Why You Need a Cremation Urn Vault

Don’t be alarmed if you wish to bury a loved one’s ashes and your Portland, ME cremation service provider adds an urn vault to your bill. Most cemeteries require burial urns to be placed in an urn vault. 

This article will explain why they do and alternatives you may consider if you wish to avoid this expense. 

What’s an Urn Vault? 

Like a burial vault, an urn vault is a lined and sealed concrete receptacle buried in a cemetery plot for burial urns. In plain English, it is an in-ground container for the urn. 

Here’s how it works. After installing the urn, the burial urn containing the ashes is placed inside. Then, the professionals close the vault and cover it up with soil. 

Urn vaults come in different sizes, customizable according to the owner’s preferences. Typically though, they come in 15 by 15 by 18 inches, with extra room for additional memorial items. 

Why Do You Need an Urn Vault? 

It primarily exists to protect the urn and its content from external elements like animals and harsh weather. 

It also protects the soil from the ashes. At least for a significant period. It makes it easier to transport the urn and its content if necessary. 

Perhaps less obvious is that an urn vault helps preserve the cemetery ground from collapsing or settling. Without it, the urn can cave in under the weight of the earth or pressure from backhoes and heavy maintenance equipment. 

The continued preservation of cemetery grounds keeps it attractive and safe for visitors and workers. 

Cemeteries require an urn vault for this very reason, and it is why your cremation service provider wants you to pay for one. 

How Strong are Urn Vaults? 

It makes complete sense to make sure what you’re buying fits the purpose. However, the quality of urn vaults, like most products, depends on the manufacturer. But they tend to be solid and reliable. 

Urn vaults are thick and waterproof. Asides from high-strength concrete, they are made of high-impact plastics, copper, bronze, and stainless steel. Plus, an adhesive is used to seal the lid. 

Whatever your budget or style, you will find a good enough urn vault. 

Alternatives to Urn Vaults 

You only need an urn vault if you wish to bury the urn in a cemetery. Outside of that, you don’t have to buy an urn vault, even if you are burying the ashes. 

An option is to bury the ashes directly into the earth. The ashes will quickly disappear with this method, but it is even possible at cemeteries if you don’t mind. Plus, it directly expresses the committal words “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” 

Another alternative is a natural cemetery. The default burial practice in natural cemeteries does not involve vaults. 

We hope you understand why cremation service providers in Portland, ME recommend urn vaults. If you have additional questions or direct cremation services, reach out to us. Call us or get started with arrangements here.