Comparing Epoxy Floor Materials for an Orlando Workshop

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.

Epoxy Color Flake Samples

Epoxy Color Flake Samples

If you have a workshop in Orlando, you know how messy the floor gets throughout the day. Whether you work on cars, bicycles, electronics, or something entirely different, you need a flooring system that can withstand use and abuse. The best solution is epoxy floor material for your Orlando workshop.

Because there is more than one type of epoxy, take time to understand them so that you make the right choice for your specific needs.

  • Self-Dispersing – Depending on the level of foot and vehicle traffic, this epoxy floor material for your Orlando workshop might work great. Because of its incredible mechanical strength, most people use it in areas where employees operate picking machines and forklifts. Also, if you deal with liquids in your workshop, you can select self-dispersing epoxy with quartz sand added. In addition to increasing resistance to spills, this flooring solution has an anti-slip surface.
  • Self-Leveling – This is another option for epoxy floor material for your Orlando workshop. You can have this material applied over newly installed concrete or an existing surface. Either way, it levels itself as the name implies, creating a smooth and seamless surface.

    Epoxy Quartz Floor Material

    Epoxy Quartz Floor Material

  • Mortar Epoxy – For a flooring system with incredible strength, this is the best solution. Not only is it ideal for busy work environments, but if the floor’s surface has mild to moderate cracks, this epoxy material repairs them.
  • Color Flake Epoxy – In this case, single or multicolored chips or flakes enhance the appearance of the floor. Based on the look you want, you can have a small amount dispersed or an expert can broadcast a denser quantity of flakes giving the floor a layer of protection as well as a designer finish.
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