What is a burial vault and do I need to purchase one?
A burial vault is a receptacle designed to contain the casket when buried in a cemetery. It is used to maintain a clean, dry, and protective environment for the casket. Burial vaults are capable of withstanding the weight and pressures of the earth above and around it and therefore keep the earth from settling. This leaves cemeteries more attractive, safer and easier to maintain. The burial vault can also act as a foundation for monuments and thus keep them from tilting. The material that each burial vault is made of determines its ability to withstand the elements. Some vaults are made of only concrete while others are lined with protective, water resistant materials. Although Wisconsin law does not require a burial vault, 80-85% of the cemeteries in North America do require some type of vault.
