Gasket
A gasket can be used for many different purposes, but generally, it serves as a flexible seal that fills the space between two components joined under compression, preventing leakage through the gap between it. For example, when laying a pipeline, a gasket is used to create a seal between adjoining pieces of pipe, preventing liquids or gases leaking out from the pipeline, or from penetrating into the pipeline.
Gaskets can also be used for, or contribute to:
- Sound and noise reduction.
- Vibration reduction.
- Packaging seals.
- Hygiene control.
- Supports and mountings.
- Glazing and cladding.
The durability and safe operation of a gasket can be significantly enhanced by selecting the right material, taking into account the application and the environmental features it will be exposed to. Many different materials can be used to make gaskets. The key property is generally that they are capable of yielding to such a degree that they can tightly fill the required space. Flexible materials such as rubber, paper or cork are often used. Metal can also be used, to make spiral wound or copper head gaskets.
The material used, and its characteristics, will determine the properties of the gasket, which might include; resistance to chemicals, resistance to extreme temperatures, resistance to pressure, and so on.
In pressurised systems, a gasket may also act as a safety device. The gasket is typically the weakest component of the system and will fail before a more potentially dangerous or costly response such as a pipe bursting or an explosion.
A gasket should allow the sealing surfaces to be separated and reassembled, allowing for essential maintenance to take place.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description fron the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.