People who come to our funeral homes in Shelby Charter Township, MI often don’t know that some cemeteries require a burial vault. Some who know this fact are unaware that a burial vault can still leak even if it was set or sealed correctly. This is because, over time, the vault is going to lose its structural integrity and may not provide adequate protection for the casket. You can prevent this through proper maintenance and preservation of the cemetery vault.
Ensure That The Cemetery Has The Correct Equipment
Some cemeteries are so small that they do not have the correct equipment to set or seal a vault. If they use the wrong equipment, you may have a harder time maintaining the vault. Fortunately, companies that sell vaults can provide the equipment and help you seal the vault correctly. A vault that is sealed correctly lasts for a longer period of time and does not need to be maintained frequently.
Why You Should Maintain A Burial Vault
While it’s true that burial vaults are built to last for a couple of centuries, it does not mean that they cannot be damaged. You want to maintain that vault so that you and your children will still be able to visit the burial site of your loved one years in the future. A damaged burial vault can cause the earth on top of the vault to cave in and expose the casket to water and dirt. That means that the casket will get damaged.
How To Maintain And Preserve A Burial Vault
Burial vaults may not need regular care as your car does but you should clean the exterior of the vault whenever you can. Just removing the dirt and debris that collect on the vault can help protect the structure of the vault and make it last longer. Inspecting the vault periodically for any damage allows you to spot a problem such as a crack or other things that may need repair or restoration. Just applying a special coating on the vault can also make it moisture or dirt-proof.
Be Careful When Cleaning A Burial Vault
Most of the time there will be instructions from the manufacturer on how to clean the burial vault. You will find that the requirements for cleaning a concrete vault differ from those of cleaning a metal vault. Only use a broom or a brush when removing debris or dirt from the surface of a concrete vault. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you want to use a pressure washer because using it carelessly could damage the vault and leave the casket vulnerable. Take extra care not to damage the engravings on the carapace of the vault. Metallic vaults just need to be wiped clean with a sponge or soft cloth dipped in soapy water. Make sure you wipe away all the soap residue from the metal surface.
If you still have any questions about maintaining burial vaults, come talk to our friendly staff. We also provide funeral and cremation services in Shelby Charter Township, MI.