CONSUMER NOTICE
🔔 Change in Concrete Mix – What You Need to Know About Type 1L Cement
If you’re planning a concrete project in the Inland Northwest, it’s important to know that many local suppliers have transitioned to using Type 1L cement — a newer formulation that may behave differently than traditional mixes.
⚙️ What is Type 1L Cement?
Type 1L cement is a Portland-limestone cement that contains up to 15% finely ground limestone. It’s part of a nationwide shift toward more sustainable building materials and is intended to:
• Reduce carbon emissions during manufacturing
• Meet environmental standards and green building codes
🏔️ Why It Matters in Our Region
Due to the Inland Northwest’s variable climate — especially our cold winters and freeze-thaw cycles — performance issues can be amplified.
âś… What You Can Do:
• Discuss finishing methods and curing plans, especially for exterior concrete
• Ensure cold-weather precautions are being taken if pouring in late fall or early spring
This change affects driveways, patios, foundations, and other residential concrete work. Stay informed to protect your investment.
⚠️ Common Issues We’re Seeing
While Type 1L cement is engineered to meet performance standards, contractors and consumers in the Inland Northwest have reported some notable concerns:
• Slower set times in colder weather -this will shorten the seasonal schedule, so do not delay in booking your projects.
• Lower early strength compared to traditional Type I/II cement -this means you should take extra measures to avoid using/walking/parking on your new concrete for an extended period of time.
• Increased risk of surface scaling or flaking in freeze-thaw conditions - there is very little we are able to do for this, we’re still learning all of the effects of this new 1L cement.
• Finishability issues, especially with stamped or decorative concrete - we are taking every measure to prevent this, including but not limited to selecting the cement from certain mixing plants. There are several variables and factors, with this being a new product in the INW, we are still learning the behavior of this cement.
• Inconsistent performance with certain admixtures - we are unable to predict this and look to the mixing plant for guidance. Please take note that any performance issues ARE NOT due to the concrete finisher.
You can find more information at:
https://curecrete.com/type1l/
https://www.1lcementproblems.com/
https://www.concrete.org/publications/internationalconcreteabstractsportal.aspxm=details&id=51740318#:~:text=Integrating%20Type%20IL%20cement%20into,content%20of%20supplementary%20cementitious%20materials.
Creative, decorative, practical. Consider Kinder Koncrete for your next project.
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