The Approach
We find the cause before we suggest a fix
Most monument problems start underground. Freeze-thaw cycles, soil movement, and the original installation are the usual culprits. We work out which is at play before recommending anything, so you're not paying for more than the situation calls for.
Assessment first
Send us a photo and a brief description and we can usually tell you what you're dealing with. For stones we can't fully read from a picture, we come on-site. No commitment required to have that conversation.
Honest scoping
We'll tell you plainly what's repairable, what isn't, and what each option costs. Some breaks bond well; others are too far gone to save honestly. When there are multiple paths, including temporary stabilization, we walk you through what each one actually buys you.
What We Repair
What we repair
Most repair calls we receive are on monuments we didn't originally set, and that's fine. We work on stones from any source. The right type of work depends on the stone, the damage, and what the family wants to invest in. Below are the four most common repairs we do.
Releveling
Releveling and tablet straightening are used when a stone has shifted, settled, or leaned but remains otherwise sound. The goal is to bring it back into proper position without more intervention than the situation calls for.
Resetting
When pieces of a monument have separated, typically a die that's come loose from its base, resetting puts them back together. We clean the joint, re-bond the pieces, and address the bedding underneath if needed, so the monument stands stable and aligned again.
Foundation replacement
When the foundation has failed or never existed, we replace it. The new one is set to proper depth and width for the lot, with attention to frost line and soil conditions. The most thorough option, and the right call when the family is investing in the longest-term result.
Broken monument repairs
Breaks are when the stone itself has fractured: a snapped tablet, a cracked slab, a piece that's split. These can often be reassembled and bonded with structural epoxy designed for stone. Older marble and slate are the most common candidates. Granite breaks are also fixable depending on the fracture.
Before & After
Repair FAQs
Repair FAQs
Common questions about monument repair, resetting, and restoration.
How do I know if a monument needs attention?
Visible leaning is the most obvious sign, but even a slight tilt usually means the foundation has moved or settled. Cracks at the base, separation between the die and base, or a monument that rocks when touched are all signs it should be looked at. When in doubt, send us a photo. We can usually tell from a picture whether it needs work.
Can a broken stone be repaired?
Often, yes. Broken marble and slate slabs — older stones cracked by frost, settling, or impact — are the most common break repairs we do. These typically bond well with structural epoxy and can be reset properly. Granite breaks are also repairable depending on the fracture. Shattered or extensively deteriorated stone is harder to restore. We'll assess it and give you an honest answer before committing.
Why do monuments lean or sink?
The ground moves. Frost heave, soil settling, and original installation issues are the most common causes in Vermont. Even a well-set stone can shift over decades. Foundation problems — too shallow, out of square, or filled with loose rock rather than properly poured — accelerate the issue. These are conditions we look for when assessing a stone, especially on older installations.
How long does repair work take?
A straightforward reset can often be completed in a single visit. Foundation work or structural repairs may require more time depending on the scope and ground conditions. We'll give you a realistic timeline when we scope the project.
Can you repair monuments you didn't originally set?
Yes. We work on monuments from any source, regardless of who made or installed them originally.
Wondering if a stone needs attention?
Send us a photo or give us a call. We'll tell you what we see and what the options are, at your pace.