Durability of glass headstones

In this article, we address the most commonly asked questions regarding the durability of glass headstones. It's important to note that our discussion pertains solely to focusing on our Glasstone stacked, a.k.a. layered glass headstones and excludes cast glass headstones or grave monuments featuring stained glass, as the production processes for these differ significantly.

As we highlight the durability and longevity of our grave monuments, we draw upon our proprietary technologies and expertise. We refrain from making any assertions about the durability of stacked glass headstones from other manufacturers, as we do not know their work process, quality of materials or knowledge in the field. Our focus remains on the quality and endurance of our own product.

Are Glasstone glass headstones durable?

We are pioneers of stacked, also known as layered, glass headstones worldwide. Since 2009, we have dedicated over a decade to researching and perfecting the technical aspects of durability and longevity for our headstones. In July 2011, we proudly installed our first glass grave monument, VITINI, in the historic "First Forest Cemetery" in Latvia. Each Glasstone glass grave monument is meticulously handcrafted by our skilled artisans and masters, reflecting our unwavering commitment to durability and lasting effulgence.

Over the years, our methods for handcrafting stacked glass grave monuments have continuously evolved to ensure long-lasting durability. So much so, that we confidently offer a Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty. Our confidence stems from formal testing, further explained below, and practical experience with Glasstone stacked glass headstones installed in over 20 countries spanning some of the world's coldest and hottest cemeteries. Discover more about why our glass grave monuments are highly weather-resistant and impact-resistant.

How do you ensure the durability and quality of Glasstone stacked glass grave monuments?

Glasstone Glass Headstone Studio processes are strictly monitored, prioritising the quality and longevity of each glass grave monument. In the creation of your bespoke glass headstone, we use only the highest quality, certified glass and adhesives that we have examined, tested and mastered over many years.

The creation of a stacked glass headstone involves meticulous processing of each glass piece through at least seven different stages, with stringent monitoring at every step. As a result, even the crafting of a small gravestone demands several hundred working hours. To ensure the acquisition of the requisite expertise for crafting the highest-quality stacked glass headstones, each new craftsman must apprentice for a minimum of 1.5 years in our Glasstone studio.

Through years of exhaustive research into the possibilities of the glass stacking technique, we have pioneered more complex variations in shapes, sizes, and uses of float glass, resulting in the creation of premium headstones from stacked, also known as layered, glass. This distinction has positioned us as global leaders in the production of stacked glass grave monuments, with the unique offering of a Craftsmanship Warranty akin to that provided by top-tier granite monument builders.

Do you use tempered glass in the creation of Glasstone glass headstones?

No, we do not use tempered glass in the creation of Glasstone stacked glass headstones. The tempering process significantly alters the surface of float glass, introducing numerous small irregularities. These imperfections prevent the sheets from stacking smoothly, leading to potential issues in the quality and durability of the final product. Therefore, we advise caution if tempered glass is suggested for use in stacked glass headstones.

What materials do you use in creating Glasstone stacked glass headstones to ensure durability?

In crafting Glasstone stacked glass headstones, we exclusively utilise certified, premium-quality glass and adhesives to guarantee lasting durability. Our selection includes four types of newly manufactured, premium-quality untreated float glass: Clear Float Glass, Dark Selective Float Glass, Light Selective Float Glass, and Crystal Clear Float Glass, available in thicknesses of 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm. The use of top-quality float glass ensures an impeccably straight surface, which is crucial for our stacking technique and the structural integrity of the glass headstones. Imperfections in glass sheets can lead to damage and compromise the quality of the finished grave monument.

For adhesion, we rely only on the highest-grade glass adhesives, selecting products through rigorous testing rather than solely depending on their Technical Data Sheets (TDS). Relying only on adhesives' TDS has proven to be unreliable in the past. Additionally, we continually test and refine our adhesive application techniques. The adhesive application technique has proven to be just as important as the quality of the glue itself in ensuring a perfect bond strength and longevity of our headstones.

To further ensure the durability and ease of installation of our glass grave monuments, we incorporate supplementary safety elements where necessary. These include stainless steel rods, frames, and granite reinforcements, all chosen to fortify the structure and maintain the aesthetic integrity of our glass headstone designs.

Can Glasstone glass headstones survive different climatic conditions?

Yes, Glasstone glass headstones are designed to withstand diverse climatic conditions, thanks to our proprietary methods of sheet glass stacking. This technique not only enhances the durability of our headstones and sculptural grave monuments but also highlights the inherent qualities of glass—its purity, effulgence, and permanency. We have an extensive portfolio demonstrating the resilience of Glasstone headstones in different environments, from the freezing winters of the Nordic regions to the scorching summers of the Mediterranean. Since 2011, our grave memorials have been successfully installed and maintained in over 20 countries worldwide, showcasing their ability to endure varying circumstances while maintaining their aesthetic integrity across various global climates.

How do Glasstone glass headstones compare in durability to conventional materials like granite?

We are often asked if granite headstones are more durable and long-lasting than their stacked glass alternatives. Granite is traditionally favoured for headstones due to its robustness—it's the toughest natural stone, which makes it a popular choice for longevity and durability. However, Glasstone glass headstones are designed to match this durability. While granite and glass share a high silica content of ~80%, contributing to their strength, stacked glass headstones are often perceived as less durable due to the fragility of glass in its sheet form.

Our advanced glass stacking technique, however, transforms the structural integrity of glass, making it as durable as granite. Our extensive pressure testing, conducted in collaboration with physicists, confirms that our stacked glass achieves an average compressive strength of 227 megapascals (MPa), aligning closely with the average granite's strength (200-240 MPa). It’s important to highlight that the durability of Glasstone headstones is attained due to the use of specific production materials and highly advanced bonding techniques. The results are only specific to our company and our methods, and are not representative of other manufacturer's glass products. Therefore, through our meticulous construction methods, Glasstone glass headstones effectively meet the traditional expectations of "in light memory" while offering durability comparable to that of granite headstones.

Can flying rocks from lawnmowers damage Glasstone stacked glass headstones?

Many concerns regarding flying rocks from lawnmowers originate from the United States, where cemeteries commonly feature manicured grass landscapes. We can confidently assure you that small flying rocks, such as those displaced by lawnmowers, will not significantly impact your Glasstone glass headstone. Our testing with small-sized stones—simulating the typical debris thrown by lawnmowers—has shown no noticeable effect on our stacked glass headstones. This resilience is due to the strength of our stacked glass structure and partly the textured surfaces of our monuments, which help mask minor abrasions or chips as just another element of the texture.

However, in the event that a larger rock impacts the headstone, akin to the damage it might also cause to granite, any indentations can be polished out easily without compromising the visual integrity of the glass monument. Such damage tends to be more noticeable on granite due to its colour and texture contrast.

For added protection and aesthetic appeal, we recommend installing the monument on a base at least 10cm high. This elevation not only enhances the visual presentation of the glass headstone but also provides additional shielding from dirt and small stone impacts during grass mowing.

In years of experience, we have seen our grave monuments withstand a significant earthquake (Turkey, 2023) and a collision with a car in a cemetery—both occasions—without damage. This is due to our commitment to individual attention for each of our headstones, where we carefully select the crafting technique and integrate specific safety features according to the needs of the grave monument. These features, such as stainless steel rods, protective sides, and robust frames, are chosen to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of each Glasstone glass headstone. This personalised approach not only bolsters the durability of our monuments but also allows us to meet the unique preferences and requirements of our clients.