Concrete Repair for Orlando Floors is Essential Before Applying a Coating

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.

Before applying any type of resinous flooring, it’s important that the existing concrete repair be done. If it isn’t, the damage to the existing concrete will reflect through the new finish, for an effect that is undesirable to say the least.

The first step is to determine what caused the damage, and assess how bad it is. Damage can be due to impact, abrasion, wear, or exposure to chemicals. It can also be the result of problems with the original installation – voids, honeycombing, or unsuitable aggregates. Once the assessment has been made, the bad concrete has to be broken out to expose the voids or honeycombing. Then, cracks and damaged joints need to be treated in order to ensure that there won’t be any further cracking, or contamination below the coating.

Cracks filled

Cracks filled

How the repairs will be done will depend on several factors, including:

  • The purpose of the new floor
  • The type of floor that will be installed
  • Environmental conditions
  • Time available

If time isn’t a huge factor, concrete repair for Orlando floors can be done with cement based patch. It’s important to ensure that there’s enough time for the cement to cure before installing the new resin floor – usually seven days at least. Quick-hardening cement could be used if seven days curing time isn’t practical, but the results may not be as good. Epoxy resin mortars can cut the time down even more – the job can be completed in a day, but it will drive the cost up considerably depending on the amount of repair required.

Contractors doing concrete repair in Orlando should treat any cracks that might incur future movement as they would joints, cutting them square and bringing them through the floor finish, and finally sealing with floor joint sealant. Non-moving cracks can be sealed prior to applying the resin. Methods and materials will depend on the size of the crack, but most likely it will be necessary to open the cracks surface in order to remove loose materials. Then, a fine epoxy mortar can be used to inject in or surface-seal the cracks.

The importance of repairing the original concrete properly before installing the new resin flooring system can’t be overstated. Any damage or defects that are left untreated are inevitably going to result in a poor final finish, so take the time to correct any problems in the original floor. As we’ve stated, there are ways to shorten the time needed for repairs (although also increasing the expense), but they must be done.

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