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
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.