Choosing the Right Decorative Concrete Overlay Products in Orlando

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.

Concrete overlays are used throughout the Orlando area for driveways, patios, walkways, and other concrete surfaces. When the right concrete overlay products are used, the surface looks great and provides years of outstanding service. However, if the wrong products are chosen, you will face an array of problems within a very short amount of time.

Top-of-the-Line Company

To find the best concrete products in Orlando, you need to start by working with the best company. For superior products and service, Select Surface Solutions ranks high. We offer superior concrete and concrete products that you can count on 100% of the time.

Whether your client is interested in decorative concrete overlays, patch and repair, stains and colorants, polished concrete, or stamped concrete, Select Surface Solutions offers all the concrete products in Orlando that you will ever need for both installation and repair. Below are four examples of some of our most popular overlay products.

High-Quality Products

  • SureSpray – For resurfacing an old, worn-out, or damaged concrete surface, this thin, zero-VOC, self-bonding, single-component product is perfect. SureSpray applies quickly and easily with a squeegee, trowel, or hopper gun.

 

  • SureTex – For both interior and exterior use, this thin overlay is formulated to create a slip-resistant texture for areas that collect standing water and get high traffic.
  • SureStamp – You might also consider this product, which is a concrete overlay that can be stamped, making it the ideal solution for resurfacing interior and exterior concrete areas. Among concrete products used in Orlando to create textures that resemble brick, cobblestone, tile, slate, and others, this is an incredible choice.
  • SureBroom – With this commercial-grade overlay, interior and exterior concrete surfaces are leveled and retextured. Once finished, the surface of the concrete has a unique broomed-like texture, which is simply stunning.
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