Dos And Don'ts Of Caring For A Headstone
When you purchase a gravestone for your loved one who has passed on, you take great care to ensure you buy a quality piece that will stand the test of time. Unfortunately, after being exposed to the elements for several months or years, the headstone can begin to show signs of wear and tear. Here are a few simple dos and don'ts to help you expertly care for the headstone of a loved one.
Do Learn How to Clean the Headstone Properly
As the headstone ages, it will look weathered and become covered in a thin layer of dirt. The moisture on the headstone can also cause moss to grow. To clean the headstone, carefully dampen the stone with water. Do not use a pressure washer, as this can seriously damage the stone. Allow the water to soak into the stone for several minutes.
Next, carefully take a soft-bristled scrub brush and clean off any dirt, debris, and stains that are present on the headstone. Use a smaller brush to eliminate dirt and debris from the stone etching. Never use any type of household cleaner on the headstone, especially bleach. Do not clean the headstone with any DIY products or hacks you might have read on the internet, including shaving cream.
The caustic nature of bleach, household cleaners, and shaving cream can cause etching on the stone that will weaken it over time.
Don't Apply a Sealant to the Headstone
There are sealants available that are intended to protect certain materials from water damage and wear. Unfortunately, these sealants are not intended for use on headstones, which are constantly exposed to water and the elements. The headstone is naturally porous, meaning that the product will absorb water and that water will evaporate.
When you apply a natural stone sealant to a headstone, any water that is inside the stone's pores will become trapped. This will lead to serious cracks and damage in the future.
Do Learn About the Dangers of Stress Cracks
Older headstones will begin to suffer from delamination, a natural process where the layers of the natural stone will begin to separate. This can cause damage in the form of stress cracks. Over time, these cracks can widen and deepen, and the headstone can actually begin to crumble. Do not attempt to clean a headstone with severe delamination and stress cracks. Instead, contact a professional to have the stone repaired.
From proper cleaning to avoiding using sealant, there are several things you can do to extend the life of your loved one's headstone. For more information on monuments contact a funeral home near you.
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