September 8, 2022
We understand that after losing a loved one, the process of managing a funeral and finalizing a memorial can be very challenging mentally and emotionally. Hence, it is natural not to feel that you are on top of things.
Due to the emotional space they are in, families usually end up forgetting the technicalities of the process. To help make difficult times easier, and as the best headstone makers, we have written this blog to educate you regarding purchasing a memorial foundation.
Many do not understand why there is a need to invest in a memorial foundation if they have invested in a headstone. The reason is that cemeteries usually require a foundation for the same reason you put a foundation under your house. The foundation helps stabilize the headstone, which is usually made of heavy materials like granite.
Without the foundation, the headstone will not stay fixed in one place and will keep moving due to changing soil conditions and the elements, such as rain, snow and dry weather.
Also Read: How Does A Memorial Provider Impact Headstone Cost And Quality?
A memorial is a lasting symbol, an anchor to this world for the deceased. Hence, while getting a headstone designed, you should choose a design and material that will last a long time. One of the main elements that ensures a longer lifespan for a headstone is its foundation.
At Summit Memorials, we ensure that the monuments should last for a lifetime. We provide a written guarantee on our foundations. Concrete foundations are guaranteed in writing for three years. Granite foundations are guaranteed for ten years. Additionally, should your memorial sink or tilt within the first five years after installation, we will level it for no cost.
There are typically three kinds of foundations:
Cemetery runners are usually poured concrete strips that look like a sidewalk. The headstones are set on them in a row.
In terms of durability and sturdiness, granite is the preferred material for a foundation since it will not deteriorate over time as concrete does.
For concrete foundations, a wooden frame has to be constructed. However, for a granite foundation, only a hole is dug. This hole is filled with gravel and the foundation is then placed on top.
Foundations are generally 4 inches thick and are placed flush with the ground and the headstone is placed on top of it. There is usually a three or four-inch border around the headstone so when the cemetery is mowing around the headstone, they just run the wheels of the mower on the border of the foundation so they don’t hit the headstone, causing any damage.
Before you invest in a foundation or a headstone, make sure you talk to the cemetery to understand their requirements.
Let us help you honour your loved ones in the best way possible. Our specially trained staff tries to make the toughest time of your life a little bit easier by providing high-quality memorial services and products. The headstones that our craftsmen build are the best in the business. The granite headstones we provide in Alberta and Saskatchewan are guaranteed to never wear out or crack due to regular elements and weather conditions.
At Summit Memorials, we provide our customers with premium quality and well-crafted monuments, headstones, tombstones, and grave markers. For more information about our services, visit our website or contact us here today.
