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Most Common Mistakes When Applying Epoxy Flooring Material

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.

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Because epoxy flooring is so strong and durable, it has become a popular choice within many buildings. Since this material is resistant to oil, grease, chemicals, tire marks, and more, it is also ideal for garages and commercial plants.

When properly applied, epoxy flooring is great, but even small mistakes can lead to big problems, compromising both appearance and functionality. However, by following a few guidelines, you can avoid an array of issues.

  • Poor Quality Materials – As a professional contractor, you have specific responsibilities to your clients. One of these involves choosing the highest quality product available. This is why many people in Orlando depend on the experts at Select Surface Solutions for superior epoxy flooring material. We offer a wide range of commercial-grade, environmentally friendly materials used for concrete building and remodeling of both residential and commercial properties.
  • Wrong Type of Epoxy – Epoxy material comes in several different formulas. For instance, high build coating works best in high-foot traffic and light to moderate forklift traffic areas, where abrasion resistant qualities are essential. There is also an electrostatic dissipative coating designed to provide electrostatic control properties for different surfaces. Another type of epoxy coating is chemical resistant, which offers protection to steel, chemical concrete, and other structural materials.
  • Improper Floor Preparation – Another key factor after choosing quality epoxy flooring material in Orlando is surface preparation. Of all reasons epoxy floors fail, this is at the top of the list. Concrete must be properly prepared, which goes beyond sweeping. Remember, for epoxy coatings to adhere, it needs a porous surface. Therefore, the surface should be void of all contaminants and, at a minimum, acid etched or ground.
  • Too Much Moisture – Another mistake when applying epoxy flooring has to do with too much moisture in the concrete. Prior to epoxy being applied, the surface needs to dry for at least 24 hours. However, because Orlando has a lot of humidity, it could take twice as long.
  • Mixing Errors – In most instances, epoxy is mixed with additional ingredients, as well as color pigmentation. Unless the resin or hardener is mixed correctly, the coating will not be able to cure properly. To ensure the surface is not sticky, components need to be mixed using the right proportions and for the correct period of time.

For more information on applying epoxy flooring material in Orlando, contact Select Surface Solutions. We can even provide your company with a private training course.

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