Maintaining a mausoleum is no simple task because there are dozens of issues that can impact the safety and security of the structure. Exterior and interior elements can fail, stone can sway, and extreme climate conditions can wreak havoc on the surfaces of a mausoleum. In this article, we review mausoleum maintenance and the steps you can take to ensure that your loved one’s final resting place is as secure and safe as possible.
Common Mausoleum Concerns and Issues
- Casket Deterioration: Regardless of whether a casket is made of wood or metal, all materials can break down over time. Wooden coffins can decay rather quickly if the soil is particularly acidic and moist. Furthermore, embalming fluids and other liquids can cause a metal coffin to corrode.
- Infestation: We are surrounded by pests at home, work, and everywhere in between, so it’s no surprise that pests can find their way into the mausoleums of cemeteries. Phoridae, or Phorid flies, are one of the most common pests to plague mausoleums, because they are attracted to decaying organic material. Pest removal professionals will discharge a cloud of dry powder insecticide into each cell of the mausoleum until it adheres to all surfaces. This type of insecticide is chosen because it is relatively harmless to humans and will continue to prevent Phorid flies.
- Leaks: Although rare, mausoleums can leak due to casket failure, explosion, or other causes. Most mausoleums are built with drain holes and vents to prevent damage from leaks, floods, or other elemental conditions.
- Odor: Even ventilated buildings can succumb to bad smells and other odors. When a casket is sealed without any ventilation, a decomposing corpse emits gases that can become intense and pressurized.
Mausoleum Repair and Restoration
With time and exposure to the elements, most exterior surfaces of a mausoleum will amass cracks, stains, and other forms of damage that require repair. Restoration is best approached when cemeteries create connections with construction teams in advance because mausoleum maintenance requires the highest level of skill, knowledge, and experience in handling the materials used to construct most mausoleum structures.
Mausoleum maintenance professionals often use hermetic seals as temporary closures that are resistant to air, gas, and water. With a pressure relief valve, one can also ventilate a crypt throughout the decomposition process, so outgassing results in little to no odor. Absorbent lining plays a critical role in absorbing and coagulating the liquids produced throughout every decomposition phase, which is why it should be a concern to anyone who is arranging a loved one’s interment in a mausoleum. Cleaning crews use pH-balanced products to keep crypt fronts, walls, and ceilings in sparkling condition. pH-balanced cleaning solutions are successful at removing algae, lichen, stains, and much more.
Granite is a preferred choice because it is resilient and highly resistant to weathering. If mausoleum stone sways, chips, breaks, or crumbles, it is important to replace it as quickly and carefully as possible. Private repair organizations can recreate the original look of a mausoleum while using modern construction techniques to cut down on cost and time. Concrete can also be used to build or reconstruct a mausoleum. Concrete is incredibly durable and versatile.
We hope that this guide to mausoleum maintenance contains information that is valuable to you and your family.