Why Do Some Cemeteries Not Allow Headstones?
If you live in a town or city where there is a cemetery, you may be wondering why some of the cemeteries don’t allow you to have a headstone placed in your loved one’s grave. There are a few factors that are involved with this decision, so read on to learn more.
Dirt causes dingy appearance of headstones
The dirt and grime that can accumulate on headstones in a cemetery can make it dingy. Depending on the condition of the stone, you may need to follow specific cleaning procedures to preserve the original beauty of the monument. These methods can dramatically improve the appearance of your gravestone.
First, you’ll need to find the source of water at your cemetery. Ideally, you should bring a bucket or jug with you. Once you’ve found the source, fill it with distilled water. You can also buy distilled water at the cemetery.
Next, you’ll want to find the recommended cleaning agent. It’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using the cleaner. For instance, you’ll want to rinse it off after every use. If you’re not sure which cleaning agent to choose, look for the materials list in the product’s packaging.
Finally, you’ll want to test the cleaner on a small, unobtrusive spot. Make sure that it’s safe for use on the stone. Before you begin, you can use painter’s tape to mark a small square in the area where the cleaner is to be applied.
You’ll then need to apply the cleaner evenly over the headstone. Afterward, you should wait at least 10 minutes. This will allow the cleaner to work its magic.
After a few days, you’ll see the color of the stone return to normal. If the stone has been heavily stained by biological growth, you’ll need to use a stronger cleaner. D/2 Biological Solution is a great option for cleaning biological stains.
You can also clean the headstone using a power washer. However, you should not use this tool if the freeze-thaw cycle is imminent. Freeze-thaw weathering occurs when moisture trapped in a cemetery stone expands and contracts during above-freezing temperatures.
You can clean a headstone with household cleaning products. However, these products can leave residue on the surface. They can also cause damage to the marker.
Fortunately, there are some basic cleaning supplies that can dramatically improve the appearance of your monuments. These supplies include a toothbrush, a plastic scraper, a plastic brush, a bucket or jug, and a paintbrush.
Coins are left on gravesites to show respect
The tradition of leaving coins on graves to show respect in cemeteries dates back centuries. Many cultures and religions have their own traditions. However, the practice is most commonly seen on military graves.
Coins are often left on military graves in order to pay for the burial of future veterans. They are also used as a way to honor fallen soldiers. This is done by putting them on the headstone. In the past, this was seen as a way to bring good luck to the deceased. It also helped defray the costs of maintaining a cemetery.
Today, the practice is more common on Memorial Day. Visitors leave pennies and other small items on a grave. Other people will bring flowers to a gravesite.
There is no set rule on how much to leave. It is more practical to put coins on a headstone than flowers. Flowers are expensive and are not left on every gravesite. If you are planning on visiting a military cemetery, you can make a donation to a charity instead.
The practice of putting coins on a grave dates back to ancient Greece. During the time of Charon, the ferryman of Hades, a ferryman needed to pay a coin in order to transport a soul to the afterlife. Putting a coin on the tombstone helped ensure that the soul was transported to the afterlife safely.
Another legend claims that placing a coin on a grave will grant the owner a wish. Some believe that this tradition originated from the Jewish faith.
Putting a penny on a headstone is a simple gesture, but it has many meanings. First, it symbolizes a visit. Second, it shows that loved ones still come to see the departed. And third, it signifies a small gesture that is not quite as big as other more elaborate rituals.
While it is not uncommon to find a penny on a gravesite, it is more common to find a quarter. This is because the person who left it was there with the departed when he or she died.
A dime is another symbol. This means that the visitor was with the departed when he or she was serving.
Avoid acidic and alkaline agents when cleaning a headstone
When cleaning a headstone, it’s important to avoid using alkaline and acidic agents. These can damage the stone and harm any person using it.
There are several common types of gravestones. They include sandstone, marble, limestone, and slate. Some of these are naturally porous and can be damaged by acids or oxidation.
The best way to clean a gravestone is to use water. Use a soft-bristle brush and work the water up the stone. It’s also helpful to wear personal protective equipment like gloves.
Another way to clean a gravestone is to make a solution with vinegar and water. This is especially effective on granite tombstones that are exposed to rain and lawn-watering systems.
You can also try using Dawn dishwashing soap to safely clean a headstone. Just be careful not to let the soap dry on the stone.
If you’re using an acidic or alkaline cleaner, you’ll need to rinse the stone well to remove any excess. Make sure to rinse from bottom to top.
Gravestones should be cleaned regularly to preserve their history and maintain their appearance. Keeping the stone clean and free of dirt and dust is the best way to do it.
If you’re cleaning a sandstone headstone, you’ll want to start at the bottom and work your way up. A plastic or wooden scraper can help get rid of larger buildup.
When you’re ready to clean a marble headstone, it’s important to avoid power washing. If the stone has damage, you should call in a professional.
Avoiding the use of bleach is a good idea since it can cause brown staining over time. You can also use baking soda to clean a headstone, but be wary of the corrosive properties.
Before you begin any surface treatment, you should document the stones you’re working on. This will ensure that you don’t redo any missing or damaged areas.
If you have a calcareous or porous stone, you’ll need to test the pH of the water before beginning the work. This can be done with a cheap strip test or a resonance pointer.
Cost of installing a headstone
The cost of installing a headstone in some cemeteries can vary significantly. Prices vary from cemetery to cemetery, county to county, and even city to city. This is because there are several factors that affect the price. These factors include size, type, and design. Oftentimes, the material used in the construction of the monument is also considered.
The most common headstone material is granite. Granite is a heavy and durable stone. Marble is the second most popular headstone material. However, it is very expensive.
Some cemeteries offer free installation. Others charge a small administrative fee.
The final cost of a headstone depends on the type of headstone and the amount of work that needs to be done. A basic flat grave marker may cost around $200. Larger and heavier memorials may cost up to $1,000.
If you are unable to install a headstone yourself, there are external companies that can do the job. The price can vary by area, but a minimum estimate would be $50 to $100.
Generally, the best place to purchase a headstone is from a retailer. You can find these retailers online. Online prices will be similar to local prices, but you will need to research the seller’s reviews to ensure you are buying the highest quality.
When purchasing a headstone, you can also consider whether or not you want to have the monument engraved. Engraved headstones can range from $100 to $300. They can include a quote, name, or message.
Other add-ons to the headstone can increase the cost by 50 to $150. These may include a plaque or aluminum plaque. Additionally, there are accessories such as memorial vases, flags, and flowers.
It is important to note that some cemeteries require a concrete base to be installed. The cost of a concrete foundation will be added to the headstone’s final cost.
Headstones are also highly susceptible to damage. Because of this, it is important to take the time to protect your memorial. Regular cleaning and polishing are necessary. In addition, your headstone will need to be restored from time to time. Depending on the condition of the stone, this may require professional restoration.
