Historical cemeteries hold data about the county’s social, cultural, and historical legacy. Cemeteries offer genealogical information and details about the past of a specific location, way of life, and religion. In addition, they conserve the landscape’s natural elements and showcase the folk art of tombstone carving.
With all of the stunning architecture, historical monuments, and scenic areas in the nation, it’s simple to overlook some of our lesser-known historical landmarks, such as cemeteries and burial grounds. These locations are still significant to American culture and daily life, and they may be found in almost every neighborhood.
Here are some pointers for maintaining old burial sites and cemeteries.
1.Create a master plan.
There is a perception that repair work ought to start right away when cemetery preservation becomes public. Rushing cemetery restoration projects can have detrimental effects.
Creating a Master Plan is a prudent first step toward preserving a historic cemetery.
A feature of good designs is an integrated approach to cemetery maintenance, treatment, and documentation.
It will create a list of priorities and contain plans for landscape-related issues.
2.Clean Memorial Headstone
Headstones are cleanable as long as they receive proper maintenance. Most memorial stones found in cemeteries are typically brittle. For this reason, you should check your burial monument first for any indications of physical degradation, such as cracking or flaking.
An unstable memorial stone is the main cause of long-term harm from numerous monument cleaning chemicals and techniques. If you need to know if your headstone is ready for cleaning, get professional assistance from a monument cleaning specialist.
3.Evaluate the burial monument.
To check if it is sound:
- Lightly tap the surface with your finger to feel for any empty spots beneath it. You can also look for flaking, scaling, cracks, or disintegrating granular surfaces.
- REMEMBER to proceed with cleaning or handling the stone if these circumstances exist.
- Seek out expert assistance.
4.REMOVAL OF BIOLOGICAL STAINING
- Sedentary growth, such as moss, mold, and bird droppings, can seriously deteriorate and discolor headstones and other memorials. After soaking the stone, mist it with D/2 while it’s still wet.
- After ten to fifteen minutes, wait and scrub the D/2 into the stone with your brushes, paying particular attention to the discolored areas. Could you give it a good rinse? You should apply extra D/2 in some places.
- After D/2 has been applied to the stone, cleaned, and rinsed, have trust that the stain will continue to operate for weeks, working its way into the pores to kill any biological development that may have developed inside the stone, even if it is not removed.
- Don’t be alarmed if you notice color changes in some sections of the stone. This is how the D/2 works; it’s natural, and the stone’s hue will revert to normal in a few days.
5.Important Headstone Repair Reminders
- Some preservationists feel that doing nothing is preferable to taking potentially destructive action. Keep the following advice in mind when thinking about fixing a damaged gravestone:
- Avoid repairing gravestones using caulking, silicone, glue, packed concrete, and other adhesives.
- Avoid utilizing power equipment when repairing a gravestone that is already brittle or delicate to the touch.
- Never try cleaning granite with liquids that contain ammonia, vinegar, or lemon juice. Instead, dry the headstones with a little dishwashing detergent, water, and a few fresh clothes. Water, non-ionic soap, and soft cloths are all you need to clean bronze and marble memorials properly.
