Many people choose to honor the life of a deceased loved one by using a headstone to mark the site of their burial. Headstones for graves, however, are subjected to the elements all year long. Over time, the memorial can become severely weathered, especially during the winter. To protect headstones during the winter season, consult the brief guide below.

How to Protect Headstones for Graves During the Winter

Understand Your Monument

Headstones for graves are made from a variety of materials. Understanding the type of stone or metal used for your loved one’s burial site will tell you how to keep it protected during any season, including winter. For instance, you can protect marble headstones from snow and rain by erecting a canopy above the memorial. Granite is another popular choice for monuments. It is a natural stone that is impervious to rain, hail, and mildew; it will not break or chip. This makes it an ideal marker that can withstand decades of winter weather with little maintenance.

Clean Properly

Headstones and tombstones only need to be washed once annually. When cleaning, use a soft-bristled brush made with white nylon fibers to prevent damage. Gently scrub the monument from the bottom up. If there are any bronze fixtures or pictures on the stone, cover them before cleaning to keep them protected during the process. Do no use household cleaners like bleach to do the job. Instead, choose a non-ionic detergent and distilled water to reduce streaks.

What to Avoid

It is commonly believed that shaving cream can clean a headstone. Though it may remove grime immediately, the chemicals in the cream can produce long-term damage, so it is best not to use it. You should also avoid using stone or tile sealers on the monument because it is not a foolproof way to protect it against rain or snow damage. Sealants not only lock moisture out; they also lock moisture in, which can cause the headstone to look weathered prematurely.

For high-quality headstones for graves that will last a lifetime, reach out to McGee Monument Co. With six convenient locations in Arkansas including Conway, Dardanelle, Atkins, Russellville, Clinton, and Danville, their experienced team is here to help you customize the perfect headstone for your loved one. To learn more about their services and memorial markers, call (800) 750-0177 or visit them online today.