Why Clean Stones?
It's clear they do not clean themselves.
Headstones look tough, they are stone after all, but they are full of tiny pores and stones need to breathe, just like anything else. When you let lichen, moss, and grime build up, you’re basically suffocating the stone. It traps the moisture inside, and when the freeze hits, that trapped water expands and starts breaking the stone apart from the inside out.
Cleaning it isn't just about making it look pretty for the client. It's not just about making the words visible, it's about preservation, conservation and Protection.
We scrap the moss.
We clear the pores.
We let the moisture out.
It’s simple maintenance. You get that choking layer off the surface, and you let the stone breathe again so it can actually do its job for another hundred years.
Removal of lichen and moss not only improve the headstones appearance, but increases the ability to prevent cracking and irreversible damage. It doesn't look nostalgic, it's destroying the stone.
Common Issues Stones Face
Moss, lichen, and weather staining are common issues that affect headstones, primarily due to environmental factors. Moisture, combined with organic materials like dirt and debris, creates an ideal environment for moss and lichen to thrive.
Other issues may also affect your headstones or monuments beyond your control. Issues such as Vandalism, Tilting or Sinking, and Fading.
To address these issues, it's advisable to hire a professional cleaner, such as Eternal Care Stone, who specializes in the preservation and restoration of headstones. Their expertise ensures that your loved one's memorial is treated with care and restored as close to its original beauty as possible.
To Schedule a FREE Estimate or Service
Email Today!
The Usual Suspects
Moss
_JPG.jpg)
Moss is a small, non-vascular plant that thrives in damp, shaded environments. It grows in dense green clumps or mats, often found on headstones, where it can trap moisture and promote decay. Over time,
moss can cause significant damage to stone surfaces breaking down the material and leading to structural weaknesses. By removing moss, you not only enhance the appearance of the headstone but also help prolong its.
Our team employs professional techniques and-approved cleaners to effectively remove moss and restore your stones, ensuring they remain beautiful and well-preserved for years to come.
Lichen
Lichen is a fascinating organism that often thrives on headstones, particularly those made of stone or granite. It grows slowly, forming a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae, and can appear in various forms, crustose, foliose, and fruticose.
In Southwestern Ontario, you might encounter types such as Cladonia and Rhizocarpon.
While lichen can add an interesting aesthetic, it can also cause etching andation over time. Regular professional cleaning can help preserve headstones, preventing long-term damage maintaining their beauty.
Weather Staining
Weather staining is a common occurrence on headstones, especially in the diverse climate of Southwestern Ontario. These stains, often caused by moisture environmental pollutants, can manifest as dark spots, streaks, or even biological growth like moss and lichen on the stone surface.
While they may detract from the headstone's appearance, understanding the types of stains such as water stains, mineral deposits, and organic growth can help in determining the best cleaning methods.
Regular maintenance and professional cleaning can effectively restore the headstone's original beauty, ensuring it withstands the test of time against the elements.
Vandalism
Vandalism in cemeteries can take many forms, the defacement of headstones through graffiti, physical damage from intentional impacts, or even theft of memorial items. These acts not only the deceased but also bring distress families and communities.
At ECSS, we specialize in restoring these memorials, using appropriate cleaning techniques and materials that preserve the integrity of the stone while effectively removing damage. Their expertise ensures that headstones are handled with care, allowing families to honor their loved ones in a dignified manner once again.
Tilting or Sinking
Tilted and sinking headstones can be distressing sight for families and loved ones, often caused by factors such as soil erosion, tree root growth, or inadequate foundation support. These issues not only affect the appearance of memorials but can also lead damage over time.
At Eternal Care Stone Services, our professional monument restorers are equipped to assess the situation and provide effective solutions, such as realigning or anchoring headstones securely in place. Our approach ensures that memorials restored to their rightful position, allowing families to honor their loved ones with dignity and respect.
Fading
Fading text on headstones can be a heartbreaking for families, often caused by weathering, exposure to the elements, or wear over time. This deterioration not only obscures the names and messages inscribed but also diminish the memorial’s significance.
At Eternal Care Stone Services, our skilled technicians specialize in restoring the clarity headstone inscriptions through professional letter repainting and other preservation techniques. We ensure that the memories of loved ones remain vivid and honored, allowing families to cherish their legacies with pride.