How Are Caskets Sealed?
Many funeral home clients prefer sealed caskets because they believe it will provide a reasonably stable climate for their loved one's remains. The idea is that a sealed casket will help delay or permanently halt any decay that might occur after burial.
1 Considerations
Casket sealing only costs the casket manufacturer an average of $12 more than a regular casket. The manufacturer installs a gasket that provides an extra airtight seal between the casket lid and the bed. However, sealing caskets can often cost hundreds of dollars more than regular caskets because of the peace of mind and emotional comfort they provide.
2 Features
Caskets are sealed by installing a strip of flexible resilient rubber-like material, which runs along the inner margin or edge of a gasket that snaps shut to seal the casket. One extends above the main body portion of the gasket and the other extends below. When the casket is snapped shut, the rubber-like material provides an airtight seal.
3 Misconceptions
Sealed caskets do not provide complete protection from environmental components. If, for example, there's a flood, the casket may still be susceptible to changes in soil structure and composition that will affect the casket. A sealed burial vault, by contrast, does provide a completely sealed environment.
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