Control Roof Runoff with Rain Chains

Decorative Alternatives to Downspouts are Functional and Aesthetic

May 26, 2009

Downspouts serve a useful purpose, and no one can argue that they don't fulfill their function. But rain chains do the job while adding a touch of elegance to the home.

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 it with a rain chain.

Rain Chains are Sensory Delights

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. Homeowners can watch the water twist, twirl and splash its way link by link down the chain. They can reach out, feel the water running over their fingertips, and enjoy its liquid coolness while listening to the symphony of falling water and tinkling metal.

Functions of Rain Chains

The main function of a rain chain is to control roof runoff, and look good doing it. Installed at the corners of a home, the chains slow the water and direct it to the ground at a non-erosive velocity.

Link Type Rain Chains

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.

Cup Type Rain Chains

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. 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 the 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.

Rain Chain Ground Treatments

Homeowners can enhance the aesthetic value of the rain chains by the way they 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. The chain can also be left to dangle into a cistern or rain barrel where the runoff can be stored for later use. Whatever end-of-chain treatment is used, make sure that the ground at the outlet slopes slightly away from the house foundation to avoid seepage into the basement or crawlspace.

How to Install Rain Chains

Installation is easy. Rain chains come with simple attachment hardware. First, remove the old downspout. Next, clip the chain to the attachment rod and insert the rod through the hole in the bottom of the gutter. Let the rod lie horizontally across the gutter opening.

And that’s it. Homeowners with two-story homes might want to install a chain with large cups. If so, 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.

Buying Rain Chains

Link style rain chains are sold by the foot. The cup variety comes in standard 8½’ lengths. However, 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. For custom lengths, measure before ordering, and order the chain a bit long. Homeowners can always cut out a link section or disconnect cups to adjust the length, but should save the surplus for repairs if needed.

Handy homeowners can find rain chains at garden supply stores and nurseries, or order from online companies.

Rain Chain Disadvantages

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, the advantages of rain chains outweigh their drawbacks. For homeowners looking for elegant, inexpensive water features to enhance their homes, rain chains are good bets.

The copyright of the article Control Roof Runoff with Rain Chains in Garden Water Features is owned by Richard Freeland. Permission to republish Control Roof Runoff with Rain Chains in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.