Five Tips: Caring For Your Headstone

The wait is over, and your loved one finally has a beautiful memorial. You put a great deal of thought and care into designing a memorial that best represents your loved one's legacy. And now that it is here, you want to ensure that it always looks its best. 

In this article we will share with you 5 ways to always keep your headstone looking it's best.

Prevent Moss Growth

We have all seen headstones covered in moss or other biological growths. This unsightly growth occurs because moisture and dirt enter the stone's pores. When they co-mingle in those tiny granite pores, moss or lichen can grow.

You can prevent biological growth by spraying the monument with D2 once a year. That's it! It is seriously that easy! Just spray and walk away.

D2 is a biological growth cleaner that gets deep into the stone's pores, cleansing it from the inside out. This is the same solution used to clean the Veteran's gravestones at our National Cemeteries. And- fun fact- it is also used on the White House!

 Check Your Vases for Clogged Drain Holes

The most common complaint we receive is that "the mowers broke my vase." But 99% of the time, the problem isn't the mowers!

Sometimes the mowers can get a little out of hand and damage a monument. But, believe it or not, clogged drainage holes are the #1 cause of damage to vases! Not mowers!

Every granite vase we sell comes standard with a drain hole for the rainwater to seep out. But sometimes grass clippings, leaves, acorns, and other debris get into the vases and clog the drain holes. This causes the rainwater to collect rather than drain.

Then, in winter, the water collects in the clogged vase, freezes, expands, and bursts the flower pots.

Broken vases are a lost investment, as we have never found a sustainable way to fix them. That said, it is best to prevent this kind of damage before it occurs.

When you get your flower pots, consider purchasing a vase insert (available at Emerson Monument Company!) or filling them with florist foam.

The vase insert is a tapered aluminum insert that expands as the frozen water expands, thus preventing damage to the granite vase. The florist foam, on the other hand, will allow rainwater to drain through it (and thus through the drain hole). As a bonus, the foam will help your flowers stay in place.

Be Selective About Materials Touching the Stone!

One beautiful memorial I made when I first started was for a young man in his teens. He was and is loved by so many people! His stone is always adorned with flowers and other tributes on his grave. His monument is magnificent... except for the rust stain.

People often place inexpensive jewelry or other metal items (such as Matchbox cars, signs, etc) on monuments. While the meaning is so sweet and innocent, these items eventually rust and stain the memorial. And when adornments rust, the rust tends to puddle and drip down the memorial.

It is wise to avoid placing metals on the monument unless a barrier between the metal and the stone protects them. An example would be a monument saddle. These saddles have a metal frame that flowers are secured to. It is essential to ensure that felt, rubber, or another suitable material is placed between the metal frame and the stone.

Don't Forget- Floral Dyes Stain Too!

Speaking of monument saddles, it is important to use high-quality florals in the saddle. Cheaper florals, such as the papery thin red poinsettias, tend to bleed when they get wet. When they bleed the dye can run onto the stone and cause staining.

I have seen this most commonly occur with faux poinsettias and with faux ferns. If you are worried about staining, buy a stem of the florals you would like to use, place them under the faucet, and wipe with a white paper towel. If dye comes off, then you should avoid it.

We hope you found these top tips to be helpful! If you would like to purchase cleaner or aluminum vase inserts, swing by the store! and we'll be glad to help you!