I am in the process of applying expanding grout at the top of my pillar, which I have built up with concrete hollow blocks. The idea is for the expanding grout to rest against the roof that the pillar is supposed to support. But even though I have a frame around 3 of the sides, I can't lay the grout and close off with the 4th side of the frame before the grout spills over - worse than slime!! Does anyone have any tips or ideas on what I can do?
I'm considering, against recommendations I've previously received, using regular mortar, which I used when I built up the concrete hollow blocks instead... what do you think about that?
//Melie
I'm considering, against recommendations I've previously received, using regular mortar, which I used when I built up the concrete hollow blocks instead... what do you think about that?
//Melie
Expanding mortar should be free-flowing to properly fill the mold. It cannot have one side open. After all, it is intended for applications like bedding. The reason you choose an expanding concrete is to prevent it from shrinking in the end, which regular mortar would do, but against the ceiling, it is difficult to apply. Instead, choose a thixotropic, expanding product. Right product in the right place 
The right product in the right place, indeed... It's unfortunate when the pros at the hardware store recommend the wrong products to us non-pros for the job
Tried Googling for tixotrop, expanding product - but didn't get any wiser...
Does it adhere to the ceiling (in this case) like a glue? Do you mix the adhesive substance (tixotrop) with concrete or how do I use it?
Grateful for help.
//M
It's unfortunate when the pros at the hardware store recommend the wrong products to us non-pros for the job Tried Googling for tixotrop, expanding product - but didn't get any wiser...
Does it adhere to the ceiling (in this case) like a glue? Do you mix the adhesive substance (tixotrop) with concrete or how do I use it?
Grateful for help.
//M
Thixotropic means that you can basically roll a ball of the product. You simply apply it there. You buy a ready-made product and mix it with water.
http://www.maxit.se/922/pagetype/1/url/12495/section/116/
The only way for you to make the mortar you have work would be if you could build a tight mold and then apply the mortar from above.
Unfortunately, few professionals work in the hardware store, but they do the best they can. After all, they have thousands of products to keep track of, and if they were professionals, they probably wouldn't stay due to the salary, I would think.
http://www.maxit.se/922/pagetype/1/url/12495/section/116/
The only way for you to make the mortar you have work would be if you could build a tight mold and then apply the mortar from above.
Unfortunately, few professionals work in the hardware store, but they do the best they can. After all, they have thousands of products to keep track of, and if they were professionals, they probably wouldn't stay due to the salary, I would think.