Indian sandstone patio - Using hydrochloric acid based cleraner

[Thor]

Just had someone lay a patio with indian sandstone. We think the quality of work ie jointing is shoddy. Cracks appeared after 2 days. they came to repair and used a high potency brick and patio cleaner (hydrochloric acid base) to get rid of mortar stains. The cleaner ate into the not yet cured mortar causing further cracks (by the company's own admission). End results is a messy amateur look and the slabs appear dull and no longer new (only 5 days old). I would like to know if the cleaning solution can etch the sandstone and dull and speckle the colouring and what can be done to get things looking as new.

many thanks

[Carberry]

Post some pictures of it by uploading to a site like image shack or photobucket or something first and posting link here.

The cracks may have appeared for a few reasons, could be the slabs are moving, could be the mix was too dry or dried out too quickly etc

Won't etch the surface of sandstone with acid, that happens when the acid reacts with an alkali stone like limestone. You can however stain the stone. The contractor should have tested the acid on an offcut or a small inconspicuos corner or something before applying it to your paving.

See here regarding acid

[haggistini]

sounds a right mess! you can email me pics and ill post them for you

[London Stone Paving]

Thor

Sounds like they have made a right mess of it. Have you paid the bill yet?

[Thor]

Thanks for your responses. The company agreed that the result is a real mess and have offered to do the whole job again with new slabs as they are keen to have satisfied customers.
The company acknowledged that the acid base cleaner had damaged the cement and probably affected the colouring and staining of the stone. Hopefully a happy ending in a little over a week from now.

[r896neo]

Good on them.

[London Stone Paving]

Cant argue with that. Great customer service