Durham City

Durham is about eight miles from our Craghead unit. We carry out shot blasting in Durham for homeowners, landlords, builders and project managers, from the city centre to Framwellgate Moor, Gilesgate, Belmont and Brandon.

The city is famous for its sandstone. The Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site sits at its heart, surrounded by Georgian and Victorian streets. That heritage is exactly why the right method matters.

Shot blasting in Durham for sandstone

Sandstone is relatively soft. Blast it too hard and you remove the weathered face that protects it, leaving the stone to erode faster. We use fine abrasives at low pressure and work gradually, lifting soot and grime while keeping the surface intact.

Not every stone wall should be blasted, and we’ll say so if another method suits your building better. Many of our customers tell us that honest advice is why they come back.

Weathered sandstone house before shot blasting in Durham-style stone cleaning
Sandstone gable end after gentle cleaning

Listed buildings and conservation areas

Much of central Durham is a conservation area, and many buildings are listed. Cleaning a listed building can need listed building consent, so check with Durham County Council’s planning team before booking. We have worked on Grade I and II listed buildings and can provide method details for your application.

Beams, fireplaces and period features

Inside older Durham properties we blast exposed beams, roof trusses, stone fireplaces and cast iron surrounds. Dust is contained with sheeting and the room is cleaned down afterwards. One building project manager told us Martin “always gives great advice about what cleaning treatment to use”.

Landlords and student lets

With so many rented homes in the city, landlords use us between tenancies to strip painted brickwork, clean yards and refresh gates and railings. Shot blasting in Durham can be booked around changeover dates to keep void periods short.

For more on how we treat stone, see our sandblasting page. For businesses, see commercial cleaning.

Oak roof trusses after blast cleaning
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do I need permission to clean a listed building in Durham?

Cleaning a listed building can require listed building consent. Check with Durham County Council before work starts. We can supply details of our proposed method to support your application.

Will blasting damage Durham sandstone?

Not with the right method. We use fine abrasives at low pressure and test first. If blasting is not suitable for your stone, we will tell you.

Can you work in Durham’s narrow city streets?

Yes. Our mobile units are van-based and compact. We will plan parking and access with you before the day.

Do you work for landlords in Durham?

Yes. We regularly clean brickwork, yards, gates and railings for landlords, and we can schedule around tenancy changeovers.

How much does shot blasting in Durham cost?

Prices depend on the size, surface and access. We offer free, no-obligation quotes, often from photos.

Tracked drilling rig after blasting and painting by MD Shotblasting

Restoring a property in Durham?

Talk to us about the gentlest way to clean your stone, brick or timber. Free quotes.

Get a free quoteCall 01207 234840