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Headstone Maintenance in Virginia: Preserve and Sustain its Beauty
Like what we used to do with our home, specifically the roofing, headstones should be properly maintained to extend their quality. It is one of your investments and it must be preserved well as it represents the memorial of your departed loved one. Scheduling for headstone maintenance in Virginia is your next step once your gravestone is finally installed.
Cemeteries, as we all know, will be the second home of our loved ones who pass away. It is the last resting place for them, free from problems and noise. It is, without a doubt, a lovely spot where your loved one’s memory will be preserved.
Each headstone reflects an individual’s devotion not only to his or her family but also to society as a whole. It’s a place where you can grieve and reflect throughout her or your lifetime. You will most likely ruin the elegance of your loved one’s memorial if you overlook having headstone maintenance.
To prevent such destructive effects, you have to understand better why headstones need proper repairs and maintenance. As a surviving loved one, you also need to know that cleaning requires adequate techniques along with the right tools.
Who is responsible for the gravesite?
Before we start headstone maintenance in Virginia, let us identify who is in charge of this task.
Once you bought a plot for your deceased loved one, you tend to pay for the “rights” for the body to be buried for a certain period. These rights usually take 50 to 100 years. Upon payment, you will receive a “Deed of Grant”, wherein it states there that you don’t actually own the ground where the plot is located.
Also, as you have the grant, it is your responsibility to maintain the beauty of the headstone. Most cemeteries have precise rules and regulations on what each grant owner needs to do and what the cemetery expects from them.
What is headstone maintenance in Virginia?
Over time, headstones are expected to become worn, broken and stains can possibly appear. The reason behind these things is that monuments are exposed to various dirt, lichen, and debris. Different weather conditions can be also one of the reasons why gravestones have cracks and letterings start to fade.
To save the beauty of your headstone, it is highly recommended to get headstone maintenance between months to preserve the beauty of the memorial which can be reached by future generations, and pay respect to their ancestors.
Though there is maintenance or most cemeteries have permanent maintenance, this does not mean you will neglect to maintain the headstone of a loved one. When we talk about perpetual care, we’re talking about maintenance, landscaping, and some headstone care, but not headstone cleaning.
Cleaning the headstone by yourself is not recommended in most cases. There are correct cleaning tools and techniques used to ensure that the headstone has no hidden damage. Professional cleaners usually use wire bristled brushes, sandblasters, bleach, pressure washers, soap, detergent, sealant, and acidic cleaning products to clean the headstone.
To make sure that the headstone is properly cleaned, it is recommended to choose an expert to do headstone cleaning. By checking out an expert, he should have all the correct tools and techniques for cleaning a memorial.
What is Tombstone Cleaning?
In order to conduct headstone maintenance in Virginia, you must first decide which equipment is suitable for the type of stone on your gravestone. Usually, you’ll want to bring in a headstone manufacturer to do minor retouches to the lettering, designs, and measurements as they begin to fade over time.
To clean brightly shining surfaces, use a soft brush or a rag to wipe warm water on them. You may also dilute the water with a little liquid detergent. It’s important to remember that the strokes should be gentle and that rigid brushes should be avoided. Using harsh scourers will scrape the surface of the headstone and attract algae or mosses.
To prevent the growth of moss and algae, you can use some headstone cleaner sprays available at grocery stores. Cleaning a headstone with bleach or acid is not recommended because it can weaken the stone and render it more resistant to erosion. If you want to clean the gravestone yourself, you should first check with the cemetery’s maintenance facility.
How to deal with headstone maintenance?
As mentioned, it is the full responsibility of the family to maintain the memorial of their deceased loved one. It is also your task to do repairs if necessary. To comply with this effectively, you can search for a professional headstone worker recommended by the cemetery.
Keep in mind that cemeteries have the legal authority to conduct safety inspections on private gravestones and memorials to ensure that they are still functional. You will be informed and asked to take urgent action if the checker finds problems with your loved one’s headstone.
What are the restrictions with the flowers and plants on the gravesite?
Like what you have with headstones, cemeteries also have restrictions when it comes to flowers, plants, and shrubs you wish to have on your loved one’s gravesite. Although they are planted at your gravesite, it is your responsibility to check that plants will not go anywhere.
Aside from headstone maintenance in Virginia, you also need to get rid of the withered flowers and overgrown stems. Once the cemetery traced out that your plants are not properly placed, they will cut them even without your permission.
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What are the basic methods for headstone maintenance in Virginia?
Having consistent maintenance to your headstone is not easy. You still need to learn what things or approaches you need to do which can lead you to a longer time. That’s why it is best to find professional headstone cleaners or makers who are knowledgeable about maintenance. Here are some of the common methods used in cleaning monuments;
For Polished Granite
Wiping the gravestone surfaces with a soft damp cloth is recommended. If the dirt is particularly stubborn, a poor mixture of washing liquid and warm water may be used to clean it. Use a very soft sponge to clean the letterings; don’t rub the letters, just dab them out. Often wipe the headstone with clean water.
For Marble and Stone
A washing-up liquid combined with water may be used to clean a stone or marble memorial. Please avoid using a strong mixture because it can damage the grass and plants surrounding the tombstone. Enable the mixture to sit for a few minutes before cleaning the stains with a soft brush. Instead of rubbing or scrubbing the letters, dab the dirt away with a soft sponge. Using clean water, clean the monument.
These methods are suitable for light headstone maintenance in Virginia; however, it would be more beneficial to work with experienced cleaners who are familiar with this field.
What are the things you need to consider for headstone maintenance in Virginia?
At least once every five years, the letterings should be retouched and they must be cleaned from dirt and algae regularly. Appropriate cleaning must be scheduled to secure that the letterings are readable. It will be better if you will do it less every five years to sustain the beauty of the headstone.
Expect some minor repairs when you check on maintenance services, particularly if you’re in a place with a variety of climates. Depending on the type of gravestone and what you need, services can vary. In addition, we can strengthen existing foundations or retouch any fading requirements. You will ensure that your loved one’s memorial will last for years and that the next generation will be able to see it by working with experts.
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