Grave Marker & Monument Cleaning & Repair Basics
1 Day – 8:00am to 2:30pm
While cemeteries are often considered to be perpetual, their most prominent feature, the grave markers, are not. Additionally, deferred maintenance usually accelerates the deterioration of gravestones and monuments which can result in safety hazards. Our preservation practices attempt to keep gravestones and monuments from deteriorating further; respect the significance of original materials and details; and stabilize, repair, and retain features wherever possible to ensure their safekeeping for future generations. To understand basic preservation and stabilization measures, participants will be introduced to the LimeWorks.us Graveyard Kit and practice working with a combination of the products. The lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises review the steps to prepare a natural field-mixed glue to repair small, broken stone elements; using Waterglass to consolidate friable masonry; and choosing the appropriate products and techniques to patch, repair, and clean sensitive stones effectively without causing damage. Students are also encouraged to document any work they perform in the field. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.
After completing the workshop participants will:
- Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
- Realize the importance of documentation and condition assessments.
- Be familiar with the conservation materials included in the LimeWorks.us Graveyard Kit.
- Know how to repair loose masonry joints and cracks.
- Recognize when to use Lithomex to patch broken or missing masonry details.
- Be able to work effectively with D/2 Biological Solution to clean discoloration and soiling caused by organic growth.
The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.
Special Group Options
Companies or organizations with 10 or more attendees may qualify for a training program at their cemetery or location. Call 215-536-1776 for details.
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C. Deanna –
Please thank everyone. All of the staff was extremely helpful with great attitudes and a sense of humor. Tell Chris, Jessica, Dave, and Abe I really appreciate all their help and instruction. I will certainly be attending more workshops in the future.
H. Mullin –
I loved the seminar. We will definitely be buying D/2 Biological Solution and are greatly inspired by what you are doing.
J. Klak –
I had a great experience at the workshop. The staff is phenomenal. Andy should be proud of the friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff the he has amassed. LimeWorks.us is etched in my brain as the place to go to for my cemetery needs and it is good to know who to talk to if I have any questions.