What’s the difference between a fibreglass gasket and felt?
Most kamado grills come with a standard felt gasket. That works fine as long as you don’t cook at high temperatures too often and handle the lid carefully. Felt, however, wears out faster, especially if you grill year-round and switch frequently between low and high heat.
A fibreglass gasket is a smart upgrade. Fibreglass is far more heat-resistant, seals tighter, and lasts much longer. The woven fibres won’t melt and stay thicker, so your lid continues to fit perfectly even after many hot cooks.
Still, fibreglass can eventually need replacement if it gets damaged or starts to peel away.
What to do if your fibreglass gasket comes loose
If your fibreglass gasket comes off, simply reattach it using a heat-resistant silicone adhesive. Regular silicone caulk can only withstand temperatures of about 500°F (260°C) and will eventually harden and crack. A high-temperature elastic silicone sealant can withstand much higher heat and remains flexible over time.
In our case, the gasket was damaged by the clumsy use of a burger spatula. It didn’t affect the performance, but we decided to replace it for cosmetic reasons—and it gave us a chance to take some photos for this guide.
Steps to replace a fibreglass gasket
Preparation
Make sure your kamado is completely cool before starting. Carefully peel off the old gasket piece by piece. It might be well attached to the ceramic, so take your time to avoid damage.
Use a utility knife to slide between the gasket and the ceramic and cut it free. On Kamado Joe models, a strip of felt often runs underneath the metal bands. You must also remove that section, so the new gasket will sit flat.
Remove the old adhesive
Some glue residue will always be left on the ceramic. You’ll need to remove all of it, otherwise, the new adhesive won’t bond properly. Use a sharp paint scraper or putty knife and keep the blade flat to avoid scratching the ceramic surface.
Clean the surface
To remove the last bits of glue and grease, wipe the rim with isopropyl alcohol or acetone. This leaves a clean, grease-free surface for the new gasket to adhere to. Wait until the surface is completely dry before moving on.
Measure and cut the new gasket
Lay the new fibreglass gasket around the rim of your kamado to measure the length. Cut it a few centimetres (about an inch) longer than needed. A pair of heavy-duty scissors works best, though a sharp knife also does the job.
Apply the new gasket
Most fibreglass gaskets already have an adhesive backing. Start sticking it down at the back of the grill, slightly off-centre. Don’t remove all the backing tape at once, but peel about 4 inches (10 cm) at a time while pressing it into place.
The gasket is a bit wider than the rim. Align it along the inner edge of the ceramic so it doesn’t hang over the fireside. Fibreglass can handle a lot of heat, but keeping it slightly away from the flame helps it last longer.
Finish and tape the ends
When you reach the end, trim the gasket so it meets neatly with the start. Use the black sealing tape that comes with most gasket kits to cover the joint. This prevents the fibreglass from fraying. Only tape the outer side of the fibreglass. The tape doesn’t stick well to ceramic and could peel off if wrapped around.
Replace the lid gasket
For the lid, follow the same steps but upside down. Some people recommend loosening the metal bands and removing the lid completely, but we find that unnecessary. The adhesive is strong enough to hold it in place upside down.
Ensure the joint in the lid gasket does not align directly above the joint on the base gasket. This provides a better airtight seal.
Heat-Set the Adhesive
To fully bond the adhesive to the ceramic, heat up your kamado once the gasket is installed. Preheat to approximately 400°F (200°C) and close the lid. Let it run for around 30 minutes. This allows the glue to cure and bond solidly with the porous ceramic for a long-lasting effect.
How to keep your fibreglass gasket in top condition
- A freshly installed fibreglass gasket often seals better than the original factory one. Chances are you won’t have to replace it again for years.
- Check periodically for grease or ash buildup and wipe it off with a dry cloth or a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
- Avoid harsh cleaning products. Fibreglass doesn’t like chemicals.
