AIC's 45th Annual Meeting

Hard water staining on granite is a matter that affects many outdoor and indoor monuments. This is exceptionally worrisome for memorialists, monument builders, cemetery staff, and families. The severe delimitation of granite headstones in the Western United States, particularly in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada is a topic of concern. The stones in these geographic regions are weathered, stained, cracked, and covered in mineral deposits and scaling; some granite headstones exhibit delimitation after only four years. The scaling and delamination from hard water exposure has weakened the granite structurally and is cosmetically; the stones have become visually detracting and unstable, potentially posing a safety hazard for visitors. This paper aims to provide the reader with the knowledge required to make an informed decision when faced with an issue of hard water staining on granite. This study investigates both chemical and mechanical treatment of the stones as well as preventative maintenance practices to consider. All of the treatments tested are commercially available and have been evaluated based solely on their performance results. Projects Aims: The main objection of this project is to inform people of the issue: hard water staining on granite, particularly in the Western region of the United States. We aim to discern what is causing the staining and delamination of the granite through scientific testing and replication of the scaling on monitored samples and controls. And, we aim to test treatment and cleaning options, both mechanical and chemical. Once the data has been analyzed we want to inform the public about the most effective procedure for removal.