What Are Burial Vaults and Grave Liners and Why Do I Have to Buy Them?

When saying goodbye to someone you love, you have a multitude of decisions to make. Some you might be prepared for, while other questions are new to you. One topic that many people are unfamiliar with is the concept of burial vaults and grave liners, which you may have to have in your loved one’s final resting place.

But what exactly do these terms mean? And do you need one?

What’s a burial vault?

A burial vault is a container that goes around the casket and is designed to protect the casket from outside elements. With its seal and inner lining, it helps keep the integrity of the casket, but it also prevents the ground from collapsing in where the casket is buried.

Burial vaults are often made from concrete, although they may sometimes be made from other materials, like metal or plastic. The lining inside the vault is also typically made from plastic, as plastic is non-porous and doesn’t allow water in and out.

What’s a grave liner?

Grave liners and burial vaults serve similar purposes and are sometimes erroneously used interchangeably, but they have a few significant differences. Grave liners, which are also typically concrete, also go around caskets. However, grave liners don’t have a seal or inner lining. They don’t protect the casket as much as burial vaults do, but they do fulfill the same duty of upholding the ground in a particular grave.

As concrete is porous, unlike the plastic lining in a burial vault, water and dirt can more easily enter the casket space, making the casket deteriorate faster than in a burial vault, though it’s worth noting that neither a burial vault nor a grave liner can completely prevent deterioration of the casket.

Do you need burial vaults or grave liners?

Only a few states require the use of an outer burial container. The cemetery you’re making plans with will be able to help you navigate what you’re legally required to do for burial.

But regardless of state law, many cemeteries do require the use of either a burial vault or grave liner, as these outer burial receptacles play a vital role in the upkeep of the cemetery. Both burial vaults and grave liners help keep the ground from collapsing in at a grave site. Without these containers, the ground can become uneven, creating safety hazards for visitors, compromising the integrity of the burial sites, and causing maintenance issues for the cemetery staff.

Before purchasing a grave liner or burial vault, be sure to speak with the cemetery staff regarding their requirements. They’ll be able to answer any questions about these containers and ensure that you choose the right one for your loved one’s final resting place.

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