Local Contractors Benefiting from Quality Concrete Product Line 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.

Buying Concrete Products in Orlando

Concrete Products in Orlando

Working as an Orlando contractor means that you have to always make sure that you are making a profit. Because of this, it can sometimes be tempting to opt for cheaper products even if they aren’t of good quality. If you charge your clients the same, you can make money like this, but you will be hurting your business overall. Your clients will not be satisfied, you will waste extra time on installation, and you will be compromising your integrity as an Orlando decorative concrete contractor. You can avoid this issue by opting for a quality concrete product line, such as that from Select Surface Solutions. These high-quality products deliver professional results and make application easy while still offering affordable pricing.

Easy Installation

The actual installation or application of a concrete product is one of the most important parts of working as an Orlando contractor. You will find it much easier to use items from a quality concrete product line when compared to cheap products. SureSpray, for example, is easy for you to apply via compressed air or hopper gun, squeegee, or trowel. High-quality concrete products tend to go on more smoothly, making the application easier for you and allowing you to complete it in less time. This gives you the time to take on more clients and increase your profits.

Satisfied Customers

Orlando contractors using the best concrete product line will also notice an increase in customer satisfaction. Business and homeowners alike love the extreme durability of concrete countertops or polished concrete floors made using Select Surface Solutions products. These products look professional and shine. They are also incredibly durable and easy to maintain. As clients continue enjoying these benefits, they will remember that their contractor is the one who suggested they use these products. That leads to repeat customers as well as referrals.

Versatile Line

To make the line of products from Select Surface Solutions more beneficial for contractors, it is also incredibly diverse. There are products to install concrete surfaces, such as floors and countertops. You will also find concrete dye, resin bond diamond tools, and other products used to create polished concrete. There are also many decorative or aesthetically pleasing applications, such as Eco-Stain, Super 20, and other sealers; integral color, Butterfield stamps, and other tools for stamped concrete; and the products necessary to apply epoxy coatings or clean and prepare concrete surfaces. This range of products allows Orlando contractors to purchase all supplies from a single location, saving significant time.

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