August 28, 2025
When a loved one’s monument is first placed, it stands as a powerful reminder of their life, their legacy, and the love they left behind. Over the years, that monument becomes more than just stone. It becomes part of the landscape, a place where memories are revisited and stories are shared. But time leaves its mark on everything, even on the most carefully placed memorials.
If it has been decades since a headstone was installed, you may start to notice subtle changes. The lettering might be harder to read. The monument may appear tilted, or the surface could be covered in moss.
These changes often happen slowly, and it’s easy to assume they’re just a natural part of ageing. But they can also be signs that the monument needs a little care.
This blog will walk you through what typically happens to a monument after 50 years, what you can do about it, and how professional restoration companies can help keep a family’s legacy clear, strong, and dignified for future generations.
In the early years following installation, most changes to a monument are relatively minor. The ground beneath it continues to settle, especially in cemeteries where freeze-thaw cycles and shifting soil are common. This settling can lead to slight tilting or unevenness, particularly if the foundation was not reinforced at the time of installation.
Other signs of early surface changes may include:
At this stage, gentle cleaning using non-abrasive materials can help maintain the monument’s appearance. Avoiding household chemicals is important, as they can affect certain finishes.
By the second or third decade, environmental factors begin to play a larger role. While durable stones like granite remain structurally sound, older materials such as marble and limestone may show signs of wear, particularly in damp or shaded areas.
Common changes seen in these materials include:
Even when highlights begin to fade, inscriptions that were properly engraved remain legible. Restoration at this stage often focuses on cleaning, re-highlighting, and minor visual improvements rather than structural repair.
Approaching the 50-year mark, the most common issues involve the stability of the monument’s foundation rather than the stone itself. Over time, the ground can shift due to moisture, frost, and natural erosion. These factors may cause a monument to lean or become uneven.
At this stage, families may observe:
It’s important to note that materials like granite typically remain structurally sound even after five decades. However, older monuments made from marble or limestone may begin to show signs of surface erosion. Restoration services at this stage can address the base, reset the foundation, and restore the monument’s visual appearance.
Replacing a monument entirely is possible, but restoration offers a more affordable and meaningful option. Most families prefer to preserve the original monument because of its personal value and historical significance.
A monument restoration service often includes:
According to conservation guidelines from English Heritage, the goal of monument repair is to “slow down the rate of decay, remove structural instability and preserve as much as possible of the original material”.
Restoration allows families to retain the monument’s original integrity while extending its life for many more decades.
Every monument is different, and restoration needs will vary depending on materials, age, and environmental exposure. These are the most common services used to restore ageing memorials:
Surface grime, moss, and biological growth can be gently removed using approved materials that do not damage the stone. This process restores the monument’s appearance and improves inscription visibility.
Foundation issues are among the most common concerns after decades in place. If the monument leans or has shifted, it can be safely removed, the base corrected, and the monument reinstalled in proper alignment.
Painted inscriptions fade over time, especially in sunny or wet locations. Restoration teams can reapply highlights to ensure names, dates, and epitaphs remain easy to read.
If a second family member needs to be added or additional text is required, this can often be completed onsite without removing the monument.
Although major cracking is rare, particularly with granite, accessories like vases, plaques, or borders may need repair or replacement due to accidental damage or vandalism.
Families often aren’t sure when to reach out for help. These are common signs that a monument may benefit from professional attention:
Even if the monument looks stable, a restoration check every few decades can prevent bigger issues from developing later on.
While no monument lasts forever without care, there are ways to slow the effects of time:
Proactive care helps extend the life of a memorial and reduces the need for more extensive repairs down the road.
After 50 years, a monument becomes more than a marker, it becomes part of a family’s story. Preserving that monument is about more than cleaning or repainting. It’s about protecting a legacy that will continue to offer meaning for future generations.
Monument restoration services is not just about fixing what has faded. It’s about maintaining the dignity, strength, and history of a tribute that was meant to last.
Summit Memorials has been helping families honour their loved ones with dignity, care, and craftsmanship for decades. We specialize in custom monument design, engraving, installation, and professional monument restoration services throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. Our team understands how important every memorial is — not just as a marker, but as a lasting legacy.
If your family’s monument is showing signs of wear, or if you’re considering restoration after many years, we’re here to help. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced memorial specialists.
