Your list for burial or funeral will most probably contain several items. However, you can get almost all of it at a funeral home or through them. It stands to say that a funeral home comes in handy. It becomes much more convenient when you're working with funeral homes in Reading, PA. 

Outer Coverings 

An outer covering is one of the items you may need for burial. It is a heavy box made of concrete designed to protect buried remains. Some cemeteries mandate the use of outer coverings for burial. Grave liners and burial vaults are types of outer coverings. 

Grave Liners 

A grave liner is a closed concrete box for burying bodies. It has a porous base that allows moisture and air to flow in and out of the box. This design is a measure to regulate the inner conditions of the box. 

Burial Vaults 

A burial vault is also a concrete box that encases the remains, but it does not have any porous sides. It completely seals its contents with the help of its inner lining made of plastic. The remains are free of outer influence. 

Comparisons 

Both vaults and liners are excellent choices for protecting remains. However, a vault has more to offer than a grave liner. It is a completely sealed box that keeps the remains unaffected by the influence of the environment. 

The funeral box will last longer in a vault than in a liner. The remains are also immune to water damage. The significant advantage of a grave liner is it is cheaper. It is an excellent option to save costs if you need an outer covering. 

Benefits of Using Outer Coverings 

They Protect the Buried Items 

An example of an accident is when the soil above the remains collapses into the vault. It happens when the funeral box is not sturdy enough. An outer covering is more than strong enough for the job. 

They Keep the Grave Intact 

The large concrete boxes serve as a steady foundation for the soil covering the funeral box. This solid base keeps the grave structure in place and prevents accidents on the surface. 

They Reduce Environmental Influences 

We all wish our loved ones would rest peacefully in their graves. However, rising water tables and underground pets may not make this possible. The only effective measure against these is a vault or liner. 

Challenges With Using an Outer Covering 

They Are Not Great Measures for the Environment 

The materials used in designing these boxes are not degradable. It is not a good idea to bury an extensive collection of these materials on a piece of land. 

They Add to Funeral Expenses 

It can be costly to use a vault for burial. Even grave liners still add a lot of money to your bill. If the cemetery insists on it, you must increase your budget or look for where you can get a green burial. Though outer coverings are pretty helpful, they are not fixed requirements. 

There are other measures you can use instead, such as a sturdy casket. Our funeral homes in Reading, PA have many options for you. Contact us today.