The downspouts cover much more volume, and there is no place for the furious rain to go than straight down the pipe. Sorry rain chains, we don’t play it small here. Sonia advises opting for a rain chain in this case. 'It has an elegance when it is not raining as opposed to a solid pipe that would appear to be a structural column,’ she says ‘There are other practical advantages for buildings with large overhanging eaves because they move in the wind and snow and during earthquakes. A ridged pipe doesn’t like that.’The practicality should be considered for your home before choosing this form of drainage. When faced with harsh and heavy rainfalls, link chains can sometimes create messy splatters,” Kantor adds. “Cup chains do a great job of directing the water, which I appreciate because I collect the water in a container to use to water my garden.” Your Questions, Answered How long should my rain chain be? The cups are slanted, which is not only for aesthetics, but also offers increased protection against water splashing. “This is the rain chain that I personally use at my own home. It offers a great balance of affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal,” Kantor says. Each flower has a 2.6-inch opening, so it can efficiently catch some water, though not as much as the options with larger cups. While the metal may not be as durable as copper, it’s still weather-resistant and won’t corrode easily.

Because of their nature, they cannot endure strong winds where a nice regular downspout has a significantly better chance to withstand what windy challenge Place V-Clip in the existing downspout hole. If using an Installation Kit, place Installation Kit in hole and seal (Aluminum) or Solder (Copper and Steel) flange on Kit to gutter.

Rain Chains: A Stylish Alternative To Downspouts

Rain chains work in a very simple, but effective, manner. They consist of either vertical chain links or a series of cups made out of metal - traditionally copper (which of course oxidises into pretty aquamarine tones), but also in more contemporary metals like steel and aluminium. The Japanese invented rain chains to collect and direct run-off into basins. While many today have incorporated the rain chain into the rainwater harvesting system, the traditional means of allowing the water to collect into a small basin was used for spiritual and auditory purposes, not for rain harvesting. Despite their different materials and styles, the molding of rain chains in Japan today is still being done by hand using copper. This link chain, in pure solid copper, features a Link & Loop inset into the chain. This design provides for excellent water flow. Exclusive design by Garm Beall. This chain is sold by the linear foot. Comes with our recommended accessory: 3" Copper Installation Kit. Cup rain chains are the most widely used type of rain chain. They are especially popular in Japan, where rain chains originated. Here, the rain chain holds cups made out of the same material as the chain (copper or aluminum). These cups collect and hold the water running down the chain. Because of their ability to hold water, they create fewer splashes than other types and are ideal for areas near walkways, windows, and doors. Cups rain chains are able to hold more water than the other two types because the cups are able to contain more water. In addition, their length can easily be modified as cups can be removed or added whenever need arises. However, their ability to hold water also makes them susceptible to breakage since they can sometimes become too heavy. Link

Chain-look-alike is not the only possible option, of course. You can use almost anything as long as it does not interfere with the water flow. There are way too many DIY ideas about it on the Internet and it’s the perfect way to appear artistic and creative while simply getting rid of some old dinner sets (yes, bent spoons and forks is an actual DIY design). This is the best rain chain to go for if you live in a windy climate where other options may be too light. “Although this rain chain deviates from the typical cup-style design, its advantage lies in the short length of the links and the presence of multiple links in one spot,” Kantor says. “This helps to decrease excessive splashing commonly associated with link-style rain chains.”You might want let the rain chain reach the flower bed, especially if the roof line or eaves shelter the ground beside the house from the rain. This way, you're effectively irrigating the bed directly each time it rains,' says Rachel. MEASUREMENTS - 16-1/2 inch diameter x 4 inches high; Our basin is the largest in the industry, allowing it to hold more water.

Some friendly tips: Make sure you nail the rain chains to the ground(or your rainwater harvesting system, respectively) just in case. Overall: Is it worth it? You can also build a large basin (or french drain) into the ground. This catches the water and lets it drain away from the house. Most rain chains are about 8 to 8.5 feet long. However, it’s usually pretty easy to extend them by linking together several strands, and some brands offer custom lengths for an extra cost. In terms of width, diameters for the individual cups or links can range from 2 inches to 4.5 inches. And, if you’re a fan of irony, our best-selling watering can rain chain is a great option, too. Featured a cascade of metallic watering cans, this rain chain ensures that when it rains, it pours.

What Are Your Most Popular Rain Chains?

In areas with regular, heavy rainfall, every inch of rain that falls on a 1,000-square-foot roof can generate 600 gallons of water. Rain chains are beautiful and your home will certainly stand out so long as you don’t live somewhere with crappy weather. Functioning exactly like a drain pipe, this chain is attached to the end of a roof gutter to gently channel rainwater run-off from the gutter down to the ground. Usually, they carry links, hollow cups, or funnels that produce a soothing sound as run-off hits them. This effective alternative to the conventional downspout can be easily integrated into a rainwater harvesting system by simply removing the downspout and replacing it with a chain. As an attractive and functional alternative to the closed downspouts so commonly seen for example in Europe, in Japan there are Kusari-doi. A common quest of overseas shoppers during journeys around Japan, Kusari-doi are not to be found in the likes of souvenir shops here, instead they are to be found only at specialist garden supply shops in Japan, though they are well-represented at on-line stores in the west and in Japan.

Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful sight when hanging from your gutters. Even if you doubt its effectiveness against the rain, we still give it points for ornamental value. Just watch out for freezing weather—ice can weigh it down, causing it to break if it becomes too heavy. Although it’s 8 feet long, the length can be adjusted as needed. It also comes with a clip attachment to string it up. One negative is that, though it’s supposed to be copper plated, several users say it looks more brown. Also, the link chain is very slim, so it may not make much of a difference if you experience wet weather all the time.

As your rain chain ages, it might show signs of a patina that actually lends character to its already unique aesthetic. How Do I Install My Rain Chain?