Mid Kent Memorials |
| opening hours: mon-fri: 0900-1700. sat: 0900 - 1300 |
| tel: 01795 436178 |
| fax: 01795 470803 |
Grave Restoration & Renovation
Many things affect a memorial overtime, the natural degeneration to the surface or underlying structure of the stone due to normal physical weathering, atmospheric effects, sub florescence, crypto florescence or effervescence of salts from within the material, incorrect previous cleaning methods or improper use of abrasives by unskilled operatives, tree root or animal penetration to the foundation, there are even some stones which given time slowly eat each other away if knowledge of this fact was unknown by its original manufacturer. Periods of intense sunlight during summer and severe cold in the winter combine with algae, moss and lichen growth to hasten the decay of a memorial as well as obscuring any inscription or carving detail.
The approach adopted by Mid Kent Memorials is one which stresses that any stone-cleaning, renovation or restoration undertaken should cause no or as little damage as possible to the fabric of the monument to ensure that the appearance of the stone remains close to original as possible.
Stone Cleaning
This not only brings about dramatic improvements in the way a memorial appears but also stimulates pride and interest in the finished result. Whilst the visual improvements of stone-cleaning should not be underestimated, neither should the dangers.
Unfortunately, over the past thirty years we have often come across evidence of irreversible damage caused by unskilled workers using unacceptable techniques, undue haste and improper chemicals in a bid to clean algae and staining from monuments.
Much of the damage caused has been without sufficient thought to the irreparable mutilation that may result. It is therefore important that any cleaning of the natural stone is carried out by competent practitioners with a comprehensive knowledge of the process and methods involved.
Before any cleaning is carried out by us, a detailed assessment is made as to the general state of the stone with particular note of decay, soiling level, discolouration, surface roughness and the presence of any biological growths. This enables us to accurately judge the correct cleaning method for the material involved and ensures that our strict criteria for preservation as well as restoration are adopted.
Re-Lettering
Occasionally it may be necessary to re-carve the inscription or any ornamentation on the memorial to improve legibility of the wording and clarity of the original artwork of stone. This must also be completed with sympathetic understanding of the material, a comprehensive knowledge of the memorial and a thorough assessment of the level of decay present.
Only then can the skilled craft of our sculptor be engaged to return lost wording or carving to be deteriorated stone.
Refurbishment
The correction of any foundations is imperative to the stability of a memorial and its structure.
This applies to the refitting of a monument when dismantled for renovation or any rectification necessary due to subsidence.
Incorrect methods and fittings could result in additional damage to the memorial; this could lead to further distress and expense at a later date.
Reinstatement
To assure the correct re-assembly of a memorial, all pieces are laid out in their relative positions before finally being joined together. This certifies that all parts are placed accurately and any new components made are both colour matched and precise in their relation to the existing pieces.
At Mid Kent Memorials we recognize that the careful handling and checking of all stonework prior to reassembly are central to the finished appearance of the memorial and ultimately this leads to both your and our satisfaction of the end results.