What is a Burial Vault?
A burial vault can be an important component of the burial process for families and individuals as many cemeteries require them to protect the ground from sinking in where the casket is. Given the importance of a burial vault, there are some considerations to keep in mind before purchasing one.
What is a burial vault?
A burial vault is a container made of reinforced material that is used to enclose a casket or urn in a burial plot. It is typically placed in the ground before the casket is lowered into it during a burial ceremony.
The primary purpose of a burial vault is to provide additional support and protection for the casket or urn and its contents. It helps prevent the ground from settling or collapsing around the burial site, which could potentially damage the casket or urn. The vault also helps to maintain the integrity of the burial site, ensuring the ground remains level and stable.
Burial vaults are typically designed to be durable and resistant to the elements. They are constructed with thick walls and a sturdy lid to withstand the weight and pressure of the surrounding soil. Some burial vaults may also feature a lining or seal to provide additional protection against water and other elements.
Types of burial vaults
There are a few different types of burial vaults for caskets and urns, and each different type typically comes with its own price point, features, and benefits.
- Burial liner: Burial liners are generally less expensive than other types of burial vaults since there’s generally less material and it provides less protection. Burial liners do not have a bottom to them and only protect the tops and sides.
- Concrete burial vault: Concrete burial vaults are a popular choice and offer security, durability, and layers of lining against the elements. Due to their sturdiness and the materials present, concrete burial vaults typically have higher prices than other types of vaults.
- Metal burial vault: Metal burial vaults are less expensive than concrete vaults (and more expensive than burial liners) and come in a variety of metals (such as steel and copper). Metal vaults are durable and will help protect the casket against the elements in a similar fashion to a concrete burial vault.
- Urn vault: An urn vault (or a cremation burial vault) is a type of burial vault, but smaller. It’s meant to hold an urn and can be made out of similar materials as above. Urn vaults are important for burials if you are concerned with protecting the urn from the elements for a long period of time. The cemetery may also require them to protect the ground.
How much does a burial vault cost?
The price of a burial vault will depend on the type of vault you’re purchasing, the materials used, the location of the vault, and other factors. Burial vaults for caskets are more expensive than burial vaults for ashes, but both can cost a family a good chunk of money. A burial vault for a casket will typically cost at least $500 and an urn vault will cost at least $100.
What is an urn burial vault?
An urn burial vault is a container designed to hold and protect cremation urns or ashes when they are buried in the ground. Similar to traditional burial vaults for caskets, urn burial vaults provide additional support, security, and preservation of the urn and its contents.
The purpose of an urn burial vault is to safeguard the urn from the elements, potential ground settling, and physical damage, just like a burial vault for a casket.
What is an above ground burial vault?
Above ground burial vaults are a type of vault that is designed to be used in above-ground or outdoor mausoleums, crypts, or other similar structures. Unlike traditional burial vaults that are placed underground, above-ground vaults are intended for use in situations where interments occur above the surface of the ground. You are often able to walk inside burial vaults if they’re above ground.
Above-ground burial vaults are typically constructed with durable materials, such as reinforced concrete or metal, to provide support, protection, and structural integrity. They are designed to hold the casket or coffin securely within the mausoleum or crypt and protect it from external elements.
These vaults often feature sealing mechanisms, such as gaskets or liners, to help minimize moisture and maintain the integrity of the interred remains. The sealing mechanisms can vary depending on the specific design and manufacturer.
Above-ground burial vaults serve a similar purpose to their underground counterparts, which is to provide additional protection to the casket or urn and help maintain the structural stability of the burial site.
Above ground burial vault prices
The prices of above-ground burial vaults vary depending on several factors, including the material used, the design and construction quality, and the specific manufacturer or supplier. However, to give you a general idea, above-ground burial vaults can range in price from a few thousand dollars to several tens of thousands of dollars.
Above ground vaults are typically larger than in-ground vaults and their price tag tends to reflect that.
Other factors that can influence pricing include any additional features or customization options, such as decorative elements, personalized engravings, or specific sealing mechanisms. These customizations usually add to the overall cost of the above-ground burial vault.
How long does a concrete burial vault last?
Concrete burial vaults are generally built to last quite some time, though this depends on factors such as the quality of construction, the type of concrete used, and environmental conditions. Generally, a well-constructed and properly maintained concrete burial vault can last from several decades to over a century!
Concrete is a durable material that can withstand the weight of the soil and provide protection for the casket within. However, over time, environmental factors such as moisture, temperature changes, and chemical reactions may affect the integrity of the concrete.
To increase the longevity of a concrete burial vault, manufacturers often use high-quality concrete mixes with additives to enhance its strength and resistance to deterioration. Some vaults may also have additional protective features such as inner liners or sealants to further prevent moisture intrusion and potential damage.
Factors like soil composition, local climate, and burial practices can all influence the durability of the vault over time.
Are burial vaults waterproof?
Burial vaults are not inherently waterproof, but they are designed to minimize water infiltration and provide a certain level of protection against moisture. Manufacturers often employ various techniques and features to enhance the vault's resistance to water.
Concrete burial vaults, for example, can be constructed with sealants or liners on the interior to create a barrier against water intrusion. These features help to minimize the amount of moisture that can reach the casket and its contents.
Plastic burial vaults can also be designed with built-in seals or gaskets to provide a level of water resistance. Fiberglass burial vaults may have similar sealing mechanisms to prevent water penetration.
However, it's important to note that burial vaults are not completely waterproof. Over time, with exposure to environmental factors and potential wear and tear, the seals or liners may deteriorate or develop cracks, potentially allowing water to enter the vault.
Additionally, burial vaults are typically placed in the ground, where they can be exposed to groundwater, rainfall, and other sources of moisture. The level of water resistance can vary depending on the design, quality, and maintenance of the burial vault.
Where can I find burial vaults for sale?
Burial vaults are commonly available for sale through various channels. Here are a few places where you can typically find burial vaults:
- Online retailers: Various manufacturers sell products online either directly or through marketplaces, giving you the opportunity to work directly with the vendor. Doing so allows you to avoid the markup funeral homes and cemeteries may charge you. Make sure to verify the reputation and reliability of the retailer before making a purchase.
- Funeral homes: Local funeral homes often offer burial vaults for sale as part of their funeral service offerings. They can guide you through the options available, provide pricing information, and assist you in selecting a suitable burial vault.
- Cemeteries: Many cemeteries have relationships with burial vault manufacturers or suppliers. They may have burial vaults available for purchase directly through the cemetery. Contact the cemetery office or administration to inquire about their offerings and pricing or look at their listing on Ever Loved.
Cemetery regulations and cemetery requirements may influence your options, so it can be helpful to consult with funeral professionals or cemetery representatives for guidance during the purchasing process.
Now that you have a better understanding as to the different types of burial vaults, you can take the next step by easily comparing cemeteries in your area on Ever Loved.
