A headstone can weigh anywhere from 80 to over 300 kilograms. Ensuring it is correctly installed on a sound foundation is not just a matter of longevity — it is a matter of safety. Poorly installed headstones are one of the leading causes of accidental injury in UK cemeteries, and BRAMM regulations exist precisely to address this risk.
What Are Base Works?
Base works refers to the preparation of the foundation on which a headstone is installed. This typically involves excavating to an appropriate depth, forming a concrete base of sufficient size and thickness to support the weight of the stone, and allowing the concrete to cure fully before the headstone is positioned and fixed using appropriate mechanical fixings.
BRAMM Standards for Installation
- All headstones above a certain weight require a concrete foundation
- Mechanical fixings must be used in addition to, not instead of, appropriate adhesives
- The site must be inspected before installation to assess ground conditions
- All installations are carried out to the BRAMM code of practice
- A record of the installation is kept for safety and compliance
What Happens if a Headstone Leans?
If an existing headstone has begun to lean, it is typically a sign that the foundation has subsided, failed, or was never adequate. A leaning headstone is a safety risk and should be assessed by a BRAMM-registered mason as soon as possible. We offer a headstone re-fixing and stabilisation service that assesses the existing foundation and re-levels and secures the stone appropriately.
"The most beautiful headstone in the world is worthless if it falls. Get the foundations right and the memorial will stand for generations."