Installation How-To
At Emerson Monument Company we have an outstanding installation team. These guys work long, hard hours while paying attention to each and every detail.
While some cemeteries have rules requiring otherwise, most of our memorials are installed on what we call a “dry pour” foundation.
When the crew locates the plot(s), they find the plot boundaries and then find the center. If they are installing a monument on one plot, they would find the center of that one single plot. Conversely, if they are installing a monument on two plots, they would find center of the two side by side plots.
Once they locate the center, they measure out the base (bottom part of the monument) and make marks on the ground to indicate the parameters of the base. The center of the base should line up on the center of the plot(s).
They then dig their foundation. While the depth of the foundation will vary depending upon the ground conditions, it is typically around 4″ – 6″. Once their footing has been dug they level the material and install the base on top of that.
After they level the base, they add the tablet and adhesive. It sounds simple, but it’s a lot of work!
How do you Know Where to Install the Stone?
When we sit down to work with a family, we show them an aerial photo of the cemetery and ask them to point to the plot. We then make note of the approximate location. We also make note of any identifying information at the cemetery such as the name of the person in the neighboring plot, whether or not there is a temporary marker and so forth. This is all information you will need to gather from the family and provide to us.
Prior to installation we contact the cemetery caretaker and ask them to mark the plot(s) for us. We also ask them for rough directions to the plot if the family was uncertain of the approximate location.
When the crew arrives at the cemetery they use the map, identifying information and caretaker markings to identify where the memorial should be placed.
After the stone has been installed the crew will take photos of the monument from several different angles showing it has been installed properly and in line with the row. We store these photos in Stone Spot and they are accessible to you.
Installation Warranties
We guarantee the newly installed memorial against leaning or sink for a period of 12 months after installation. Should a memorial sink or lean during that initial 12 month period, we will correct it at no charge.
However, if a memorial sinks or leans after the twelve month period expires, we will require a minimal service charge fee to correct it.
What About Concrete Pads?
Some cemeteries require that every stone have a preformed concrete pad underneath it. The theory behind this practice is that the pad will keep the monument from leaning. While we do comply with the rules and regulations, we do respectfully disagree with the theory.
The ground is constantly shifting and settling, especially in a cemetery where it is being dug. A concrete pad will shift just like a granite base will. Additionally, concrete is a material that will crack and crumble over time, thus placing the stone at risk of further instability decades down the road.
However, should a family be required to have (or just want to have) a pre-formed concrete pad, we will certainly sell them one. Typically a pad will be a full 12″ longer than the base of the memorial. For example, if a base is 5′ long then the pad would be 6′ long. Pricing for pads may be found in the price book.
The Most Commonly Asked Question of ALL Time:
Question
The most commonly asked question is: when is my monument going to be installed?
While we would love to give everyone an exact installation date and time, it is simply impossible for us to do so.
So how do we answer their question?
Answer
You will recall from this tutorial, that we are unable to make the monument until the artwork has been approved.
We remind them of the turnaround time and that the timeline begins when they approve their design.
If needed, you may pull up the approval date in Stone Spot to more thoroughly answer their question.
“I see here you approved the artwork on May 6, and today is May 20. The turn around time is xx months, so we still have a little way to go.”