Headstones are memorials where family and friends can gather to visit and remember the deceased. Keeping a headstone well maintained is just as important as selecting the perfect grave marker for your loved one’s final resting place. Here is a quick guide to why monument cleanings are so vital.

The Benefits of Cleaning Cemetery Headstones

Memorial Upkeep

As months and years pass, headstones become dirty and discolored, especially if they are exposed to the elements. They may even chip or break, and in some cases, lichen, weeds, and mold can grow on and around the stone. Over time, the stone will degrade, and the beauty of your family’s memorial will be lost. Future generations will not be able to visit their ancestors and may even have trouble finding the grave marker if the carving has become too degraded.

Especially for older headstones made from limestone, rain, snow, and dirt can ruin memorials, mainly due to this softer stone’s natural properties. Regular cleanings will help stave off major degradation and the need for replacing monuments down the line.

Benefits of Working With a Professional for Cleanings

If the cemetery offers perpetual care, this usually only covers general maintenance and landscaping, which will not keep the headstone itself in good condition. Since most modern monuments are made from bronze or natural stones such as granite or marble, there are certain steps and tools necessary for safely clearing away grime and overgrowth without damaging the headstone and its carvings.

While a little water and a soft brush can help with the surface, the best approach is to schedule periodic professional cleanings. Besides washing the headstone, professionals will also polish and restore it to its original beauty. They have the tools and techniques to handle any stain and fix damage without ruining the design.

Gravestone cleanings should be scheduled based on a few considerations. If the headstone is set on the ground, it will get dirty much faster than one set higher than ground level. Polished granite is also more durable against the elements than unpolished versions, which are more porous and collect more grime. Granite markers do well with an annual cleaning while bronze should be handled twice a year. For older limestone markers, maintenance every few years is best since the material is more delicate than modern polished varieties.

Since 1915, Derrick Monument Company Inc has offered quality headstones throughout the state of New York. Located in Genesee County, this family-owned monument company provides not only an array of grave markers to suit your loved ones, but also repair and restoration services to keep them looking beautiful for many years to come. To discuss options, call (585) 768-8470 or visit them online to see their work.