How to Find a Qualified Epoxy Installer

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.

Just about any concrete floor in Orlando can be made stronger by coating it with an epoxy. This coating system forms a virtually impenetrable seal that keeps water and other chemicals from slowly eating away at your concrete floor. Epoxy is also resistant to impact, extreme amounts of weight (think large vehicles and machines), excessive foot or tire traffic and even threats like fire. On top of all this, when you consider things like color flake epoxy, Orlando homes and business can have their floors looking beautiful, as well.

Ask for References
No matter what kind of contractor you’re looking for, you always want to make sure they provide you with references before moving forward with considering their services. Aside from those listed above, one of the many reasons people favor epoxy flooring is how easy it is to apply. However, this can fool many into thinking that installing color flake epoxy in Orlando is a simple process that doesn’t need a lot of experience.
Learning to work with epoxy and its nuances still takes a lot of times, so don’t go hiring anyone until they’ve proven they’ve done this numerous times before and are willing to show off the proof.

Research Their Products
While experience is important, no amount of it will be able to make up for using substandard products in your home or business. Quite a large number of manufacturers produce color flake epoxy for Orlando Florida markets, as well as other products essential to the process.
Some of the best options on the market right now come from SureCrete Design Products. However, with so many manufacturers out there, it’s worth looking into any others a potential contractor may mention before dismissing it completely. Again, though, don’t underestimate how important the right products are to a proper installation and a long lasting solution.

Get a Quote Upfront
There’s no doubt that applying an epoxy floor coating takes a lot of talent. It’s also true that the exact method an installer chooses will have a lot to do with your particular room.
Despite these various factors, you should still feel entitled to a free quote from a potential contractor before proceeding. Whether you want color flake epoxy in Orlando or a more basic application, don’t proceed until you have a breakdown of how much it will cost in writing and exactly what is included in the price.

Always Ask for a Guarantee

Just like anything else you pay for, you’ll be more confident in the results if you know they come with a guarantee. Color flake epoxy in Orlando and other versions are no different. Most people are surprised to find how affordable this incredible application can be, but you should always look into a guarantee, as well. Ideally, you want the specifics of the installation guaranteed and some kind of warranty for how long the installer ensures it will last.
Having epoxy installed in your home or business is a great investment in keeping your concrete floor safe. With the addition of color flakes, it can also be a great way of ensuring impressive aesthetics. Before you hire a contractor, though, make sure you cover the above bases.

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