October 13, 2022
Monuments can be preserved for many years. The lettering and any engraving or etching should look the same as when they were created. However, irrigation water, tree sap, birds, grass cutting, and other naturally occurring factors can make a monument look dirty or stained. Therefore, the memorial must be properly cleaned to maintain its original beauty.
Also Read: How Does A Memorial Provider Impact Headstone Cost And Quality?
The frequency of cleaning and restoration that needs to be done depends on the type of memorial headstone you have invested in. At Summit Memorials, we ensure that our monuments will last a lifetime. We provide a written guarantee stating that the granite will never crack or deteriorate from exposure to the elements. It also states that the lettering and design will remain legible for all time. The best part is that there is no time limit on the guarantee and no deductible.
As one of the best headstone makers in Saskatoon, we understand the value of memorials. Hence, we strive to provide you with the best possible services for your peace of mind. From monument restoration to monument cleaning, we have you covered.
In this blog, we have listed some of the signs that indicate that a monument is deteriorating and might need cleaning or restoration services.
Dust and pollutants may accumulate over time on the monument. Since the monuments are placed in an outdoor area, they come into contact with elements like grass, shrubs, rainwater, snow, heavy winds and air pollutants.
This results in dust and grime accumulation on the headstones after some time. When you start to notice the accumulation of dirt, it may be time to clean up the monument. Monuments located under trees usually require more restoration than monuments located in open spaces.
It is not suggested that you clean the monument yourself since you might end up affecting the integrity of the monument’s structure by using improper chemicals. However, if you still choose to clean or repair the monument yourself, here are some suggestions:
Use plenty of clean water. It may take 20 gallons of water to clean an ordinary monument. Do not use a pressure washer or any soap. Make sure the monument is thoroughly wet before washing it. Use a soft nylon brush. Start cleaning from the bottom with water and don’t let the monument dry until you finish flushing.
If the monument is sinking, the foundation of the memorial is not deep enough and the backfilling is improper, there may be frost and/or surrounding vegetation under the foundation. This will cause the monument to first lift when it freezes, and then sink or tilt when it melts. If the monument of your loved one seems to sink or tilt, contact your memorial service provider for help.
They will most likely remove the foundation of the memorial to see what is causing the sinking. Sinking foundations are pretty common after a few years of installation. Hence, all you have to do is contact a professional headstone restoration company and they will take care of everything else.
If the monument is not made of granite, it may begin to deteriorate after some time. Although granite monuments are used for preservation, monuments made of other materials are not like this. Usually, monuments built in the 19th century or earlier are made of less durable materials, such as limestone or marble.
Monuments built from materials such as marble, limestone, and sandstone are prone to the “saccharification” phenomenon. This means that over time, these monuments and memorials will begin to crack, chip, and erode, often making their inscriptions illegible.
In such a case, it is best to contact a professional.
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 normal 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 today.
