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Q: What is cast glass?

A: Cast glass is the process of melting glass into forms to create new shapes and colors.  Using a specialized glass kiln (much like an oven), glass is heated to 1500 degrees or higher to melt it into one solid form.  Crafts people have been using the process of cast glass to form utility items such as glasses, sculpture and tiles for thousands of years, though casting heavy slabs of glass has only been possible in the past century.


Q: Isn’t glass too fragile for a monument?

A: The public perception of glass is typically associated with very thin layers of glass, such as in windows, eyewear and drinking glasses.  If you were to slice a thin layer of granite from a slab and throw a rock at it, the stone would break much like glass does.  Adversely, if you cast a slab of glass, it behaves very similarly to granite.  Did you know that granite is called a super saturated silica stone, often containing up to 85% silica?  Cast glass is an excellent material for exterior architectural components, and though it looks quite different from granite, it is stronger than many quarried stones.


Q: Isn’t glass a liquid and will it change shape over time?

A: This is one of the greatest misunderstandings about glass.  Glass is not a liquid and it does not change shape over time.  Glasses are amorphous solids.  If you would like to read more about the scientific properties of glass, or locate reference material to reinforce this statement, Detailed technical and scientific specifications regarding the nature and strength of glass are available upon request.

Q: Do Lundgren Monuments require special maintenance or upkeep?

A: Lundgren Monuments require no special maintenance.  In the event of moss or algae build up, a soft brush and soapy water is recommended.  Since cast glass memorials are translucent, they are actually much less likely to acquire organic deposits than stone.


Q: Will my memorial park allow a glass monument?

A: Every memorial park and cemetery set their own rules and regulations, and while there are no strong reasons for denying a glass memorial, the chances are no one has ever asked.  It is important to contact your funeral director or cemetery manager to inquire about their particular rules and have approval prior to placing your order. For more info: Cemetery Rules, Regulations and the Cast Glass Memorial


Q: When is the proper time to order my Lundgren Monument?

A: There is a growing trend in pre-need arrangements.  Many people do not want to burden their family and loved ones with the stressful tasks of memorial services and selections.  Others like to make early arrangements so as to have a voice in the direction, style and look of their memorial.  Ultimately every person is different and must chose for themselves when the time is right.  Storage services are available upon request.


Q: How long does it take to receive a Lundgren Monument from date of order?

A:  Our lead-time is 12 weeks from date of order, for any monument in our line.  Custom shapes, sizes and colors require additional time and lead times will be established based upon complexity.


Q: What if I am looking for something more decorative, or in a different color?

A: Lundgren Monuments will design and create a custom memorial based upon your particular request and direction.  While custom designs are substantially more expensive, there is no end to the complexity or form of a custom monument. 


Q:  Can I visit your studio and see how they are made?

A:  Yes, we welcome your interest and would be happy to give you a studio tour.  While our studio is not open to the public, tours may be arranged with advanced notice.


Q: I love the glass but can I order one without a metal base?

A: Yes you can order a memorial without a metal base. The metal cuff is designed to secure the memorial to the foundation, mainly as a preventative measure against shifting or vandalism. If you prefer the glass without a metal sleeve, the glass can be seated directly into a stone foundation or footing. We do recommend that the memorial has four inches of purchase into the base, be it metal or stone and we would be happy to discuss the variety of configurations available. See custom projects for an example of this installation.


Q: I live in an area where it gets extremely cold in the winter, and/or very hot in the summer. Is glass going to break in extreme temperatures?

A: Cast glass will behave just like any other type of architectural glass. This means that it is designed to withstand extremes in natural climates. If your car headlights don’t shatter in the winter and the windows of your home don’t melt in the summer, everything will wear just fine. We live in a world surrounded by glass and cast glass memorials abide by the same conditions as street lights, windshields, sky scrappers and soda bottles.


Q: What do I do if I want to engrave in a glass memorial at some future date, or have someone locally work with your memorials?

A: Cast glass and granite utilize the same tools to cut, polish and engrave. Any person familiar with stone cutting and engraving would use the same tools and techniques. Although they appear very different, they are handled and cold-worked using the same processes.


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