Concrete Deterioration and Repair 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.

Fixing a damaged concrete slab

Fixing concrete deterioration by applying a coating

Because of the high humidity, sun exposure, salty air and moisture in the ground in Orlando, you can expect that your concrete may show signs of early deterioration; quicker than in other regions of the country.  Orlando concrete has unique requirements for maintenance, upkeep and repair. A great option for repairing a concrete surface that needs deep patching is Deep Level from Select Surface Solutions. To prepare,  fill cracks and smooth out a concrete surface for an overlay  “Fast setting thin concrete patch repair” by Surecrete works great.

High Humidity Problems

Orlando’s high humidity leads to a greater need for concrete repair. Specific to decorative concrete, three potential issues arise having to do with moisture and seepage. First, if a slab with a significant amount of moisture is acid stained, in particular when using copper salts, you can expect discoloration or blackening. Second, when water vapor seeps from a concrete slab, it often condenses into water and leaches calcium hydroxide, causing white efflorescence on the surface and often increasing pH levels. Third, when moisture moves through the slab, it can cause pressure at the surface, the coating or overlay can bubble or delaminate.  These can all be addressed with proper surface preparations and quality coatings.

Concrete Repair in Orlando Due to Cracks

A common reason for needing to repair concrete in Orlando has to do cracks, which is caused by a number of things:

  • Overloading – Estimated and calculated load capabilities of concrete are pushed beyond their limit, causing damage or failure.
  • Corrosion – Typically, the pH level in concrete is high, allowing ferric oxide to form around steel rebar reinforcement without the risk of corrosion. However, chloride and carbonation penetration reduces the pH level, increasing the risk of rust leading to cracks.
  • Alkali-Aggregate Reaction – Also known as AAR, this is a chemical reaction within the concrete mix itself.
  • Shrinkage – Shrinkage also leads to damaged concrete. These cracks occur anytime during concrete’s lifecycle and for different reasons, including settlement shrinkage immediately after pouring, construction movement, and drying. Volume, chemical, or temperature changes once concrete has hardened are other reasons for shrinkage.

For a complete line of concrete repair and patch materials please contact us today, and we will get your concrete looking and performing its best.

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