Downspouts serve a useful purpose, and no one can argue that they don’t fulfill their function. But let’s face it – downspouts are boring. They do their job and blend into the background, like wallflowers at the prom. They’re vulnerable to clogs from leaves and debris, subject to sagging and separated joints, and fall prey to marauding lawnmowers. In the absence of splash pads, they may contribute to erosion due to the velocity of flow at their outlets.
Why not retire the outmoded downspout for an alternative that’s just as functional, more environmentally friendly, and far more elegant? Replace your downspout with a rain chain.
Originally from Japan (where they’re known as ‘kosari doi’), rain chains turn the function of directing roof runoff to the ground into a sensory delight. Watch the water twist, twirl and splash its way link by link down the chain. Reach out, feel the water running over your fingertips, enjoy its liquid coolness. Listen to the symphony of falling water and tinkling metal.
The main function of a rain chain is to control roof runoff, and look good doing it. The chains come in two basic types: link or cup. A link type chain is elegant in its simplicity. It can be plain or fancy, made up of single links, or multiple links interconnected. Sometimes several strands of a link type chain are woven into one chain.
The cup variety is comprised of small funnel-like basins with holes in their bottoms. Water cascades through the holes from cup to cup, sometimes spilling over their rims in heavier rains. Installed at the corners of your home, the chains slow the water and direct it to the ground at a non-erosive velocity.
The cup type chains come in plain or decorative styles, the more fanciful ones forged to resemble blossoms, abstract art, or animals. Both types add beauty to your home even in dry weather. Materials range from copper and bronze to stainless steel or aluminum. Copper chains age to a rich green patina. Bronze fades to a mellow burnt umber. For the most part, aluminum and stainless steel will retain their shine, but may suffer some discoloring.
You can enhance the aesthetic value of the rain chains by the way you handle the water as it reaches the ground. Direct the end of the chain into a copper or bronze basin, a redwood box filled with river stone, or a circle of pea gravel surrounded by moisture-tolerant plants. A stacked-stone pyramid makes a fine accent. The Japanese traditionally used stoneware basins or ceramic pots surrounded by gravel. These features all collect the water and slow it further, allowing it to spill over and infiltrate into the ground. You can also let the chain dangle into a cistern or rain barrel where the runoff can be stored for later use. Whatever end-of-chain treatment you use, make sure that the ground at the outlet slopes slightly away from your foundation to avoid seepage into your basement or crawlspace.
Installation is easy. Rain chains come with simple attachment hardware. First, remove your old downspout. Next, clip the chain to the attachment rod and insert the rod through the hole in the bottom of your gutter. Let the rod lie horizontally across the gutter opening.
And that’s it. If you own a two-story home and you’re installing a chain with large cups, reinforcing the gutter connection is a good idea. The same goes for rain chains installed in northern climes where there’s a chance of ice. The chains themselves hold up to icing well, but the gutter connection should be strengthened. Most manufacturers supply kits for this.
Link style rain chains are sold by the foot. The cup variety comes in standard 8½’ lengths. Both can be ordered in custom lengths. Prices vary as to length, type and material, but generally range from $100 to $200, up to over $400 for the more elaborate types. If you need a custom length, measure before you order, and order your chain a bit long. You can always cut out a link section or disconnect cups if you need to adjust the length, but save the surplus for repairs if needed. You can find rain chains at garden supply stores and nurseries, or order from an online company.
Rain chains may sway in high winds, so consider anchoring the end of the chain at the ground. They also don’t handle large flow volumes as well as a downspout. The link types are prone to side splash, so keep them away from doors or walkways. Overall, however, their advantages outweigh their drawbacks. If you’re looking for an elegant, inexpensive water feature to enhance your home, a rain chain is a good bet.
If you could mail us a catalog with picture with order forms and
instructions that would be great. We would like to purchase many different styles of rain chains by the 100's.
You can mail to
kenallpurposeexteriors@comcast.net
or call 1-877-828-6868
All Purpose Exteriors
1320 26th St. NW. #11
Auburn, Wa. 98001
Thank You.
Ken Coughlin
Dear Sir,
At NIDHI CREATIONS we strongly believe in new inventions and creativity is our passion.
We are the Manufacturer-Exporters of exclusive RAIN CHAINS AND OTHER INDIAN HANDICRAFTS, which are specially
designed by us from time to time.
We can also produce exclusive item by specifications provided by our client i.e.
Photo/sketch/dimensio
ns.
Please feel free to ask for more about our products and
Provide us the opportunity to serve your requirements.
For further details kindly contact us.
Nidhi Agarwal
Date : February 12th , 2009
Thursday