December 25, 2025
Every monument represents more than stone and engraving. It reflects a family’s history, love, and legacy. Over time, even the most carefully crafted memorials can begin to show subtle signs of wear. For funeral directors, recognizing these early signs is crucial to maintaining the beauty and structural integrity of every cemetery monument under their care.
At Summit Memorials, we’ve spent decades perfecting our craftsmanship so that our granite headstones rarely require restoration. Still, when age, environment, or older materials cause deterioration, our professional monument restoration service ensures those tributes are preserved with the same care and respect they were originally built with.
Outdoor memorials endure years of exposure to the elements. Rain, snow, soil shifting, and air pollution can slowly affect older stones, particularly those made from marble or limestone. These softer materials tend to lose their polish and definition over time, resulting in surface fading or structural imbalance. Choosing a low-quality headstone also results in quick deterioration and a frequent need for restoration.
That is why families must be very careful and attentive when selecting a headstone or monument.
Granite, by contrast, is far more resilient. Its high density, crystalline structure, and weather-resistant composition make it one of the most dependable materials for long-term memorials. That’s why our granite headstones, crafted from premium-grade stone and backed by a comprehensive guarantee, rarely need restoration even after decades in place.
For funeral homes managing older sections of cemeteries, knowing the difference between natural aging and serious deterioration helps ensure each monument remains safe, upright, and visually preserved.
While some signs of wear are cosmetic, others may indicate deeper structural concerns. Routine inspections by funeral directors can help identify potential risks early and prevent more extensive repairs later.
Dark streaks, moss, or lichen growth may appear on older headstones that have been exposed to prolonged moisture or shaded areas. These growths can obscure lettering and contribute to gradual surface etching if ignored.
It’s important not to use harsh cleaning products or high-pressure washing, as they can damage the stone. Our restoration team uses gentle, specialized cleaning techniques that restore clarity without compromising the original finish.
Over time, inscriptions can lose contrast due to worn paint or environmental exposure. This is particularly common in older monuments that used softer lithochrome or surface coatings. At Summit Memorials, we use high-quality lithochrome designed to bond permanently with granite, ensuring lasting visibility.
If you notice faded lettering on an older stone, it’s often the first sign that restoration may be needed.
When a monument begins to lean or separate from its base, the issue often lies beneath the surface. Soil erosion, frost heave, or improper foundation installation can cause shifting that worsens with each season.
Our restoration specialists can safely re-level and secure monuments using modern installation techniques and proper foundations — the same standards we apply to every new headstone we install.
While granite is highly resistant to cracking, older or lower-quality stones may develop fractures over time. Temperature changes, ground movement, or impact can contribute to surface cracks.
Funeral directors should watch for any visible splits or chips, especially near inscriptions or edges. We recommend calling our team as soon as these appear so we can assess and prevent further damage.
Our monument restoration service focuses on preserving the integrity of existing memorials rather than replacing them. Each project begins with a comprehensive condition assessment to determine the best method of repair.
When cleaning is required, we use safe, non-corrosive techniques to gently remove buildup and restore natural colour. If the foundation has shifted, our team carefully lifts, re-levels, and stabilizes the structure. For inscriptions that have faded, we reapply lithochrome or re-engrave where needed to restore definition.
We also handle complex restoration projects for entire cemetery sections, ensuring historical and family memorials remain cohesive and true to their original craftsmanship. Every process we use aligns with our philosophy — to preserve history with precision and respect.
Not all monuments are built alike. At Summit Memorials, we select premium-grade granite sourced from trusted quarries and meticulously inspect every slab for strength and consistency. Our engraving, finishing, and installation methods exceed industry standards, ensuring that each headstone stands strong against the harshest Canadian weather.
That’s why our granite headstones come with a comprehensive guarantee. It reflects our confidence in both material quality and craftsmanship. Monuments we design and install resist cracking, shifting, and surface deterioration for decades — meaning families and funeral homes can trust in their enduring stability.
By choosing us to both craft and install a monument, funeral directors offer families peace of mind and protection from unnecessary future costs. It’s a long-term investment that preserves beauty, value, and memory — all supported by a team dedicated to excellence.
And when older headstones do need care, our restoration specialists bring those same high standards to every repair, ensuring restored monuments look as dignified as the day they were first installed.
Funeral directors play an essential role in maintaining the condition of memorials across cemeteries. Early detection makes restoration faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
You should contact us if you notice:
Our team conducts thorough, on-site assessments and provides tailored recommendations based on material type, foundation condition, and environmental factors. Whether you manage a single family plot or an entire cemetery, we can develop a maintenance and restoration plan that protects every monument for years to come.
Summit Memorials is a Canadian cemetery monument company specializing in both new headstone installations and professional restoration services. Every piece we craft or restore reflects our dedication to quality, respect, and precision.
Our goal is to help funeral homes provide their clients with enduring memorials that combine artistry with structural integrity. Whether restoring a century-old headstone or installing a new granite monument backed by our guarantee, we approach every project with the same commitment to excellence.
To schedule a monument inspection or learn more about our restoration and installation services, contact Summit Memorials.
