"If so the water absorbed into the stone will go no further up then the
break, so there would be no damage from that point up, such as water being
trapped inside the stone freezing causing damage to the stone."
Unfortunately, it is a horizontal stone with the family name identifying a
family plot. The break in the stone was approximately in the middle so
there is no area "above" the break. I guess this is an example of the need
to educate folks. I'm thinking this might make a good topic for our annual
Memorial Day gathering. Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll just have to
let nature do its thing.
MaryAlice
----- Original Message -----
From: <Jb502000(a)aol.com>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2002 11:00 AM
Subject: [INPCRP] Re: Cemetery Restoration, Waterproofing
In a message dated 1/19/02 7:44:51 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
maryalicepa(a)earthlink.net writes:
> I had a limestone marker repaired and cleaned a few years ago
> in Dubois County by a monument supplier. I asked them if there was any
way
> to keep it in good shape longer, and they told me to put
something like
> Thompsons on it, which I have been doing for the last 3 years. Being
new to
> preservation, I'm beginning to pick up that you
shouldn't put
waterproofing
> on a limestone marker. If that, indeed, is the case, what
should I do
now
> that I have already been doing it? Appreciate any advice.
Thanks.
>
> MaryAlice Parks
> (on the board of Shiloh Cem. Assoc. in Ireland)
>
Mary Alice, I am sending your answer through the list for
possible general discussion. it appears to be a poin of dissagreement.
Was
the repair a break such as a section broken completely off and then
re
attached with some type of Epoxy? If so the water absorbed into the stone
will go no further up then the break, so there would be no damage from
that
point up, such as water being trapped inside the stone freezing
causing
damage to the stone. Technically all of the area below the break can
absorb
the water up into the stone inside of the waterproof shell you have
created,
and can, possibly sooner or later cause damage. Water is drawn toward
the
sun
and should therefore be very carefully restricted.
There is no known way to remove Thompsons, because it has penetrated
the
stone and there is no way to draw it out. Luckily there is not as
much
water
absorbed up through the base into the stone as many people believe.
Generally
the most damaging water would enter through the upper part of a stone
with
no
waterproofing on it. As far as what you have already applied in the
areas
where it cant allow the water to escape, it's to late to worry now. I
certainly don't approve of waterproofing the entire undamaged stone. At
least
leave the sides, top and back for water to dissipate. Water trapped
and
Freezing and thawing on the inside can weaken the stone so that any weak
points would separate. As far as what you are doing I would not waterproof
below the repair no matter how high up on the stone it is except for the
face. As far as what is on the stone now, all petroleum distillates, which
is
what Thompsons is, will eventually be drawn out by the sun over a
period
of 4
to 7 years to the point water inside will begin to dissipate
normally.
Hopefully not much has been absorbed up through the base, and no
appreciable
damage will occur. Those that suggest materials such as Thompsons
Waterseal
should be knowledgeable enough to warn you about the possibilities of
damage
if not done with care.
I have a friend here in Floyd County in the monument business that
wont recommend hardly anything at all, because after he gives people any
information about how to work on stones, they go out and ignore his
instructions, and as he says that is not his type of work. He sells new
ones.. PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE and follow any instructions you are given
to
the letter. Also a Monument maker is not helping you by telling you
to
cover
the entire stone with waterproofing if it is only cleaned, and not
Broken
and
repaired. There is a Possibility you could cover the front and leave
the
sides and back and top for water dispersal. the front would remain clean,
but
the rest may pick up discoloration due to the weather. This is not
Technical
advice, it is what I have found works for me. Others may no agree. If
not,
WHY. Let me hear of your experiences, and how they have turned out.
Exchange of, and disagreement on, information is good for us all, and I
welcome it.
Experience is the very best teacher there is.
Jack E. Briles Sr.
jb502000(a)aol.com
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