What is a grave Saver™?
This keeps the grave markers from sinking and also prevents grass from growing over the markers. The Grave Saver™ comes in three sizes that fit the most popular sizes of grave marker stones; those sizes are: — Model 1123 Grave Saver™ will accommodate grave marker sizes 10x20x4 and smaller.
How do I clean my stone grave marker?
Cleaning stones should be done with the gentlest means possible. It should never be the intent to make a grave marker look “new”. Even with the most careful technique, cleaning may accelerate deterioration or cause loss of original material. Only use soft brushes and gentle cleaners, such as water or a non-ionic cleaner (neutral pH of 7).
What are the biggest challenges facing the cemetery monument business?
One of the biggest challenges I face in the cemetery monument business is maintaining my customers’ grave sites. Over time, grave markers start to sink in the ground and become overgrown with grass. Grave markers can weigh about 100 pounds and all the force of that weight pushes straight down which causes the markers to sink.
Why is a headstone placed on a soldier’s grave?
A headstone is placed on a soldier’s grave as a marker to identify burial site but serves other roles as well. It is intended to honor the deceased and thus should be treated with respect. Over time the headstone takes on meaning to the loved ones who visit.
How do I keep my grave marker from sinking?
Sinking Monument Repair & Headstone Leveling Service This causes the gravestones to sink further and further into the ground as time goes on. One way to prevent this issue is by hiring a contractor to lay down a cement base around the grave marker.
How do you stabilize a gravestone?
4:567:55Resetting Ground Supporting Headstones: Resetting Volume 3YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you reach the depth that you want tamp the soil down before adding about four inches of gravel.MoreWhen you reach the depth that you want tamp the soil down before adding about four inches of gravel. Once the gravel has been added tamp the hole. Again. The stone can now be placed back in the hole.
What is a grave saver?
The Grave Saver™ is a low cost, low maintenance way to preserve and enhance your family's cemetery grave site. The Grave Saver™ has a patented design which prevents grave markers from sinking into the ground and being overgrown with grass.
Can a grave marker be removed?
In most circumstances, it is preferable to repair a headstone rather than remove it. Removal can result in additional damage. Headstones should only be removed under extreme circumstances, such as flooding, rapid deterioration caused by pollution, or increasing vandalism in the area.
Why does a grave sink?
Grave subsidence refers to the appearance of graves 'sinking'. This is an entirely natural process caused by loosened soil settling into place and the natural process of the coffin collapsing overtime.
How long does it take for a grave to sink?
Often, you have to wait for about three to six months to make sure that by the time you do place the memorials, any dirt around the grave would have settled. This is because a new grave takes time to settle and can move around, especially when there is a lot of rainfall.
What is the best grave marker?
What Is The Best Material For Making Memorial Headstones?Granite. Granite is one of the most widely-accepted materials for making headstones and grave markers globally, thanks to its increased durability and aesthetic appeal. ... Bronze. ... Marble. ... Sandstone. ... Slate. ... Fieldstone.
What is a flat grave marker?
Flat Markers are the simplest and most economical of all memorials. Flat Markers are set flat and flush to the ground. They are usually 3-4 inch thickness, rectangle in shape, polished surface with sawn sides.
What is cemetery coping?
Coping refers to the stone walls surrounding a gravesite while chip refers to the stone “chips” used to cover the grave. Along with a conventional monument or headstone, coping and chips provides a sophisticated way of defining and preserving a gravesite for a number of years.
Can you change a grave marker?
Legally speaking, the only person who has authority to order a change a grave marker is the executor named in the deceased's will. This is true, courts have held, even in cases in which the executor did not buy the grave marker originally or contract the engraving to be done.
Can a cemetery remove a headstone?
Monuments, headstones, and other items that have not been removed within 90 days may be disposed of by the cemetery authority. After notice and expiration of any time limits, the cemetery authority may remove any remains and re-inter those remains in other cemeteries in the State.
How long before a headstone can be put on a grave?
While there is no one specific rule around how long you need to wait before you can put a headstone on a burial grave, as a guideline figure it is recommended that you wait for at least six months, if not longer.
How do you fix a leaning headstone?
Sign up for email updates Email AddressRe-dig the hole. Using a shovel, widen and deepen the existing hole for each headstone. ... Partially fill the hole. ... Replace the stone. ... Tamp down the hole. ... Finish the job.
What does a headstone sit on?
A footstone or foot marker is a flat square monument made of stone that sits at the foot-end of a grave. They were originally commissioned together with a headstone to signal the length of a burial site.
How do you make a foundation for a gravestone?
Pour two bags of gravel in the bottom of the hole and pack the gravel down with a hand tamper. Pour two 80-pound bags of concrete mix into a wheelbarrow, add water and mix the concrete up well with a shovel. Pour the mixed concrete into the hole and lay three to four pieces of rebar over the wet concrete.
How do you put a gravestone on the ground?
Measure your grave marker for accuracy as well as the size of the burial plot where it will be installed. Add one to two inches on all sides to ensure your headstone fits. Using your shovel, excavate the sand and reserve to the side. Dig deep enough to accommodate the thickness of your grass marker.
What happens if a company sells poor quality grave markers?
If your local company sells poor-quality bronze grave markers, word will travel fast. Sooner or later, enough customers will tell their friends about the quality issues. The company essentially runs out of customers who aren’t already aware of the quality problems.
Who installs markers at cemeteries?
Many monument companies are responsible for the markers sold and installed at different cemeteries. Because of this, they have one of the widest arrays of options to choose from. In addition, many monument companies will install markers at a cemetery if you request it of them.
What happens if you buy a funeral home online?
If you buy online, you don’t have a brick-and-mortar storefront to return to. In addition, buying online includes the following risks: 1. Cemetery Rules and Regulations.
Why is buying from a cemetery smart?
Buying from a cemetery is a smart option because they know the industry inside and out. They also already know their own regulations, which means they can immediately tell you which kinds of markers are allowed in the cemetery. Because of their expert staff members, they are able to help you determine exactly what you are looking for.
What is the significance of bronze grave markers?
When a loved one passes on, the family and friends they leave behind gather together to remember the happiness they brought into the world. The grace and beauty of bronze grave markers add a lasting elegance to a loved one’s final resting place.
How to contact a grave marker dealer?
Our team can help you review the different options available and determine the right choice for your needs. Please feel free to call us today at (800) 798-4900 for more information. Or if you’d like to buy a grave marker, we can help find a dealer near you.
Do monument companies work with cemeteries?
Monument companies work with the cemeteries in their region, so they are familiar with the rules and regulations at each location. If you have a certain cemetery in mind already, you should find out which monument companies already work with the one you’ve chosen. 3. From Funeral Homes.
Cleaning a Headstone or Grave Marker: What NOT To Do
The most important part of cleaning a headstone or grave marker is to do everything possible to avoid damaging the memorial. Gravestones are often very expensive and are precious and irreplaceable memorials, so to somehow damage them while cleaning would be devastating.
How To Clean a Headstone
Before you start cleaning, make sure that the headstone requires the activity. Headstones naturally age over time, and the symptoms of aging (such as fading) can be mistaken for dirt.
Different Types of Gravestones: Things To Know
For the most part, you can follow the steps above to clean any headstone or grave marker. However, as gravestones come in several different materials, you should follow specific steps regarding your particular headstone. Here are some tips based on headstone material:
How To Maintain a Gravesite
Once the headstone is clean, you’ll want to do everything you can to maintain the gravesite to prevent it from getting too dirty again too soon. Many cemeteries provide maintenance of common areas and general cleaning, but they likely won’t give specific gravesites special attention.
Final Thoughts
You can clean a headstone effectively and gently with the appropriate materials without causing too much damage. However, you should only clean a headstone if it needs it and if you have permission to do so. Cleaning can cause irreversible damage, so it’s best to proceed with caution at all times.
Mounting the Memorial to the Base
The instructions below explain how to securely attach a bronze memorial to its granite base.
Installing the Memorial and Base
Once you confirm that the location of the gravesite is correct and verify that the name (s) on the marker are in the right position, you can begin the installation process.
Check This Out: Marker Installation Video
The grounds crew at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, IL use a marker raiser to transport and set grave memorials.
