This require two cleans per year plus any peripheral maintenance of the memorial ,the replacement of lettering and re-fixing. The memorial should be inspected twice yearly .
- renovate the memorial using abrasive pads and coloured cement.
- level out memorial if it has subsided.
- replace missing letters
- re-paint the inscription
- gold gild lettering
Tombstone should be inspected and cleaned on a regular basis .
Tombstones are the final resting place. With the passage of time, the headstone marking where we rest may become worn, and covered with lichen. Sometime it even breaks. If you’ve been to to visit a tombstone of your loved one, you probably have seen many older stones, they need to repair or at least need a good cleaning. Some may not be able to read. There are steps that we each can take to ensure that such place continue to pay respect to their ancestors. It requires keeping of the grounds .It also includes regular maintenance of the tombstone. This includes cutting grass and some times straightening of the markers.
Following steps should be followed in cleaning gravestones to prevent damage to the gravestone.
Most headstones are made up of sandstone, granite and limestone. This is because it supports the maintenance of a cemetery, flat bronze markers are becoming more popular in memorials
The natural stone tombstones can withstand varying degrees of cleaning.Tombstones made from . Limestone and sandstone often wear away faster, no longer readable; this is due to the environmental conditions. For many sandstone markers,moisture would accumulate in its cracks which may cause the stone to crack.
Marble was primarily used in building monuments. It is a recrystallized form of limestone. It is preferred because it withstands the elements slightly better than sandstone. The beautiful veining pattern was also a great draw. Due to the effects of environmental elements, many cemeteries no longer permit marble headstones for outside markers.
The hardest of the natural stone is granite,. Granite can withstand a little more cleaning than the other types of natural stone.. Many stones made today are originated from granite.Remember we need to preserve carve on the stone.
Tools required for Cleaning a Headstone:
These include:
- A large amount of water access
- garden sprayer
- nylon brush
- toothbrush
- Sponges
- Craft Sticks in order to gently remove lichens
Take Precautions Before Cleaning a Headstone:
Before cleaning a headstone, first check its condition. If any of the following, of the following is found , do not proceed further:
- Any stability issues
- stone falling away
- Fractures on the stone
- If anything suggests that the headstone is even slightly vulnerable
- If gently tapping the stone results in any hollow sound
- A wooden headstone
keep in mind the following suggestions when cleaning a headstone. It is very important to note.
Now a question arises in your mind, How to clean a Headstone?
Here is an answer to this question,
Cleaning Natural Stone Headstones
Using water with brushes will require some patience, but it is the most safest way to clean stones.
- Saturate the headstone with water. By using a a pump sprayer, you can ensure a clean rinse each time.
- Begin cleaning the stone starting at the bottom and then move upward.. This will help to prevent any streaking. Be sure to rinse the area cleaned with the water.
- Begin cleaning with the softest brushes. Never use a metal brush.
- If there are Moss growing on the stone, gently scrape it with wooden scrapers.
- Use random circular motions when using brush on stones .
- Do gentle brushing.
- Rinse the cleaned area
What NOT to Do When Cleaning a Headstone
While following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to preserving someone’s monument longer.
NEVER ever Use:
- Wire brushes
- Metal anything
- Pressure washers
- Sand blasters
- Power tools
- Bleach
- acidic cleaning agents
- Detergents,
Remember – using these can cause non-repairable damage to the tombstones