Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my cemetery allow a Fortress Mausoleum?
2. How is a FORTRESS constructed?
3. Can FORTRESS assist me in getting a mausoleum or a monument that's not shown on the FORTRESS Website?
4. Why use a mausoleum rather than ground burial?
5. Does a FORTRESS mausoleum require a prepoured foundation?




Will my cemetery allow a Fortress Mausoleum?

Each cemetery has its own rules. A cemetery may be owned by a family, a city or county, a church, a board of directors, or a corporation which owns multiple properties. Talk to the owner of the property and ask these questions:

1. May I use a mausoleum in this cemetery?
2. May I purchase my mausoleum directly from the manufacturer and have it installed in this cemetery?
3. Are there stipulations regarding the composition of the unit (what the unit is made of)?



How is a FORTRESS constructed?

FORTRESS mausoleums are built of welded-together panels cast at our plant from a high-strength mix of portland cement and size-graded stone and sand. The color of our natural white units comes from the combination of Alabama pea gravel and white cement. Our deep gray units employ gray cement and crushed Georgia gray granite. Each panel is poured and vibrated on a steel table which gets the air out and exposes the natural rock finish. After the panels are welded together on high grade stainless steel plates, the unit is finished with the FORTRESS inner doors and the polished granite outer door which allows for memorialization engraving. You can read more on our FORTRESS Construction page.




Can FORTRESS assist me in getting a mausoleum or a monument that's not shown on the FORTRESS Website?

Yes! FORTRESS can provide you with other cemetery products such as solid granite mausoleums, granite headstones, and cremation products.




Why use a mausoleum rather than ground burial?

Above-ground burial is a personal choice. Many find the "clean and dry" feature of entombment more acceptable than below-ground burial . They feel that a mausoleum is a more dignified and beautiful way to honor and remember their loved one. A mausoleum can also be a great value because it eliminates the need to purchase burial vaults and headstones.




Does a FORTRESS mausoleum require a prepoured foundation?

A FORTRESS is assembled in our plant on its own foundation. The foundation thickness ranges from 4 to 10 inches, depending on the unit style. Many of our installations are done by simply placing the mausoleum on the ground, WITHOUT an additional foundation. If there are factors such as cemetery rules, extreme weather, or personal preference, a prepoured foundation may be in order. We can help you make that decision.