What are some tips on how to care for a gravestone to increase its longevity?

Here are some tips on how to care for a gravestone to increase its longevity:

·         Clean the gravestone from the bottom instead of going from top to bottom. Washing the stone from the top may cause the acids released from molds and lichens to spread on different areas of the stone and, thereby, increase its chances of developing stains.

·         Do not wash a gravestone with power washers as it may encourage water retention in the stone. Also, do not use wire brushes, metal brushes, and harsh abrasives. Use only soft-bristled toothbrush or plastic nylon brush to remove loose dirt, fungi, and lichen spots.

·         Different types of gravestones require different cleaning methods. Choose a cleaning method depending on the type of material your loved one’s gravestone is made of.

·         Do not rub or scrub the gravestone. Most people have the wrong notion that gravestone rubbing makes it more appealing and increases its life. However, it is not so. Too much rubbing and scrubbing can cause permanent damage to the stone as it encourages abrasion.

How to Care for a Gravestone to Increase its Longevity?

Caring for and maintaining your loved one’s gravestone can help a great deal in keeping it in good condition for a long time. Here are some tips on how to care for a gravestone to increase its longevity:

·         Clean the gravestone from the bottom instead of going from top to bottom. Washing the stone from the top may cause the acids released from molds and lichens to spread on different areas of the stone and, thereby, increase its chances of developing stains.

·         Do not wash a gravestone with power washers as it may encourage water retention in the stone. Also, do not use wire brushes, metal brushes, and harsh abrasives. Use only soft-bristled toothbrush or plastic nylon brush to remove loose dirt, fungi, and lichen spots.

·         Different types of gravestones require different cleaning methods. Choose a cleaning method depending on the type of material your loved one’s gravestone is made of.

·         Do not rub or scrub the gravestone. Most people have the wrong notion that gravestone rubbing makes it more appealing and increases its life. However, it is not so. Too much rubbing and scrubbing can cause permanent damage to the stone, as it encourages abrasion.

·         When a bronze gravestone becomes old, it tends to become darker. This is a natural process. If the gravestone becomes darker, just wash it with water, let it dry completely, and then give it a high polish finish with the help of liquid wax. To remove the greenish coating on bronze, you can use a paste of two tablespoons of baking soda and a little lemon juice.

Gravestone cleaning is an important task. If you are not sure about how to clean your loved one’s gravestone, it is advisable to get the job done by a professional. Do not try to do it yourself because it may increase the chances of causing damage to the stone. 

Tips to Increase the Longevity of a Gravestone

I want to make sure that my husband’s gravestone lasts for a long time. Are there any specific tips to can increase the gravestone’s longevity?

Here are some tips on how to care for a gravestone to increase its longevity:

·         Clean the gravestone from the bottom instead of going from top to bottom. Washing the stone from the top may cause the acids released from molds and lichens to spread on different areas of the stone and, thereby, increase its chances of developing stains.

·         Do not wash a gravestone with power washers as it may encourage water retention in the stone. Also, do not use wire brushes, metal brushes, and harsh abrasives. Use only soft-bristled toothbrush or plastic nylon brush to remove loose dirt, fungi, and lichen spots.

·         Different types of gravestones require different cleaning methods. Choose a cleaning method depending on the type of material your loved one’s gravestone is made of.

·         Do not rub or scrub the gravestone. Most people have the wrong notion that gravestone rubbing makes it more appealing and increases its life. However, it is not so. Too much rubbing and scrubbing can cause permanent damage to the stone, as it encourages abrasion.

Why is granite widely used for gravestone manufacturing?

Selecting a durable material for a gravestone can play an important role in ensuring its longevity and appeal. Granite is by far the most common and widely used stone because it is affordable, hard, sturdy, and resistant to extreme environmental conditions.

·         It is an affordable, hard and sturdy stone and can withstand extreme temperatures, modern hydrocarbon and acid rain pollution.

·         It is available in a wide range of colors such as black, white, grey, blue, green, magenta, mahogany, etc.

·         It can be etched, polished, and carved to produce beautiful results.

·         A granite gravestone comes in all shapes and sizes to fit any budget.

·         It requires minimum maintenance and, hence, minimal maintenance costs.

·         This stone does not deteriorate easily.

·         A granite gravestone is heavy, and hence cannot be stolen easily.

Why Is Granite Widely Used for Manufacturing Gravestones?

Selecting the right and durable material for a gravestone can play an important role in ensuring its longevity and appeal. A gravestone can be built with different materials like granite, bronze, and marble. However, granite is the most common and widely used stone because it is affordable, hard, sturdy, and resistant to extreme environmental conditions.

Here are some advantages of using granite for gravestone manufacturing:

·         It is an affordable, hard and sturdy stone and can withstand extreme temperatures, modern hydrocarbon and acid rain pollution.

·         It is available in a wide range of colors such as black, white, grey, blue, green, magenta, mahogany, etc.

·         It can be etched, polished, and carved to produce beautiful results.

·         A granite gravestone comes in all shapes and sizes to fit any budget.

·         It requires minimum maintenance and, hence, minimal maintenance costs.

·         This stone does not deteriorate easily.

·         A granite gravestone is heavy, and hence cannot be stolen easily.

What should you consider while writing an epitaph?

·         Less is more—on a monument or headstone you will be limited to a few lines. It is important to be concise when trying to sum up a person’s life.

·         Choose wisely—the best epitaphs are timeless and not overly sentimental. It is best to choose an epitaph when emotions have settled down, so you can think clearly.

·         Pick a voice—often, someone is speaking in the first person (a relative, a friend; the deceased).

·         Who does it speak to? — Consider whether you want the epitaph to speak directly to someone, maybe a passerby or the loved one him/herself

Choosing an Epitaph

The most difficult time in a person’s life concerns the death of a family member or friend. It may be experienced on numerous occasions during their lifetime but this doesn’t make the loss any easier. However, dealing effectively and positively with grief when a loved one passes away is essential to the recovery process. The most burdensome part of the whole mourning process may be preparing for a funeral service. Once a loved one has been put to rest the final step of the process is choosing a tombstone or grave marker to identify the grave.

The choice of a stone for the grave is also an opportunity to commemorate a loved one with a significant inscription. An epitaph can highlight personality traits or accomplishments in life, and is a meaningful way to give respect to the deceased. Often times people choose to write an epitaph using a piece of prose, a bible verse, or accomplishments. The purpose of an epitaph is to praise the virtues of your deceased loved one.

What to consider while choosing an epitaph

•          Less is more—on a monument or headstone you will be limited to a few lines. It is important to be concise when trying to sum up a person’s life.
•          Choose wisely—the best epitaphs are timeless and not overly sentimental. It is best to choose an epitaph when emotions have settled down, so you can think clearly.
•          Pick a voice—often, someone is speaking in first person (a relative, a friend; the deceased).
•          Who does it speak to—consider whether you want the epitaph to speak directly to someone, maybe a passerby or the loved one him/herself.

Epitaphs allow us to remember our loved ones in a way we never thought possible. A few sentimental words that describe how a person lived his/her life can give us the strength and courage to move on.

Significance of an Epitaph

Why is an Epitaph significant?

The choice of a stone for the grave is also an opportunity to commemorate a loved one with a significant inscription. An epitaph can highlight personality traits or accomplishments in life, and is a meaningful way to give respect to the deceased. Often people choose to write an epitaph using a piece of prose, a bible verse, or accomplishments. The purpose of an epitaph is to praise the virtues of your deceased loved one.