Memorial aftercare
Keep your memorial looking its very best for longer with our comprehensive restoration and maintenance services.
Our services
You can take out a package of services from day one when a memorial is installed, or you can request them as and when you feel they are required. Our expert stonemasons can provide everything from a simple memorial clean and polish right through to a complete restoration, which could involve regilding or recutting the inscription. The most common services we provide are summarised below.
Cleaning
Memorial cleaning involves the removal of built-up moss, algae, tree sap and other biological substances from the surface of the stone.
Polishing
Careful rejuvenation of the memorials surface shine. Only available for suitable masonry that was originally polished.
Restoration
Restoring a memorial often includes repainting and regilding of lettering, the recutting of weathered inscriptions, and leadwork.
Repair
Our team can deal with anything from a chipped corner or a cracked vase through to a complete break or replacing missing parts.
Maintenance
Often undertaken as a twice-yearly contract, this includes light cleaning of the memorial to prevent the build-up of moss and algae, tidying up of the surrounding area and checks for any issues that may have developed.
Before and after
Assessing what is needed
One of the most common questions we are asked is ‘How do I clean this stone?’. Although the cleaning of a memorial may seem quite simple, this is not always the case. Every time a memorial is cleaned, a thin layer of the surface is removed in the process. Clean it too often and inscriptions and details will fade as well.
Planning
Before any aftercare takes place, we will first discuss what you are hoping to achieve. We may also visit the memorial to fully assess its condition so that we can provide you with the best plan of action.
Materials
Whether the memorial is made of granite, marble, limestone or another natural material, it will be susceptible to the elements over time. Some materials change more noticeably over time than others. The differences between materials are reflected in how we approach each individual project.
Location
The first thought is often to restore the stone to make it look new. However, a new looking stone in an old graveyard will often look very out of place. We make sure to factor in the surroundings in our recommendations.
Safety
Local councils have a responsibility to make sure cemeteries are a safe place for the public to visit. If they have deemed a memorial you are responsible for to be unsafe, they will contact you about it. Whatever their reasons, let us know, and we’ll guide you through what is required to make it safe again.
Insurance
Depending on the age, condition and location of the memorial it may be worth considering an insurance policy to protect you against future issues. Whether from a fallen branch, an overzealous lawnmower or intentional vandalism, headstone insurance ensures you have the funds to arrange a speedy restoration or replacement.
Memorial assessment
The best place to start is with a free, no-obligation assessment of your memorial so we can recommend the best course of action.
Maintenance packages
As well as keeping a memorial looking its best, regular cleaning and checks can prevent more costly repairs in the future.