January 21, 2026
Older monuments hold family history that deserves long-term protection. At Summit Memorials, we use high-quality granite that remains stable in Canadian climates, and our engraving is guaranteed to stay legible for life.
Over time, however, frost cycles, soil movement, and natural settling can affect how an older memorial stands. Families may require professional restoration services at certain points to correct this movement and maintain the monument’s safety and clarity.
This blog explains why older memorials shift over time and how restoration helps preserve their stability, appearance, and heritage value.
Older grave markers can remain upright for many years, but the ground beneath them continues to change. Even with the stability of granite used by Summit Memorials, shifting soil, frost movement, and natural settling can affect how a monument stands.
Periodic restoration helps correct these environmental changes and preserves the original appearance of the memorial.
Cemeteries across Canada experience steady ground movement throughout the year. Frost pushes the soil upward in winter, and it settles again as temperatures rise. Heavy rainfall, drainage patterns, and long-term soil compaction also contribute to uneven settling.
When the ground shifts, one side of the monument may lift, tilt, or sink more than the other. Families often notice a slow lean or slight rotation at the base. Restoration corrects these issues by assessing the soil, lifting the monument safely, and re-establishing a level and secure foundation.
While granite maintains its strength, the materials beneath and around it naturally age. Older concrete bases can crack or lose density, and joints between stacked pieces may loosen after years of freeze–thaw cycles. These small changes can affect the overall balance of the monument. Restoration strengthens weakened components, replaces deteriorated materials when needed, and re-aligns the structure so it remains stable for the long term.
Lithochrome colour softens with age, even though the engraved lettering remains fully intact. Families may choose to refresh the colour to improve readability, especially on older stones where visibility has diminished. Professional restoration renews the lithochrome without altering the original engraving or the character of the memorial.
Restoration plays an important role in keeping older memorials safe for families and visitors. When a monument begins to lean, shift, or lose balance, it can become unstable. Professional restoration corrects these issues, restores the monument’s footing, and helps maintain a safe environment throughout the cemetery.
A leaning marker rarely realigns on its own. Seasonal frost movement and soil settling can cause a monument to tilt further each year. Restoration re-levels the stone, resets it on a secure base, and reduces the risk of tipping.
The Cemeteries Act requires cemeteries to maintain conditions that support safe public access, and a properly aligned memorial directly supports this standard.
Foundations and support materials can wear down after decades of exposure. By repairing or replacing weakened bases, restoration strengthens the monument and improves its long-term stability.
Skilled technicians lift, reset, and align the stone so it remains secure through temperature changes and seasonal ground movement. Summit Memorials provides these services with careful handling to protect both the stone and the site.
Cleaning granite requires the right products and techniques. Many household cleaners are too harsh and can damage the finish or affect the engraving.
Professional restoration teams use controlled, non-abrasive methods that remove buildup without altering the natural texture of the granite. The goal is to improve appearance while preserving the original craftsmanship.
Restoration is not only about structural safety. It also preserves the historical and personal significance of a memorial. A clean, stable, and readable monument continues to honour the individual and maintain the heritage value of the cemetery.
Summit’s engraving remains legible for life, and this clarity is guaranteed for the purchaser and their heirs. Deep-cut and shallow-sunk lettering holds its shape even after many years outdoors. When lithochrome colour fades, renewal enhances visibility without altering the original cuts.
High-quality granite maintains its colour and stability over time, but surface buildup can dull its appearance. Gentle, professional cleaning restores the natural finish without changing the stone’s tone or character. This keeps the memorial looking clear and well cared for.
Cemeteries follow maintenance standards that protect the dignity of the grounds and provide a safe setting for families. The City of Edmonton describes its municipal cemeteries as “serene and reflective environments” created to “honour and care for the histories and legacies of the individuals laid to rest.”
This highlights the importance of clean, stable, and well-maintained memorial spaces. Professional restoration supports these expectations by keeping markers upright, clear, and visually consistent with the surrounding landscape.
Summit Memorials provides a structured restoration process designed to protect the integrity, appearance, and safety of older monuments. Every step is carried out with careful handling, precise equipment, and respect for the original craftsmanship.
Our technicians assess any tilt or rotation caused by frost movement or soil settling. Using safe lifting methods, we realign the monument and place it on a level, secure surface. This stabilises the marker and prevents future shifting.
Summit evaluates the condition of the existing base, which can weaken after decades of exposure. When needed, we reinforce the foundation or replace it entirely. A stable base supports the granite properly and restores long-term structural strength.
Our team removes biological growth, stains, and surface buildup using controlled, non-abrasive cleaning techniques. These methods protect the granite’s natural texture and finish while improving clarity and appearance without causing damage.
When lithochrome colour fades, Summit restores it carefully to enhance visibility. The engraved lettering itself remains untouched and fully intact. Renewal makes names and dates easier to read while preserving the original engraving cuts.
Summit Memorials is a Canadian manufacturer dedicated to creating high-quality headstones and monuments for families. Our team brings specialized skill in granite selection, custom design, precision engraving, professional installation, and expert restoration. Every project is handled with care that respects the stone, the cemetery setting, and the family story it represents.
We support families through the entire process, offering guidance when choosing a new memorial and providing restoration services when older monuments need attention. Our goal is to ensure each memorial remains safe, stable, and clear for generations.
If you would like assistance with a new monument or feel an older memorial may need attention, our team is here to help with respectful, professional support. Contact us now.
