Stormdry Gauge (Karsten Tube, Rilem Tube)

• Karsten Tube / Rilem Tube
• Measure absorbency of concrete and masonry
• Identification of rain penetration issues
• Reusable (tough polycarbonate construction)
• Instructional video available online

Stormdry Gauges (also known as Karsten Tubes or Rilem Tubes) provide a simple method of comparing the absorption characteristics of different sections of masonry (e.g. bricks, stone, mortar, brick mortar interface, etc...). This information can then be used to help determine possible moisture penetration pathways through a wall that is suffering from rain penetration (penetrating damp). The Stormdry Gauge is fixed to the wall using a suitable mastic adhesive. It is then filled with water and observed. The time taken for the level of water in the tube to drop indicates the degree of absorbency of the test area. The Stormdry Gauge can be used to measure water penetration into masonry. It can be particularly useful for simulating the effect of wind-driven rain. Wind-driven rain can cause dampness problems in buildings. This occurs because the combined effect of rain and wind is to apply a pressure which forces rainwater to pass through porous or defective masonry. The Stormdry Gauge is designed to measure the rain penetration potential of masonry. Calculation of the pressures applied shows that when the tube is filled to the zero mark, the pressure equates to that applied by wind-driven rain with a wind-speed of 98mph.