The Use of Vaults in Texas Burials
A burial vault is commonly used as a protective casing for a coffin and is made of concrete, plastic or metal. The vault is needed to prevent soil from caving in or crushing a coffin and the remains within. Most cemeteries require a burial vault so that the ground does not become unlevel over a marked grave. There are more basic concrete liners available that also support caskets but do not provide the same protection that burial vaults do.
Texas Burial Vaults
Texas law states that remains can be interred in a burial site or in a tomb, cremated or donated to science for research purposes. When remains are being buried or entombed, it is often necessary for a burial vault to be purchased to enclose the casket. Each state has particular guidelines for funerals. In Texas vaults are not legally required for burial, though many cemeteries do require the use of one.
Cost of Burial Vaults in Texas
In Texas, burial vaults can be purchased from funeral homes and from specialized sellers. Prices for vaults vary depending upon the material used to construct the container. Cheaper concrete materials will cost about $500, at 2011 prices, while more expensive metals like stainless steel and bronzes will cost from $2000 to $9000, respectively. The vault can be purchased at an extra cost with sealants to protect the coffin from damage caused by moisture and the soil, but sealants cannot prevent the remains from decomposing. While vaults are most often used for interment of the remains, cremation urns can also be placed in vaults for burial. Urn vaults cost between $100 and $900, depending on the materials used.
The Burial Service
Before the casket is placed in the ground, the burial vault will be placed in the grave, and at the end of a service the casket will be lowered into the casing. Once buried, the vault will shield the casket from outer elements found in the soil. At the same time, the vault will keep the ground above the casket from sinking in and damaging the lawn and monument or grave marker.
Preparations
By Texas state law, funeral related businesses are required to present a buyer with a generic retail price list. It is best to shop around before purchasing a burial vault because many funeral homes and mortuaries offer funeral packages that include the price of a vault with other costs. Contact the cemetery of your choice while making funeral arrangements to ask if the site requires a vault with the interment of a casket or cremation urn.
