“Gravestones are huge slabs of granite and will last forever.”
If only that were true! When headstones are created and installed, they might look as if they would stand the test of time. Unfortunately, all stone is porous to a degree…and can become more porous over time due to environmental damage. This porosity means that water travels beneath the surface of the stone. And water is the fuel for our biological enemies.
As growth progresses on the gravestone, the surface of the stone becomes damaged and begins to slowly erode, which can eventually make the stone illegible.
Microorganisms such as algae, fungi, and lichens may affect grave markers. Microorganisms hold in moisture and some produce acids. With acid-sensitive materials such as limestone and marble, the result is surface erosion. Sometimes the organisms use the material as a food source, dissolving minerals in the stone and attacking the cellular structure of wood.
NPS Technical Preservation Services
The remedy? Eliminate the growth of damaging mold, moss, etc. and rid the stone of environmental contaminants. This is accomplished by using a special biocidal cleaner. Blue Ridge Headstone Care follows all recommendations from the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT). The cleaning chemical is non-toxic and actually continues to work for weeks after application which means that the marker will continue to look better as time goes by – it takes time for the growth beneath the surface of the stone to be killed and removed.
A yearly re-application of chemical is offered at a reduced price. This ensures that damaging growth doesn’t get another foothold and that your family monument stays clean and preserved.
Saving headstones from the onslaught of mother nature is all we do!
Household cleaners, pressure washers, drill attachments, and metal implements are strictly off-limits when it comes to cleaning older gravestones. NO BLEACH! In addition, frequent cleaning is never advised as each additional cleaning can remove a tiny portion of material from the headstone.
To have your family gravestone cleaned, please see the Get Started page.