A burial vault is a grave liner, which prevents the ground from collapsing under the casket’s weight. Although most cemetery rules and regulations require burial vaults for caskets, opting for these containers and vaults is not stipulated under federal law. However, graveyard operators usually emphasize vaults to lessen the administrative, ecological, and economic burden from maintenance required to keep the ground level.
Why you might need a burial vault
The need for a burial vault boils down to pure science. During a burial, there would be particular loads that will be placed on-site. Burial vaults are designed to bear these loads. These weights include impact loads, static loads, and dynamic loads. Static loads are natural loads put on the vaults by the sheer weight of the ground above it and are usually four pounds. Dynamic loads are loads with varying pressures and can be caused by tractors, heavy-duty lifts, and other cemetery equipment that move over the grave. Impact loads are often a result of the tamper used during the backfilling process. The impact is usually greater than the impact generated by static or dynamic loads. Impact usually occurs for a short time but involves directing high pressure to a very small area.
So, should you purchase a burial vault?
The answer depends on the cemetery you choose to bury your loved one. According to the comments of people who have bought burial vaults for the deceased loved ones, you cannot buy peace of mind, but you can buy a burial vault to help make sure that their remains will be protected from underground processes.
Here are a few facts to note to avoid being misled:
- Burial vaults merely stop the ground from crumbling around your loved one’s casket. It does not halt the decaying process of the dead body.
- According to the Funeral Rule, it is not legal for funeral providers to say that burial vaults or grave liners keep dirt, water, or other debris from getting into the casket.
- Burial vaults are plain and simple, but out of greed, certain companies persuade customers to opt for elaborate burial vaults with ornamentation, storage compartments, etc. Consumer experts suggest that you don’t need to spend ostentatiously.
If you’re still not sure whether you should buy a burial vault, then you should strongly put your local customs and regulations into consideration.
If you have any lingering questions to navigate more options or allay all peculiar concerns you may have, reach out to a progressive company like Senior Life Services. Senior Life Services is one of the most reliable repositories of knowledge and guidance regarding burial insurance. Contact us today at 800-548-3249.
