Type 1L Cement, the Challenging Green Alternative, What you need to know
🚧 Flooring Installation Challenges Multiply with Type 1L Concrete
As if commercial flooring installations weren’t already complicated—think moisture in concrete subfloors, PVC-free products that won’t bond, unrealistic project timelines, and unsupported product claims—there’s now a new challenge on the horizon: changes in the concrete itself.
🧱 Not All Concrete Is Created Equal
Contrary to popular belief, concrete isn’t a one-size-fits-all material. Mixtures vary by region, batch, and even load. Factors like aggregate type, gradation, and the presence of secondary cementitious materials (e.g., Fly Ash, Slag) all influence performance. Add in admixtures, and installers may face unexpected slab treatments just to get proper adhesion.
And that’s with traditional Portland cement concrete.
Now, a new eco-friendly alternative is entering the mix—Type 1L concrete—and it’s bringing a host of new concerns.
🌍 What Is Type 1L Cement?
Type 1L cement, also known as Portland Limestone Cement (PLC), is a greener variation of traditional Portland cement. It contains up to 15% limestone (compared to 5% in Type I), reducing the energy required for production and lowering the carbon footprint.
Key Differences:
- Higher water demand
- Less bleed water
- Slower strength gain
- Softer surface finish
While the environmental benefits are clear, the practical implications for flooring professionals are significant.
⚠️ Installation Risks with Type 1L Concrete
Type 1L slabs present several challenges:
- Reduced bleed water increases the risk of surface crusting, crazing, and premature finishing.
- Softer surfaces can compromise adhesive bond strength and polishing durability.
- Inconsistent performance across different 1L formulations and between normal-weight and lightweight slabs.
These issues can lead to flooring failures if not properly addressed.
🧪 Testing & Performance Concerns
Surface Hardness
- Use a Mohs Hardness Test Kit.
- Ideal surface hardness: 5–7.
- If <4, remediation is required—this is not the flooring installer’s responsibility.
Adhesive Bonding
- Water-based adhesives perform better on traditional Portland cement than on Type 1L.
- Bond strength varies by curing method.
- Ongoing testing is being conducted by manufacturers.
Both the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) and the Resilient Floor Covering Institute are developing position papers, as they were not initially informed of the industry-wide shift to Type 1L.
🛠️ Best Practices for Type 1L Concrete Projects
- Delay polishing schedules by 30–60 days to allow proper surface strengthening.
- Always conduct mockups to test floor covering and polishing compatibility.
- If mockups fail, remove the top ⅛” to ¼” with a concrete shaver and install a compatible cementitious underlayment.
- Moisture mitigation must be handled with proper systems—not silicate additives. Studies show silicates are ineffective and may act as bond breakers.
♻️ Concrete Is Changing—Rapidly
Concrete may seem simple—just water, sand, stone, and cement—but it’s incredibly complex. Mixtures vary by design, region, and even truckload. Today’s concrete may include recycled materials like:
- Wind turbine blades
- Steel fragments
- Volcanic ash
- Seashells
- Textile fibers
Many components are sourced globally, adding to the variability. Every new slab is different, and installers must treat each one as unique.
🧩 The Flooring Industry Is More Complex Than Ever
It’s not just the flooring products that are evolving—it’s the substrates too. Staying ahead of these changes is critical to avoiding failures and resolving issues.
At LGM and Associates, we do this every day. We’re not inspectors—we’re consultants. We’re not on any manufacturer’s “certified inspector” list. Our team includes former flooring manufacturers and recognized experts in concrete, carpet, and resilient flooring.
👥 Who We Serve
Our clients include:
- Flooring contractors
- General contractors
- Construction attorneys
- Major commercial end users
We specialize in commercial flooring, but we’re here to help anyone. As one leading manufacturer once said:
“LGM are not the guys you want sitting on the other side of the table.”
🎯 Why Choose LGM?
- Decades of hands-on experience
- Deep industry knowledge
- Proven track record
- Objective, unbiased advice
- Expertise manufacturers may not even be aware of
When you have a flooring issue or question, we provide the correct information to help you solve it.
📞 Contact: Lewis G. Migliore
📧 Email: lgmtcs@optilink.us
🌐 Website: LGMandAssociates.com
“When no one else has answers, we do.”
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