Using an Overlay to Repair and Beautify Old Concrete

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.

Cracked concrete in need of an

Cracked concrete in need of an Overlay

Do you have an old concrete surface that has seen better days? Perhaps it is a driveway, outdoor patio, foyer, kitchen floor, commercial tenant improvement project or something else. Before you start looking at tearing it up or replacing it with new floor, consider the many benefits of a concrete overlay.

With an overlay, the old surface is covered up and is transformed into virtually any look you want. That means if you have a Victorian-style home, you can choose a design and color that matches that era. If the entrance into your business looks messy, you can select something that not only enhances the entire appearance of the property but also makes your company more enticing to customers and a safe surface for stepping.

The first step entails fixing and patching imperfections, followed by a thorough cleaning of the surface and allowing it to dry before applying a primer coat. Only then should you applying the polymer modified cement overlay. If preferred, you can choose a beautiful stamped concrete design that looks like real wood, stone, brick, rock, or an assortment of other materials. Another possibility is a concrete surface with incredible shine or one with a colored and marble effect using a concrete stain.

Broom finish overlay without color

Broom finish overlay without color

Depending on where you want the overlay installed, you can also have a unique texture created or even aggregate or sand  added to the formula to make the surface extra slip-resistant for outdoor applications like pool decks, driveways, or walkways, this dramatically reduces any risk of someone slipping and sustaining an injury.

Another cool aspect of an overlay is that you can have a custom design created. If you prefer unique styles, you can end up with a one-of-a-kind surface. For instance, when you are updating old concrete in a foyer, consider adding the family crest or a medallion design.

Just imagine all the fun you can have when updating old concrete. Rather than embarrassment, you will feel a sense of pride. Transformed concrete also helps boost the value of the property because of the improved appearance and due to the overlay providing years of excellent service.

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