Generally, we at Honda of Ames recommend that you ensure that gaskets are well fixed for them to function adequately. Ideally, they should be adequately compressed to create a good barrier that will efficiently seal the area, and will also protect all the contents from leaking. In truth, the gasket work by filling the space between two surfaces so that no gas or liquid escapes. Therefore, a gasket should be manufactured from a material that is easily deformed to fill the spaces adequately.
Some gaskets are manufactured from metallic components that are flexible, like graphite, for instance. However, our team in Ames suggests that when using gaskets made from metallic components, you must ensure that you compress the material at higher stress. Sometimes, you may be required to add a sealant on top of the metallic gasket to make it more efficient to secure any leaks that may occur.