Rain Chains Japanese-style Rain Chains For Gutters For Heavy Rain Drainage Chain Gutter Drainage Downspout Functional And Decorative Replacement For Gutter Downspouts The rain chain is a beautiful sma

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Janna Bradley, COO and co-founder of Landscape Management Network says, “To make sure your rain chain is the correct length, measure from the bottom of the gutter to the ground, and then subtract approximately 2 to 3 inches to accommodate the installation kit.” A rain chain should be placed at the corner of gutter, where a downpipe would usually be. 'That might be on the eaves of your house, on your shed or a garden building, or on your garage,' suggests Rachel Crow. Effectiveness - In addition to their durability, rain chains are also very effective at harvesting rainwater run-off from roof gutters. While they may not be as effective as conventional downspouts when it comes to handling high amounts of rainfall, they can still direct moderate amounts of water effectively. Most rain chains come with a gutter clip or gutter installer that will be placed where the downspout is connected to the gutter. Rain chains are typically either a series of metal cups, chained together with a hole in the bottom of each, or chain links that span vertically. [2] Rain water run-off gets distributed from a rooftop gutter downward through the rain chain.

Rain chains originated in Japan, where they have adorned houses and temples for hundreds of years. There they are called “kusari-doi”, or “chain gutter”. The first kusari-doi were created in the 1600s to adorn tea houses. These early examples used bamboo and palm ropes. In addition to being attractive, kusari-doi are valued for generating a pleasant white-noise effect as water drips or pours down them. Rain chains began gaining international popularity after Japan hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and visiting style connoisseurs spotted them. Another important factor when choosing your rain chain is the height of the chain. If you are using it as a part of your RWH system, then the ideal height for the rain chain would be that height which allows it to comfortably sit in or anchor to your cistern or barrel. If the rain chain is not being used as a component of a rainwater harvesting system, then it is also important to secure your rain chain on the ground to ensure efficiency Storing Rain Water

The rain chain weighs 3 pounds and comes with a sturdy hook and stake to anchor it into the ground. You can choose from a variety of colors including gold, blue, cyan, and green. Several users do note that while the cups and links are wrought iron, the chain and clips appear to be made of a weaker metal, and may not be ideal for windy climates. Simply replace your existing down pipe by fitting our chain to the rain gutter hole or corner eaves of your home or patio. Instead of a traditional full-length downpipe, there is a small connector section that mimics a traditional downpipe so water can drain effectively from the gutter,' Sonia adds. 'The rain chain is then suspended and attached in the cross-section void of the connector via a rod. The water then simply flows down the chain links.' 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. But first, at Gutters London – Professional Services, we shall introduce you to the mechanism behind the wonder that is the rain chain.

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. Typically aligned over a soak-away drain, rain chains are attractive elements of a Japanese house and garden. STYLISH DESIGN - the basin is hand hammered, providing a beautiful textured look; Large blue verde brass connector inside the basin easily connects the rain chain in place. In regions of heavy snow, there are usually no horizontal gutter pipes along the eaves of buildings - they would be smashed or pushed off by freezing and thawing and by the weight of snow sliding down the roof. Likewise, it is rare to find tiled roofs in such regions for similar reasons, melt water would penetrate beneath the edges of tiles and subsequent freezing would shatter them or pop them off. Modern relatively maintenance-free metal roofs meet these challenges, as did the cedar bark, shingle, or thatched roofs of the past - although they required regular maintenance.The cups measure 4 x 4.5 inches and the chain comes with a c-shaped hook that conveniently hangs from any rooftop gutter. The sturdy design can potentially withstand heavy downpours better than more delicate chains, which is especially useful if you’re living in a tropical or rainy climate. The rain chain scored a 5 out of 5 on Nutshell’s Waterflow Index scale, which means it can collect water with minimal splashing. Aluminum isn’t as resistant, but it is lighter weight, so it’s a good option if you’d like to have more length, since it is less likely to damage gutters. Plus, it’s usually a more affordable choice. Hand cast in aluminum, then finished with a bronze powdercoat these links are an artistic, sculptural rain chain design. Lightweight and stiff, this chain will add a designer look to your gutter system. Powder coating is a type of coating which includes metal that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin". It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals. Comes with the Recommended accessory: 3" Bronze Aluminum Installation Kit. NOTE:This chain does splash; it will disperse the water coming from the gutter, but does not effectively carry the water down the actual chain to a single point below. 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. 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.

This is the best rain chain for your home if you intend to collect water to use in your garden and around your home—it scored a 4 out of 5 on Nutshell’s Waterflow Index, a scale that measures a rain chain’s capacity. Each fish cup is 9 inches long, with a 4-inch opening at the top. This means that not only will you experience minimal splashing because the cups collect more water, but you’ll be able reuse it more easily as well. Rain chains are usually made from copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. “My preferred material for rain chains is copper because it is resistant to rust and can effectively withstand harsh weather conditions, making it highly durable,” Kantor says. “Additionally, copper develops a unique patina over time, which adds to its visual appeal. QUALITY MATERIALS - Artistically designed and handmade using 20 gauge pure copper. The copper develops a beautiful patina over time. The links are soldered together for added durability and support.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? Beneath the Kusari-doi it is common to place a prominent stone, a slab, a barrel or a stone basin of some sort to catch the water for later use. In gentle rain, erratically falling raindrops create attractive ripple pattern on the surface of such a basin, and provide yet more distraction. Look for Kusari-doi at the corners of traditional style houses, and at Japanese temples and shrines. They are most commonly found in the western and southern parts of the country and are rare in the north. 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.” The climate of Japan has driven elements of its architectural development, and the differences in these elements can be seen if one journeys through the country from south to north, from Okinawa to Hokkaido. Some areas have domestic architecture driven by high temperatures, high humidity and rain, others by strong winds, and yet more by the heavy, destructive, weight of winter snow, which can flatten buildings and trees and which has led to the refinement of Yuki-gakoi and Yuki-tsuri. If you’re searching for a rain chain with an intricate design that can efficiently drain water, this is a nice choice. It’s also excellent to have around when you want to enjoy the meditative sound of the rain filtering through its flower-shaped cups.

Equally, Matthew also used a rain chain to add a bit of intrigue.‘The copper chain is a beautiful thing in itself,’ he says, ‘starting off bright and golden it ultimately patinas to that beautiful green so unique to this natural material. The prospect of that happening over a long period of time excites me.’The downside is that it’s lightweight, meaning it’s probably not the best rain chain for stormier climates. Still, it should be totally sufficient for moderate rain storms. And the biggest upside is that, since it’s so affordable, you can likely buy several for your home and still stay within budget. Ah, rain chains. Originating from ancient Japan (“kusari doi” for all of you who want to impress their Japanese friends with your new gutter story…) these beautiful ornaments are designed to navigate rainwater safely away from your house’s foundation. Rain chains transform a plain downspout into a pleasing water feature creating beautiful curb appeal to your outdoor space. Like downspouts, rain chains prevent water from just falling out of a hole in your gutters and onto the ground, which can cause erosion and splashing. Instead, they break water flow and create a softer, more streamlined landing.