Resurfacing Commercial Flooring 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.

Commercial Floor Space

Commercial Floor Space in a Museum

When trying to restore a commercial floor surface through concrete resurfacing, one of the most important things to consider is the quality of the existing concrete slab. If the concrete is new or has minor wear, then resurfacing is an easy way to add a refreshing look to any space. However, if the concrete already has major cracks and obvious settling issues, then just resurfacing it might not be quite as easy nor a good long term solution.

Before resurfacing concrete became a trend, the usual protocol for damaged and discolored concrete included a complete overhaul. It involved removing the entire floor and replacing it with a new layer. Concrete resurfacing changes the entire game, saving resources and time compared to total replacement. It also eliminates such problems as old concrete disposal.

The concept of concrete resurfacing allows people to get creative with the style that they want to apply because of the wide variety of patterns and colors to choose from. The design of the floor can be adjusted to fit the purpose of an area so every space can have a unique feel. In a commercial building, concrete can be used in lobbies, walkways, common areas and eating areas.  Decorative concrete allows you to have a color scheme that matches the rest of the building, yet can include customized patterns or textures.  Some products used for resurfacing concrete include stamped overlays, micro-toppings, stenciled overlays and epoxy coatings.

Depending on the overall appearance and durability requirements of the floor surface one system might be chosen over the others.  For example an epoxy floor system will handle chemicals and spills easily but a microtopping can provide a more natural look depending on what you are looking for.

Select Surface Solutions offers resurfacing products, including SureStamp, a stampable overlay that is perfect for resurfacing both indoor and outdoor spaces. We also can connect you with a qualified Orlando contractor who can upgrade the aesthetic of your commercial flooring.

 

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