Stone Slurry Grout Concrete Leveling vs. Mudjacking: Which Is Better for Your Sinking Concrete?

Learn the difference between stone slurry grout and mudjacking, then find out which of these two concrete leveling methods may be best for your settled concrete.

When you notice your concrete slabs are sinking and leaving you with trip hazards or puddling water, you might think that the only solution is to replace them entirely. Luckily, the hassle and headache of concrete replacement can be avoided by lifting the sunken slabs back up instead.

Concrete leveling is a cost-effective process that can help preserve your existing concrete by restoring it to its original level position. Stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking are two out of the three widely available concrete leveling methods.

Although these methods are often confused with each other, they actually have different advantages and disadvantages that are important to keep in mind when considering them as options for your settled concrete.

Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, after over 30 years in the concrete repair industry, we specialize in stone slurry grout leveling and polyjacking, but not mudjacking. While this is true, it's important to note that mudjacking has its strengths and can be the right choice for certain situations. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of both stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking with the goal of providing you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about your concrete repair.

What Is Stone Slurry Grout Leveling?

Stone slurry grout leveling is a concrete leveling process that involves pumping a mixture of crushed limestone and water beneath settled slabs. 

The mixture fills the voids and raises the slabs back to a level position. In some cases, Portland cement is added to strengthen the mixture. 

Once injected, the slurry grout hardens under the concrete, forming a solid base for the leveled slabs to rest on.

Stone Slurry Grout Leveling Strengths and Weaknesses

Stone Slurry Grout Leveling Strengths

• Strength 

Stone slurry grout leveling is known for its durability and strength. It surpasses foam leveling and mudjacking in terms of its ability to fill voids and provide a solid support system for the concrete slabs.

• Control 

The slow pumping process of stone slurry grout leveling allows for more precise control over the lifting. This is particularly advantageous when dealing with complex repairs or around delicate areas.

• Environmentally Friendly

The ingredients used in the stone slurry grout leveling compound are all-natural and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable and safe choice.

• Locally Sourced Materials 

Stone slurry grout leveling utilizes locally sourced limestone, supporting local economies and reducing transportation-related costs.

Stone Slurry Grout Leveling Weaknesses

• Cost

Stone slurry grout leveling is generally a more expensive option than mudjacking.

What Is Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is another method used for concrete leveling. Although similar to stone slurry grout leveling in theory, there are quite a few differences that make mudjacking better suited for different applications.

In this concrete leveling process, a mud mixture consisting of mud, sand, water, and sometimes cement is pumped below the surface of settled concrete. The injected mud mixture fills the voids and raises the slabs back to their original position.

Mudjacking Strengths and Weaknesses

Mudjacking Strengths

• Strength and Longevity 

When executed correctly, mudjacking can provide a strong and long-lasting repair solution.

• Cost-Effective 

Among the three options—stone slurry grout leveling, polyjacking, and mudjacking—mudjacking typically offers the lowest cost.

• Accessibility

Mudjacking is often performed using a mobile cart, enabling technicians to reach out-of-the-way areas more easily.

Mudjacking Weaknesses

• Incomplete Void Fill 

The high pumping pressure involved in mudjacking can sometimes prevent all voids from being filled adequately. As a result, the repair may not be as strong as with stone slurry grout leveling.

• Less Control

Mudjacking technicians tend to have less control over the lifting process due to higher speed and pressure during injection.

• Drill Hole Size

Mudjacking requires the largest drill holes compared to other methods, which can be more noticeable and potentially impact the aesthetics of the repaired area.

When to Choose Stone Slurry Grout Leveling vs. Mudjacking

When to Choose Stone Slurry Grout Concrete Leveling

Both interior and exterior concrete are good candidates for lifting with stone slurry grout, making it generally an all-around good choice for most concrete leveling applications. 

Due to the low-pressure pumping used in the process, the concrete lift is slow and controlled. If your project requires precision or careful control, especially in areas such as A/C unit pads or around pools, stone slurry grout leveling is the better option.

When to Choose Mudjacking

While stone slurry grout leveling is often the better choice, there are situations where mudjacking is worth considering.

For example, if stone slurry grout leveling or polyjacking are not available in your area,  mudjacking can be considered as an alternative. Also, if budget is a primary concern, mudjacking may offer a more affordable option.

Additionally, the mudjacking process often uses mobile carts, making it better suited if the job site is more than 200-300 feet away from the road or driveway.

Which Repair Method Is Right for You?

Both stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking offer cost-effective solutions for lifting settled concrete, making them great alternatives to full concrete replacement. 

In order to determine the best method for your concrete repair needs, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each approach. In addition, it's also worth considering the benefits of foam concrete leveling, or “polyjacking” as another effective and durable option.

At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we have over 30 years of experience in repairing and preserving concrete. Our goal is to use this experience to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your concrete repair project. 

For this reason, we have an extensive library of online resources all about concrete repair and maintenance called Concrete Academy. Check out these related topics to learn more about which concrete leveling method may be right for you:

• Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking: Which Is Best for Your Sinking Concrete?
• Foam Leveling vs. Mudjacking vs. Stone Slurry Grout Concrete Leveling
• Why Does Concrete Settle?

Ready to see what concrete leveling can do for your sinking concrete slabs? Click the link below for a free onsite concrete inspection and cost estimate with an A-1 expert!