiency
The insulation helps maintain higher flue temperatures, which improves draft and reduces creosote buildup.
Meets code and safety standards: A properly installed 316T liner can bring your chimney up to code and satisfy requirements for lining unlined chimneys or relining damaged ones.
Long-lasting protection
With proper installation and maintenance, a 316T liner can last decades.
Chimney liners aren’t just a helpful add-on—they’re an essential safety feature. Whether you’re upgrading your fireplace, replacing a failing liner, or bringing an old chimney up to code, you can count on our expert chimney liner installation or replacement.
We Offer Top-Rated Chimney Liner Services
Motown Fire has proudly served the Detroit metro area since 2011. We bring our values of accountability, a positive attitude, and providing outstanding customer service to every job we take on. Contact us today or stop into our beautiful showroom.