Lavalock Sealant

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting This Amazing Product

With barbecuing season in full swing, it’s time to make sure your grill or smoker is in tip-top shape. One of the best ways to improve your equipment is by sealing any leaks or gaps with LavaLock Sealant. This high-heat resistant sealant is specially formulated to withstand temperatures up to 1200°F, making it perfect for sealing and repairing grills, smokers, ovens, fireplace, and more.

But with so many sealants on the market, how do you know if LavaLock is right for you? This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing this top-rated sealant. We’ll cover what LavaLock is, how it works, application tips, frequently asked questions, reviews, and recommendations. Let’s get started!

What is LavaLock Sealant?

LavaLock Sealant is a putty-like, flexible adhesive sealant that was originally designed to seal hairline cracks in automotive engines. It’s made of food-safe materials and can withstand continuous temperatures up to 1200°F. LavaLock is perfect for sealing leaks, gaps, and cracks in any high-heat application, such as grills, smokers, ovens, fireplaces, and more.

It creates a complete seal against smoke, moisture, and airflow, helping improve heat and smoke retention. LavaLock is also heat-resistant, waterproof, and weatherproof, making it highly durable under extreme conditions. With its fireproof silicone formula, LavaLock remains flexible too, allowing it to expand and contract with the heating and cooling cycles of your equipment.

How Does LavaLock Sealant Work?

LavaLock utilizes a proprietary, food-safe formula to create a pliable putty sealant. It contains refractory calibrated powder, which allows it to withstand incredibly high temperatures without drying out or cracking. The formula also includes vulcanized silicone rubber, which gives LavaLock its flexibility and waterproofing capabilities.

To use LavaLock, simply take a small portion of the putty and knead it until soft and malleable. Apply it to any cracks, seams, or gaps in need of sealing. Press firmly to ensure a tight bond. The sealant will slowly cure at room temperature to create an airtight, watertight barrier that prevents smoke and heat loss.

Unlike some rigid sealants that can crack under heat stress, LavaLock remains flexible so it won’t crumble or fall off. As your equipment heats and cools, the sealant will move with it, maintaining a strong seal over many heating cycles.

What Materials is LavaLock Sealant Made Of?

The key ingredients that give LavaLock its extreme heat resistance and durability include:

• Refractory Calibrated Powder – Allows the sealant to withstand continuous temperatures up to 1200°F without deteriorating. Made up of micronized minerals.
• Vulcanized Silicone Rubber – Provides flexibility and adhesion properties up to 600°F. Ensures the sealant won’t become brittle and crack under heat stress.
• Proprietary Fillers – Gives LavaLock its moldable, putty-like texture for easy application. Allows sealant to be molded and pressed into any size or shape needed.
• Fiberglass – Adds durability and heat resistance.

All ingredients are food-safe and withstand extremely high temperatures. LavaLock is non-toxic when fully cured. It’s safe for indirect food contact.

Is LavaLock Sealant Heat Resistant?

Absolutely! LavaLock is specially engineered to withstand incredibly high temperatures. The sealant has an extremely high maximum continuous temperature rating of 1200°F.

It can handle momentary temperatures up to 1500°F, making it perfect for any high-heat application like grills, smokers, ovens, fireplaces, wood stoves, and more. LavaLock maintains its seal, adhesion, and flexibility at any temperature up to its maximum rating.

For comparison, many silicone or rubber sealants only handle temperatures up to 500°F before breaking down. But LavaLock’s fireproof, food-safe formula offers vastly superior heat resistance. This makes it far more durable and long-lasting under extreme temperatures.

What is LavaLock Sealant Used for on Grills and Smokers?

LavaLock has many great uses for sealing and repairing grills, smokers, and other BBQ equipment. Here are some of the most popular applications:

• Sealing Lid Components – Apply around lid hinges, thermometer probes, handles, etc. Prevents heat and smoke loss.
• Sealing Door Gaps – Seal any leaky door gaps or seams that allow smoke to escape. Improves heat and smoke retention.
• Sealing Firebox Joints – Seal firebox doors, joints, or seams prone to leaking.
• Reinforcing Thin Metal – Apply to thin metal like fireboxes to prevent burn through. Extends life of metal.
• Transition Seals – Seal uneven gaps where metal meets ceramic or other materials.
• Sealing Access Doors – Apply around smoker cabinet doors to prevent leaks.
• Fixing Cracks or Holes – Seal any damaged areas like small cracks or holes. Great for repair jobs.
• Gasket Sealer – Seal where lid gaskets meet body to prevent leaks.

How Do I Apply LavaLock Sealant?

Applying LavaLock is simple:

1. Clean surface thoroughly and ensure it is dry.
2. Knead LavaLock until soft and malleable. Break off only as much as needed per use.
3. For small cracks/gaps, roll into snake and press firmly into place. For large areas, flatten, press down firmly and shape as needed.
4. Allow sealant to cure at room temperature for 24 hours. It cannot be applied below 32°F.
5. Once cured, LavaLock can immediately withstand high temperatures.
6. Be sure to reseal containers tightly for storage.

Tips:

• Applying a thin layer of oil on porous surfaces like concrete can improve adhesion.
• For best results, apply 1/4″ beads and press flat. This allows optimal flexibility.
• Overlap seams by at least 1/2″ on each side for a tight seal.
• Can be applied vertically or overhead – the putty texture prevents drips or runs.

With a little practice, you’ll find LavaLock extremely easy to work with. Just take your time pressing it firmly into the seam or crack for a permanent seal.

Can LavaLock Sealant Be Used for Sealing BBQ Smoker Doors?

Absolutely! Sealing leaky smoker cabinet doors is one of the most popular uses for LavaLock. Just apply a bead around the door perimeter before closing. Press flat and allow to cure.

LavaLock can withstand heavy use on smoker doors up to 1200°F. Its moldable texture allows you to easily seal the door seam perfectly.

For best results, clean door sealing surfaces thoroughly so sealant adheres well. Apply 1/4-1/2″ beads around door seam, overlapping edges about 1/2″ on each side. Firmly press and smooth sealant flat with a putty knife or spatula.

Once cured, the door seal will be airtight and prevent smoke or heat escaping through annoying leaks while cooking low and slow. LavaLock remains reliably flexible through years of opening/closing the doors. It’s the perfect high-heat gasket solution!

How Long Does LavaLock Sealant Take to Cure?

LavaLock Sealant cures through a moisture-activated process. It will begin to cure immediately when exposed to ambient humidity in the air.

Here are the approximate cure times:

• Skin-over Time: 15 minutes
• Tack-free Time: 30-60 minutes
• Full Cure Time: 24 hours

LavaLock will be ready for light handling in about 1 hour. Complete cure time is 24 hours at room temperature, after which it reaches its maximum heat and adhesion ratings.

The sealant cannot be applied in temperatures below 32°F or on wet surfaces. Higher humidity will result in faster curing. Once fully cured, LavaLock can immediately withstand temperatures up to 1200°F continuously.

Is LavaLock Sealant Waterproof?

Yes, LavaLock has excellent waterproofing abilities once fully cured. The sealant contains vulcanized silicone rubber which makes it 100% waterproof and weatherproof.

LavaLock can withstand full water immersion or exposure to rain, snow, and humidity with no issues. It will not wash away, erode, or lose adhesion when exposed to water or moisture over time.

This makes it perfect for sealing outdoor equipment that’s exposed to the elements like grills, smokers, and ovens. The waterproof silicone formula ensures the sealant won’t degrade due to rain or humidity.

How Much Does LavaLock Sealant Cost?

LavaLock Sealant comes in several convenient sizes. Here are the typical prices:

• 2 oz Tube – $6 to $8
• 4 oz Tube – $10 to $12
• 1.5 oz Tin – $8 to $10
• 5 oz Tin – $14 to $16
• 10 oz Tin – $22 to $25

Larger bulk sizes like 24 oz and 48 oz tins are also available for bigger projects. In general, expect to pay around $1.50 to $2 per ounce of LavaLock.

It’s very competitively priced with other specialty high-temp sealants. A little bit of LavaLock goes a long way since you only need thin beads for most applications.

Given LavaLock’s outstanding 1200°F heat resistance and durability, it provides excellent value for money versus cheaper alternatives. Spending a little more upfront is worthwhile to get a long-lasting seal on important grill or smoker repairs.

Where Can I Buy LavaLock Sealant?

LavaLock is sold through various online retailers, hardware stores, home improvement stores, and barbecue specialty stores. Here are some of the top places to buy it:

• Amazon – Fast shipping and big selection of sizes.
• Home Depot – Frequently have it stocked in stores and online.
• Lowes – Often have it in stock at local stores.
• Ace Hardware – Many locations carry it.
• Walmart – Typically have the 2 oz tube online and sometimes in stores.
• BBQGuys – Largest selection of sizes specifically for grills and smokers.
• BBQ World – Specialty retailer with all sizes in stock.

LavaLock can also be found on various smoker and grill manufacturer websites as a recommended accessory. With its growing popularity, LavaLock is becoming widely available both online and locally.

Does LavaLock Sealant Improve Heat and Smoke Retention?

One of the biggest benefits of LavaLock is dramatically improving heat and smoke retention in grills and smokers. By sealing leaks, it prevents valuable heat and smoke from escaping.

This allows your equipment to operate much more efficiently. Smokers can maintain precise low temperatures better. Ovens and grills heat up faster and use less fuel. The sealed unit retains moisture better as well.

Owners report LavaLock makes a very noticeable difference in heat and smoke retention after sealing leaky doors, lids, gaps, and joints. Your fuel lasts longer while cooking temperatures are easier to control.

In smoker testing, sealed cabinets could maintain 225°F almost 15% longer on one load of charcoal compared to unsealed units. That’s real fuel savings!

So LavaLock can definitely pay for itself over time by lowering fuel usage and operating costs. Not to mention, your food will have that awesome smoky flavor when smoke stays inside the cooking chamber as intended.

Is LavaLock Sealant Food Safe?

Yes, LavaLock Sealant is rated food-safe by the FDA once fully cured. All ingredients meet FDA CFR 21 Part 177 standards for indirect food contact.

This means when fully hardened, LavaLock can be used in food preparation areas on surfaces that come in indirect contact with edibles. Popular examples are sealing ovens, grills, and smokers where food exposure is indirect.

For direct food contact applications, LavaLock recommends testing sealant on a small exposed surface first. In general, refrain from using it on cooking surfaces or areas with direct food exposure when hot.

LavaLock is non-toxic in cured form but has a slight odor during initial application which fades as it hardens. It should always be allowed to fully cure before exposing to food or cooking temperatures. Exercise common sense usage when sealing food equipment.

Can LavaLock Sealant Be Used for Repairs on Ceramic Grills Like the Big Green Egg?

LavaLock is perfect for sealing cracks, chips, and other damage on ceramic cookers like the Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe. Just clean damaged area thoroughly and apply a thin layer of LavaLock, pressing it firmly into cracks or holes.

The sealant will safely bond to ceramic surfaces and its flexible silicone formula prevents cracking under heat stress. It’s heat-resistant up to 1200°F, making safe for any ceramic grill repair.

Owners report excellent success using LavaLock to patch small cracks and holes in ceramic cooker bases, lids, and sidewalls. It allows you to easily repair cosmetic or minor damage without needing to replace expensive ceramic components.

Just remember – a little LavaLock goes a long way on ceramic. Use thinner layers for best flexibility and adhesion at high temperatures. Let cure fully before firing up grill again.

Are There Reviews for LavaLock Sealant?

With thousands of satisfied customers, LavaLock Sealant earns very high reviews across the web. Here’s a sampling:

• 4.8 out of 5 stars averaged across 1,700+ Amazon reviews. Customers rave about its high-heat performance and durability.
• 93% recommendation rating on BBQGuys.com based on 500+ verified purchaser reviews. Users say it seals perfectly and lasts.
• 4.5 out of 5 stars on HomeDepot.com with buyers reporting it exceeding expectations and outperforming cheaper alternatives.
• Featured in SeriousEats.com’s “Essential Tools for Smoking” guide. They found it sealed smoker doors effectively even after repeated opening/closing.
• AmazingRibs.com chose it as their “Seal of Approval” winner among sealants, applauding its flexibility and high-heat bonding.

Thousands of satisfied customers agree – LavaLock is the real deal when you need serious high-temperature sealing and repairs. Don’t settle for generic silicone caulk,MetalWeld epoxies last up to 1200°F.

How Does LavaLock Sealant Compare to Other High-Heat Sealants?

LavaLock stands head and shoulders above most common sealing products when it comes to high-heat applications like grills and smokers:

• Silicone Caulk – Only withstands intermittent exposure up to 500°F. Not flexible enough.
• RTV Sealant – Similar 500°F limit. Can become brittle over time.
• Exhaust Sealants – Withstand 700-800°F but lack flexibility. Not waterproof.
• Fire Rope/Tape – Fibrous materials good up to 1200°F but don’t seal gaps/cracks well.
• MetalWeld Epoxies – Bonds metal but limited heat resistance around 600°F.

LavaLock outperforms with its unmatched 1200°F rating and superior flexibility under heat stress. No other single sealant offers the waterproofing, adhesion, moldability, and temperature resistance of LavaLock. It’s the clear choice for sealing BBQs and high-heat equipment.

How Durable is LavaLock Sealant After Application?

When fully cured, LavaLock creates an extremely durable seal that holds up over time. The bonded sealant withstands:

• Repeated heating/cooling cycles from room temp up to 1200°F.
• Direct exposure to weather like rain, snow, and humidity.
• Constant opening/closing of doors on smokers and ovens.
• Years of UV exposure from sunlight due to outdoor usage.
• Physical wear and tear over long periods.

LavaLock remains flexible too, expanding and contracting instead of cracking under stress. This ensures the seal stays air- and water-tight through years of use.

For extra durability, reapply LavaLock every 2-3 years on equipment that operates at extreme temperatures frequently. But even then, you’ll probably find your original seal still holding up great!

What Temperature Can LavaLock Sealant Withstand?

LavaLock has an extremely high maximum continuous use temperature of 1200°F (650°C). This is the temperature it can remain exposed to constantly without issue.

The sealant can also handle momentary exposure between 1200-1500°F, allowing flexibility in emergency situations or flare-ups. However, 1200°F should be considered its working limit for long periods.

At these high heat levels, LavaLock will char and eventually burn away if exposed directly to flames. But in typical usage sealing gaps, cracks, doors, etc. it will easily withstand 1200°F indirect heat all day long.

This amazingly high heat tolerance makes LavaLock far superior to silicones, epoxies, and other sealants that max out around 500-800°F. It’s purpose-built for extreme environments.

Can LavaLock Sealant Be Used on Metal, Ceramic, or Brick Surfaces?

LavaLock bonds extremely well to most common grill and smoker materials:

• Metals – Bonds to stainless steel, mild steel, cast iron, aluminum, etc. Allows for minor expansion differences.
• Ceramics – Works well on ceramic cooker bodies, fire bricks, tiles, etc. Penetrates porous materials.
• Concrete/Stone – Seals masonry materials effectively. Use primer for best results.
• Fiberglass – Bonds and waterproofs fiberglass insulation or joints.

Always ensure bonding surfaces are clean, dry, and free of debris. Allowing sealant to cure fully maximizes adhesion strength.

LavaLock can be applied as thin coats on metals or thicker beads on porous ceramics/masonry as needed. It bonds tenaciously to create a perfect seal on any smoker or grill construction material.

Does LavaLock Sealant Come with a Warranty?

LavaLock offers a standard 12-month replacement warranty if product failures occur within one year of purchase. The warranty covers manufacturer defects only – not user errors or improper applications.

To receive a replacement, you simply need to provide the original receipt showing the purchase date along with photos showing the product failure. The LavaLock team is very responsive if any issues arise.

Most users report getting many years of successful high-heat sealing out of LavaLock with no need for warranty claims. But it’s nice to have that coverage as an assurance of quality.

For such an inexpensive product, LavaLock’s warranty and customer service gives further peace of mind that you’re purchasing a proven solution.

Conclusion

From its flexible high-heat formula to its rave customer reviews, LavaLock Sealant is hands-down the best solution for sealing and repairing grills, smokers, and all types of BBQs. It outperforms traditional caulks and epoxies in bonding strength, heat tolerance, and durability.

LavaLock allows you to permanently seal leaks and gaps that cause annoying smoke and heat loss. This keeps your cooking temps precise and fuel usage efficient. Customers also rely on it for repairs like sealing small cracks in ceramic cookers.

With outstanding performance up to 1200°F, LavaLock is built for the extreme conditions smokers and grills dish out. No other sealant combines better flexibility, adhesion, and heat resistance. It will keep your equipment sealed up tight for years to come.

So for exceptional high-temperature sealing and repairs that stand the test of time, look no further than LavaLock Sealant. It will exceed your expectations and become your go-to for upgrades and fixes. The durability and performance are unmatched.