Reuse Marble Gravestones

Recycled gravestones are used for all sorts of purposes including building foundations patios stone walls walkways new gravestones and apparently jetties.

Reuse marble gravestones.

Direct spray this solution on the stone. Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage. Mix a marble cleaning solution of one gallon of bleach one half gallon of citra solv and three and one half gallons of water. Inspect the entire headstone for cracks wear and signs of damage.

Historically numerous substances have been used in an attempt to make stones last longer when placed outdoors. I have seen cars crash through fences and destroy gravestones and monuments toppling them like so many dominos. Olive oil whale oil turpentine and wax represent just a few of the liquids applied to masonry in a mostly vain effort to inhibit the future deterioration of stone. If these are present it may be best to leave it as is.

Wetting the marble first will provide better cleaner spread on the surface and make rinsing easier. Earlier gravestones were used only by the middle and upper classes. If you own the headstone you can do what you want with it. An undiluted cleaning agent may leave a residue in the marble s pores.

I have seen too many tree limbs fall and shatter fragile marble gravestones into unrepairable fragments tree which were dead and should have long ago been pruned. Take it to stonemason and ask them. The use of sealants on a gravestone even though a gravestone may be made up of materials like those found in the exteriors or interiors of building i e. Steps to clean a marble headstone.

Allow dwelling time of twenty minutes no less. I have seen heavy lawn mowers mercilessly chip away and gash historic. The most popular materials for gravestones during this era were marble 1780 1930 granite 1860 untill date iron and wood. Mist the surface with water just enough to prevent drying if necessary.

Soak the stone with water to saturate any growth that may be present. Sometimes these stones are irregulars or decommissioned stones but sometimes they re just stolen. As with interior marble cleaning soak the cemetery headstone with water before adding a cleaner. Marble granite or other stone the same techniques that would be used to clean and protect the building cannot be used in the cemetery.

However after the emergence of the new protestant theology even lower classes started using grave markers for commemorating the life of the. Can we have it engraved for someone else.