Improving the Durability and Beauty of Your Floors with Decorative Concrete Coatings

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 a contractor, you strive to provide your Florida clients with the best possible products and services, including items that will stand the test of time. Decorative concrete coatings are one of the best options, as they are incredibly durable and can be customized to enhance the beauty of any Orlando home or business, regardless of its style, color scheme, or overall theme.

Adds Protection and Resilience

Decorative concrete coatings are made from raw materials that have been researched, tested, and are compatible with the substrate they are meant to coat over. This means that they provide you with the resilience of a sturdy cement floor. In fact, by applying a concrete coating to your client’s existing cement floor, you can add several years to its life as the coating will add resilience and protect the surface. The surface is able to withstand Florida heat, rainstorms, and other weather conditions and is even sturdy enough for use in a warehouse or business space with constant foot traffic.

Customize the Aesthetics

In addition to adding durability to your client’s space, decorative concrete overlay coatings, such as SureStamp from Select Surface Solutions, can add to the overall beauty of the area. The wide range of decorative options allows you to offer each customer a design that meets his or her specific needs, whether it is a floral pattern or an overlay that resembles brick or cobblestone. You can even offer to dye or stain the new concrete surface so its color complements the rest of the room or outdoor area.

Other Benefits

While most Orlando contractors recommend decorative concrete coatings for their durability and beauty, there is also a wide range of other benefits associated with these surfaces. The range of available patterns, stamps, and colors makes this type of flooring incredibly versatile; it can be used for a deck, patio, pool deck, walkway, driveway, floor, countertop, or in any other area where a solid, sturdy surface is necessary. It is also very easy for your clients to maintain due to being formed from a solid unit.

 

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