Top 10 Gasket-Related Questions We Get Asked (And the Answers)

Top 10 Gasket-Related Questions We Get Asked (And the Answers)

At Corseal, we speak gaskets every day—but we know not everyone does! Whether you're a seasoned engineer, a procurement manager, or just getting started in your industry, gaskets and sealing solutions can get surprisingly technical. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 10 gasket-related questions we get asked most often—along with straightforward answers from our expert team.

Let’s dive in.

1. What exactly is a gasket?

A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces to prevent leakage from or into joined objects while under compression. Gaskets are critical in maintaining pressure and preventing fluid or gas leaks in everything from pipelines to engines.

2. What materials are gaskets made from?

Gaskets come in a wide range of materials, each chosen based on the application:

  • Rubber (Nitrile, EPDM, Silicone)

  • PTFE (Teflon)

  • Graphite

  • Cork

  • Metal (stainless steel, spiral wound)
    Each has different chemical, temperature, and pressure resistance properties.

🔧 Need help choosing? Contact us for expert advice.

3. What’s the difference between a gasket and a seal?

While often used interchangeably, they serve slightly different roles:

  • Gaskets are typically used between two static surfaces.

  • Seals (like O-rings or lip seals) are often used in dynamic applications where parts move, such as rotating shafts or hydraulic cylinders.

4. What causes gasket failure?

Common causes include:

  • Incorrect material choice

  • Improper installation

  • Over or under-tightening

  • Exposure to extreme temperature or chemicals
    Regular inspection and correct installation go a long way in preventing failure.

5. How do I know what gasket size I need?

We typically need the following info:

  • Flange standard (BS, ASME, DIN, etc.)

  • Inner and outer diameter

  • Bolt hole size and spacing
    If you’re unsure, just send us a sample or spec drawing—we can reverse-engineer it.

6. Can you make custom gaskets?

Absolutely. Corseal specialises in custom gaskets, whether it’s one-off prototypes or large production runs. We offer CNC-cut, die-cut, and hand-fabricated gaskets in a wide range of materials.

7. What temperatures can gaskets withstand?

It depends on the material:

  • Rubber gaskets: -40°C to +200°C (varies by type)

  • Graphite: Up to 450°C

  • PTFE: Up to 260°C

  • Metal: Often above 500°C with proper design
    Choosing the right material for your temperature range is key.

8. What’s a spiral wound gasket?

A spiral wound gasket is made by winding alternating layers of metal and filler material (usually graphite or PTFE). They're ideal for high-pressure, high-temperature applications, commonly found in petrochemical and power industries.

9. How do I store gaskets properly?

  • Keep them flat—avoid folding or bending

  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and ozone

  • Avoid contact with oils or chemicals not intended for the gasket material
    Proper storage extends service life, especially for rubber-based gaskets.

10. How quickly can Corseal deliver gaskets?

Lead times depend on the type and quantity, but:

  • Standard stock items: Often next-day delivery within the UK

  • Custom gaskets: Usually within 2–5 working days, sometimes faster in urgent cases
    We pride ourselves on fast turnaround and flexible service.

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