Sandblasting?

nicola_j69

I've read another thread on here regarding sandblasting which states it is very bad for the bricks. Does this also apply to stone? My stonework is quite black and the paint around the window and door sills is in a bad state. I was planning on having it sandblasted and repointed at the same time while the scaffolding is up(some houses on my street have been done and it looks good) but some of the replies on the other thread have worried me a bit as I don't want to damage the stonework unduly.
Also how much should I be looking to pay for the job?I live in a mid-terraced house on the Lancashire/North Yorkshire boarder.
Please help!

Paparika

Blasting is awful for bricks because it damages the outer layer that was 'glazed' in the kiln - this doesn't affect stone because it's not man-made

ormus

someone should tell the local councils then.
they have spent millions, sandblasting thousands of houses in the NW due to regeneration projects/works. both red brick and stone.

owls

no its not bad for stone, even for weak stone such as sand stone
it is very effective though at removing dirt/soot and thick layers of paint seen it done first hand on projects ive worked on. the only thing is the mess that is produced but if it is outside, the surrounding areas can be sealed and prepared as such.