Headstones are instrumental for paying your respects to a loved one, so it’s understandable to want to ensure they remain in pristine condition. Over time, it’s natural for these memorials to wear down. Luckily, they can be repaired and restored to their former glory, so be on the lookout for the following signs that repairs are needed during your next visit.

When Should Headstones Be Repaired?

1. Faded Lettering

The lettering is crucial because it imparts essential information and contains touching tributes individualized for your loved one. When it becomes difficult to read what’s etched in the material, it’s best to schedule repairs. Faded writing can be cleaned, repainted, and even re-etched entirely to make reading the inscriptions as easy as possible.

2. Chips

Cemeteries regularly maintain their landscaping with tools like lawn mowers and weed eaters. While these tools keep the area looking pristine, they can also pose a risk to the graves.

When these machines come too close to the memorials, they can chip away at the edges and leave unsightly damage. Repair experts can fill any chips seamlessly during the restoration process.

3. Mold & Mildew

The combination of moisture and shade creates conditions that allow mold and mildew to grow on the materials. This can obscure the inscriptions and diminish the overall appearance of the memorial.

Regular maintenance will keep them at bay, but if the headstone is left untended for too long, it’ll become covered in these substances. The memorial can be cleaned off and repaired by a professional using a combination of hydrogen peroxide, water, and a soft-bristled brush.

4. Noticeable Sinking

As the ground supporting the memorial shifts, erodes, and settles, it will often sink deeper into the earth. Eventually, it falls so much that the epitaph, symbols, and lettering become obscured. Repair experts can refill the soil, but if you want further protection from sinking, ask them to install a new base that will raise it higher off the ground.

 

Make sure your headstone repairs are handled professionally by contacting the team at Tri-County Memorials. For almost 50 years, their associates have provided families in Waterford, CT, and the surrounding areas with premier restoration services. No matter what type of damage your loved one’s memorial has, they have the tools and experience needed to make it look like new again. Call (860) 443-8744 to speak to a representative in Waterford, (860) 886-6200 for Norwich, or (860) 456-8658 for Willimantic. Visit them online to learn more.