"Vaults are required by law."
There are no such laws at the national or state level. Some cemeteries require them, but it is not a legal matter.

"Vaults help to preserve the body."
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Even the most securely sealed vault gives way to moisture and the decay of time. In many places, cemeteries will put holes in sealed vaults to prevent floods from washing the vault and casket away.

"Vaults protect the casket."
Even the glass-lined, steel-reinforced concrete vault that is plated in bronze cannot indefinitely seal against moisture or air. The casket, and the body, will return to their elements in time.

"Vaults aid in maintaining public health."
This myth is used to help support the claim that a sealed vault keeps the body and the casket from intermingling with forces of nature underground. The vault serves no public health purpose whatsoever.

The vault has a purpose to serve. It prevents the ground from sinking when time eventually causes the casket and body to decompose. This makes it easier for the lawnmowers to keep the cemetery groomed and looking nice. In Europe, vaults are seldom used. Cemetery groundskeepers spread topsoil over sinking ground every spring to keep the ground level, and to make lawn maintenance easy. Why should you pay thousands of dollars to make it easier for the lawn mower? TributeDirect™ suggests that people purchase the least expensive vault available as it will do exactly what it is designed to do, and the more expensive vaults do not do anything more than that.