So how long does a concrete burial vault last? If you are looking for a complete answer, then the simple answer is up to 100 years.
But there are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a concrete burial vault. So we will discuss all the factors along with the tips on how you can last longer the life of a burial vault.
Burial vaults are large concrete boxes that are placed at the bottom of a grave to protect the casket from collapse and help prevent it from moving around. They help reduce the amount of soil that has to be shipped in and around the cemetery grounds, making burials easier on cemetery staff.
How long does a concrete burial vault last?
The average life of a burial vault is 100 years. If there is no high pressure or no high effect on the burial vault, then its life can be long up to 100 years.
If there is any high-pressure soil, like clay soil, you should check your vault after 10-15 years if it is still ok. If not, replace it with a new one. Till 15 years, you will see the color of the vault is brown, and after 15, it becomes grey or white.
How do make a concrete vault last longer?
If you want to keep your burial vault for a long time, then you should use a thin piece of plywood covered with fabric to make a liner inside the burial vault. The thin sheet of plywood will help soil from caving in on upper grave plots, keeping the vault in good condition for longer.
If you want to increase the life span of your burial vault, then also follow these tips suggested by cemetery workers:
First, it should be placed at least 3 feet below ground. Then, avoid putting large rocks on top of it because this can press down on the lid and damage the casket.
Lastly, use a thin piece of plywood covered with fabric to make a liner inside the burial vault. The sheet of plywood will help soil from caving in on upper grave plots, keeping the vault in good condition for longer.
Are burial vaults waterproof?
No, they are not waterproof. The vault is designed to prevent natural erosion of soil around the gravesite, and Therefore it should be placed at a minimum of 3 feet below ground level.
How to tell if a concrete burial vault has gone bad?
If you see the color of the vault is white, it means the burial vault has gone bad. But if there are any cracks or holes, you should replace the concrete burial vaults with new ones.
But before buying a new vault, check your old vault completely with these points:
First thing first – check for an outside appearance like cracks and holes. Then, check the inside lining to see if it has any leaks causing water to leak into the vault.
Last but not least, check for soil erosion or caving in at the top level around the vault. If you see this, you should replace your burial vaults with a new one because old ones can’t handle the pressure after some time.
These are some factors that can affect the life span of burial vaults, although if you take care of your vault and follow the guidelines given by cemetery workers, you can increase its life span.
Do burial vaults collapse?
If you are looking to purchase a cemetery vault for your loved one, then the first thing that will probably come into mind is whether or not this device crumbles.
The truth is that it does not because it has specifically been designed to prevent soil erosion and cave-in at the top level around itself. But if there is any kind of a leak, then you should replace it with a new vault.
What are the types of burial vaults?
Most people are not aware of the different types of burial vaults available in the market, but you will know about them after reading this article.
Concrete burial vault
The first type is the concrete burial vault which is made of concrete, hexagon-shaped reinforced with steel on top, and flat on the bottom with size 6-feet width, 8-foot length, and 2 -2-1/2 feet in height.
This type of concrete burial vault is mostly seen in cemeteries because it can handle the pressure after some time and is also resistant to water penetration.
Metal burial vault
The second type is a metal burial vault which comes in different shapes, sizes, and designs. It doesn’t allow soil erosion or caving in at the top level around the vault.
But metal can be easily damaged by groundwater or soil, so make sure you check your burial vault completely before purchasing a new one.
Tiles and marble-lined burial vaults
Another type of burial vault is tile and marble-lined, which has been designed to be waterproof from the inside when it’s being used in a burial.
These burial vaults are mostly used in cemeteries and closed crypts where a body is being buried, but the downside of these types of burial vaults is that they can’t handle the pressure after some time.
In addition, it’s more expensive than a concrete burial vault; also, you need more space for installation; therefore, if you want to save money and space, then go for a concrete burial vault.
Conclusion
So, this was all about burial vaults, how long a concrete burial vault lasts, and the different types of vaults available in the market. I hope you will find this article useful and interesting. Thank you!
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burial_vault_(enclosure)
- https://cementanswers.com/are-burial-vaults-waterproof/