Headstone Restoration and Cleaning
At the Headstone Centre, we undertake all forms of cleaning and restoration of headstones. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to prevent degradation and damage to a headstone in an open cemetery. The main causes of damage are Vandalism, subsidence, and adverse weather conditions. Heavy lawnmowers are another cause, smashing into the base of a headstone every time the grass is cut.
The question with a damaged gravestone is always can it be repaired? Sometimes the damage is so severe that it cannot, but modern methods that have evolved mean that we can now repair and restore many headstones. However, we need to inspect the broken parts and where they are broken, together with identifying the type of stone before headstone restoration can be carried out.
We also re-erect gravestones. Sometimes the ground settles, and the gravestone can tilt backward or forwards. This actually puts the stone under constant pressure, Resetting the stone will solve this particular problem.
Of course, depending on the particular type of stone, some headstones can simply wear away over the years as a result of the weather. The lettering can fade away over time, but at the Headstone Centre, we can undertake headstone restoration for you.
As you would expect with anything out in the open, the stones can get dirty. We can clean them for you which will restore the beauty of an old stone and make lettering readable again. The first rule of cleaning the stone is to be as gentle as possible. It may also take longer than you think, because some molds and lichens may have been there for decades. A biological headstone cleaner can help, but restoring headstones is something that cannot and must not be rushed. In many cases, we can bring the headstone back to life as if it was new, see pictures of our before and after.