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2023 EXTERIOR Property Improvement Ideas | Orlando, Florida

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

As we settle further into 2023, property owners in Orlando, FL, continue to look for fresh ways to enhance their exteriors. Homeowners, property managers, or small business owners, making the right improvements will not only increase curb appeal but also add value to your property. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore some of the latest techniques and design ideas to help inspire you to take your property’s exterior to the next level in 2023.

SITUATION

Florida’s climate, with its high humidity and exposure to salt from various sources, can cause damage to concrete surfaces over time. The harsh elements can take a toll on everything from roofs and siding to paint and landscaping. Salt can penetrate concrete surfaces in several ways, including through gypsum and alkali sulfates in cement, mineralized groundwater beneath a structure, and rainwater carrying salt that evaporates from the sun. This can lead to corrosion and deterioration of concrete surfaces, posing a problem for property owners.

But with proper care and maintenance, property owners can help ensure that their exteriors remain in good condition for years.

PROBLEM

Concrete surfaces, such as driveways, patios, and sidewalks, are a common feature of many properties in Orlando, FL. However, these surfaces are exposed to harsh elements that can cause deterioration and discoloration. Some of the most common causes include:

  1. UV exposure: Florida’s sunny climate means that concrete surfaces are exposed to intense UV rays daily. Over time, this exposure can cause the surface to fade and become discolored.
  2. Moisture: Florida’s humid climate means that concrete surfaces are often exposed to moisture, which can seep into the surface and cause cracking and spalling (flaking).
  3. Salt: The corrosive effects of salt on concrete surfaces can lead to several issues, including cracking and spalling. Salt can react with the minerals in concrete, causing chemical reactions that weaken the material and accelerate its deterioration over time. This can be particularly problematic in coastal areas of Florida, where the saltwater spray can come into contact with concrete surfaces.
  4. Metals and minerals: Water that contains metals and minerals can also cause concrete surfaces to deteriorate and discolor over time. This is especially common in areas with hard water.

To combat these problems, property owners can take several steps to protect and maintain their concrete surfaces.

One option is to upgrade the surface with a protective coating, such as a sealant or paint. A sealant can help protect the surface from moisture and salt, while a stain can give the surface a fresh new look while protecting it from UV rays.

In addition to protective coatings, regular maintenance is also key to protecting concrete surfaces. This includes sweeping or power washing the surface to remove debris, filling in any cracks or spalling, and applying a fresh coat of sealant or paint every few years.

SOLUTION

Concrete surfaces in Orlando, FL, are exposed to harsh elements that can cause deterioration and discoloration over time. How can property owners solve this problem? They can consider upgrading their concrete surfaces with a commercial-grade acrylic sealer. Unlike other sealers, such as acrylic latex, enamel, and siliconized acrylics, the commercial-grade acrylic sealer is designed to provide superior protection and durability.

Commercial-grade acrylic sealer offers several key benefits, including:

  1. Superior protection: This type of sealer is specifically formulated to provide a high level of protection against UV rays, moisture, salt, metals, and minerals. This can help prevent the deterioration and discoloration that are common problems for concrete surfaces in Orlando, FL.
  2. Long-lasting: Commercial-grade acrylic sealer provides long-lasting protection, so property owners don’t need to reapply it as frequently as other sealers. This can save time and money in the long run.
  3. Enhanced appearance: Besides protecting the surface, commercial-grade acrylic sealer can enhance its appearance by adding a glossy or satin finish. This can give the surface a fresh look and help it stand out.

KEY ACTION

ColorTec Acrylic | 2023 Exterior Property Improvement Ideas

ColorTec Acrylic by SureCrete is a high-performance commercial-grade acrylic sealer that can help property owners in Orlando, FL protect and enhance their concrete surfaces. This product is specifically formulated to provide superior protection against harsh elements like UV rays, moisture, salt, metals, and minerals, as well as abrasion and chemical resistance. It is a versatile product used on various concrete surfaces, including driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, and more.

One of the key benefits of ColorTec Acrylic is its aesthetic appeal. It comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing property owners to customize the appearance of their concrete surfaces to fit their preferences. The product can also create decorative patterns or textures on the surface, giving it a unique and visually interesting look.

In addition to its visual appeal, ColorTec Acrylic is easy to apply. It dries quickly, making it a convenient choice for property owners who want to protect and enhance their concrete surfaces without disrupting their daily activities. It is a cost-effective solution that can help property owners save time and money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.

And apart from protecting and enhancing concrete surfaces, ColorTec Acrylic by SureCrete offers several other benefits for property owners in Orlando, FL. For example, it can help to reduce the surface temperature of concrete by reflecting sunlight, making it more comfortable to walk barefoot during hot summer months. The product can also reduce the amount of dust and debris that accumulates on the surface, making it easier to clean and maintain.

Another benefit of ColorTec Acrylic is its durability. The product is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, vehicular traffic, and other types of wear and tear, ensuring it will last many years. This can be especially beneficial for property owners who want to avoid the cost and inconvenience of frequent repairs or replacements.

To ensure that the product is applied correctly and effectively, property owners may want to consider hiring a professional contractor with experience in applying ColorTec Acrylic. Select Surface Solutions can provide recommendations for qualified contractors in the Orlando, FL, area who are experienced in applying the product, ensuring that property owners receive the best possible results.

By using ColorTec Acrylic by SureCrete, property owners in Orlando, FL, can improve the overall appearance and value of their properties while ensuring that their concrete surfaces are well-protected against harsh elements. The product is available through Select Surface Solutions.

Select Surface Solutions is the only store in the greater Orlando area with the “On Demand” tinting station by SureCrete. This allows them to tint commercial-grade acrylic sealer in over 228 colors while color-matching any manufacturer’s color palate. The tints used do not chalk, white, or fade like traditional paint. The pigments used in ColorTec Acrylic have been specifically designed for use on exterior concrete and withstand the UV and salt intrusion of the Florida climate. Experience the difference.

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