Granite headstones are arguably the most durable, and a glance at one in a graveyard will make you believe they last forever. However, if you walk deeper into a cemetery, you will see just how much damage time, weather, and other elements can inflict on granite monuments. Hairline cracks are a particularly common issue with granite monuments. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to repair hairline cracks on granite headstones.
Inspect an Entire Headstone
As mentioned earlier, granite headstones are strong and can last generations with proper care. Therefore, when you see hairline cracks on a loved one's granite headstone stone, you should approach it with care. Notably, hairline cracks might seem harmless, but you do not know what lurks behind the ultra-thin gap on the surface. For instance, you might be tempted to lean on a monument to test its stability only to end up breaking the whole thing. Therefore, refrain from putting weight on a granite monument as you inspect it. Besides, examine every inch so that you are sure about the position of every crack. It is critical because hairline cracks at the base can easily weaken it compared to fissures at the top.
Clean the Cracks
When you look at a hairline crack at arm's length, all you see is a clean line. However, a closer look might reveal small granite pieces hanging loosely on the edges of cracks. If you do not remove the loose granite pieces from the hairline crack, your repair efforts will be futile. The reason is that the small stone pieces will eventually fall, exposing repaired cracks to the elements. Therefore, it is advisable first to clean a crack's entire length using a clean brush with relatively soft bristles. The soft bristles are essential since they eliminate any loose pieces of stone without causing further damage. Most importantly, clean every hairline crack before you seal it.
Using Outdoor Epoxy
Epoxy is brilliant for sealing cracks on any solid material. However, there are different types of epoxies; hence, you must choose epoxy suited for outdoor use. If you select epoxy used to seal cracks on indoor walls, the seal will not last. Notably, mix epoxy thoroughly according to a manufacturer's guidelines. Remember, mixing allows the epoxy to heat up, promoting the curing and bonding process inside hairline cracks. You can use a syringe to get as much epoxy as possible into the gaps. Once done, clean any excess epoxy from a monument's surface to retain a smooth finish.
Contact a local grave monument supplier to get more tips.
Share28 June 2021
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