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Rain chains help to direct water to rain barrels, landscaped beds, or other water features. It is critical to make sure the water flowing from the chain is flowing away from the foundation of your home; rain chains offer little benefit otherwise. Consider how water channeled with a rain chain will be used.
What are the benefits of a rain chain?
Benefits. Used to enhance the vision and sound of water flowing down, rain chains turn drainage into a unique experience instead of concealing the process within closed pipes. They can also help slow the water flow and thereby reduce erosion on the ground.
Do rain chains work in heavy rain?
Rain chains are less sturdy, and less high-capacity, than traditional downspouts. If you live somewhere with heavy weather and high winds, you’ll need to install backup downspouts to handle your rainfall, because rain chains alone won’t be able to do the job.
What do you put at the bottom of a rain chain?
What do you put at the bottom of a rain chain? Now you may be wondering what happens to the water when it gets to the bottom of the chain. A basin, barrel or French drain is the best way to catch water runoff from a rain chain.
Should a rain chain touch the ground?
Every rain chain is different, but in general, you’ll want to attach your rain chain to a gutter or downspout for best results during very heavy rain. Don’t worry, you won’t need your gutter or downspout to go all the way to the ground. That’s what the rain chain is for.
Do rain chains make noise?
If you just thought that a rain chain produces some sound on its own then we are afraid to say that you are wrong. The chain doesn’t have any innate sound but it still makes soothing sounds when rain water passes over it.
How do rain chains work without gutters?
Without a gutter, water pours off the “valley” where two roofs join. If you don’t have guttering there, consider a corner leaderhead to catch the water and direct it onto a rain chain. Most of our rain chains have no lacquer so they will age over time.
Do rain chains replace gutters?
Typically made of copper, brass, or aluminum links, rain chains divert rainwater from gutters to the ground in a controlled manner, not unlike a traditional downspout. Rain chains connect to your existing gutter system in the cutout designated for a downspout. However, you can hang them anywhere as desired.
How important are gutters to a house?
Gutters control the water that hits your roof, directing it into a single flow that moves away from your house. Without gutters, it’s possible that water runoff will build up around your home, getting into your foundation and causing water damage over time.
Can you hang a rain chain from a tree?
Rain chains are not only for downspout replacement. They can also be a unique, tranquil addition to any garden setting. Rain chains do not have to be solely hung from gutters. They can also be hung from trees or used in conjunction with fountains or water wells.
Can rain chains be used in winter?
Yes. Rain chains hold up fine in the winter, even in very cold and freezing climates. The only caution here is that the weight of the ice on the rain chain does not become too heavy for the stock hanging hook.
Can any chain be a rain chain?
The most common rain chains are made with copper and weather into a lovely patina over time. You can also find silver aluminum chains that won’t rust or oxidize or change color over time. And for those who love color, you can find powder-coated rain chains that come in different colors.
Can you use a regular chain as a rain chain?
You can use most anything that can be strung together, such as key rings or shower rings. First link all the rings together into a long chain. Then, thread a length of metal wire through the chain to stabilize the chain and make sure the water flows downward.
Which rain chain works best?
The 5 Best Rain Chains for Heavy Rain XL Pure Copper Square Cup Rain Chain. XL Bronze Cup Rain Chain for Heavy Rain. XL Scallop Aluminum Matte Black Cups Rain Chain. XL Scallop Copper Cups Rain Chain. XL Smooth Aluminum Cups Rain Chain.
Do copper rain chains tarnish?
How to clean copper rain chains? Copper rain chains can get tarnished with time due to the oxidizing process.
Are rain chains quiet?
Rain Chain Rather than flowing inside an enclosed gutter, the water moves beautifully down the length of the chain. The only noise this produces is the sound of rainfall—no drips or rattling whatsoever.
How do you divert water runoff from roof?
10 Gutter and Downspout Runoff Drainage Tips Inspect & Clear Out Your Gutters Regularly. Install Gutter Guards. Landscape Plants. Extend Your Downspouts. Route the Water into a Storm Drain or Dry Well. Improve Your Grading & Slope. Check for Low Spots Around Your Home. Consider Installing “french drains,”.
What is a Japanese rain chain?
Rain chains (Japanese: 鎖樋, kusari-toi or kusari-doi, literally “chain-gutter”) are alternatives to a downspout. Their purpose is largely decorative, to make a water feature out of the transport of rainwater from the guttering downwards to a drain or to a storage container.
How do you attach rain chain to roof?
Select a corner of your roof that sheds rainwater in a vertical stream. Drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket. Screw the eyehook into the soffit under the roof crease where you’ll hang your rain chain. Remove the handle from the bucket. Lay the metal rod across the bottom of the bucket.