What is a Vault?
The word ‘vault’ as defined by the National Concrete Burial Vault Association is an air-sealed or two-piece sealed receptacle. A grave box or grave liner, unlike a vault, is not sealed. Concrete Vault: A concrete vault will consist of a vertical wall with a thickness of one and a half inches along with a minimum cover or dome thickness of two inches. In addition to this, the base of the vault needs to be at least two inches thick. All these factors will protect the casket from the rigors of outside elements, although none of these will prevent natural decomposition of the body. Metal Vaults: Vaults may also be manufactured from steel and this is the most common material used. There are plenty of differing types of thickness used, ranging from 12-gauge (light) to 7-gauge (heavy). Vaults can also be made from stainless steel or copper.
