Rain chains are an alternative to downspouts. They date back to Japan, where ornate decorative chains called kusari-doi cascaded water down homes and businesses. In recent years, they’ve regained popularity as an appealing and eco-friendly way to direct roof water runoff.
Keep reading to learn how rain chains work, whether they’d be a good fit for your home, and how to install them.
How Do Rain Chains Work?
Rain chains serve the same purpose as gutter downspouts, moving water runoff from your roof away from your home. However, unlike the closed design of a downspout, they feature chain links or small cups extending from the roof to the ground.
As water from the gutters spills onto the rain chain, it follows the path of least resistance down the chain. Surface tension helps the water follow the path, directing it through the links or spilling over the cups to the ground below.
Unlike downspouts, rain chains slow down water runoff, reducing soil erosion. If you’re concerned about pooling water, you may need to use a rain barrel, french drain, water feature, or another way to collect rainwater so it doesn’t erode your home’s foundation and soil.
Rain Chain Designs and Materials
Rain chains come in various designs and materials, some more ornate than others. These are the most common options:
- Link style: These chains feature interlocking metal links that form a flexible chain. Common materials include copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel.
- Cup style: These models incorporate decorative copper, zinc, or powder-coated metal cups that collect and redirect water. As water flows down the chain, it cascades from one cup to the next.
- Wood and bamboo: Wood and bamboo options are traditional and more sustainable than alternatives but can warp over time. They also require extra maintenance to keep them in good condition.
- Hybrid chains: These chains combine metal links with decorative wood, bamboo, or metal cups for a more dynamic design.
Each design and material has its merits, but some are more durable than others. Metal remains a popular option because it withstands time and the elements and requires the least maintenance.
Rain Chains Vs. Traditional Downspouts
Rain chains are a beautiful alternative to downspouts, but they may not always function at the level a home needs. Consider the pros and cons before choosing rain chains for your home.
Pros
Rain chains have these advantages as a gutter alternative:
- Less maintenance: Rain chains don’t collect leaves or debris by design, so they typically require less maintenance.
- Quieter working: Rain chains are much quieter than the noise of water rushing through a downspout. They do still make a sound, but many consider it more soothing.
- Slower flow: Rain chains slow water flow, minimizing soil erosion.
Cons
You should also consider the drawbacks of rain chains compared to downspouts. These include the following:
- Less capacity: Rain chains may not handle heavy rainfall as effectively as traditional downspouts.
- Potential splashing: Improper placement can lead to water splashing near your home’s foundation.
- Winter concerns: You may need to remove the rain chains in winter to prevent ice buildup from weighing them down and causing damage.
- Less effective redirection: Unlike downspouts, rain chains don’t have a built-in system to guide water away from your foundation.
Do Rain Chains Require Gutters?
Rain chains rely on gutters to collect and redirect water runoff from the roof. They’re designed to hang below the gutters and catch water as it drains out. Using a gutter system with rain chains ensures proper drainage and maximizes your rain chain’s performance.
How To Install a Rain Chain
Installing a rain chain is a relatively simple project, and you can purchase kits from most big-box stores and online retailers.
Where To Put a Rain Chain
Before installing the rain chain, decide where you want to put it. Proper placement prevents water runoff from pooling around the foundation and landscaping. A professional can help you find the best placement for your property.
Ideally, you should place your rain chain underneath a gutter end cap or downspout so water from the gutters flows down the chain instead of somewhere else. Use a rain barrel to minimize splashing and avoid water pooling around your home.
Hanging and Securing the Chain
Once you select the perfect spot for your rain chain, you’ll need to hang and secure it to your home. Generally, it’s best to use gutter hooks as the upper anchor point and ground stakes or containers to secure the bottom.
Secure the chain firmly at both ends to prevent it from flailing in the wind. If it moves around too much, it could damage your home or loosen the gutter hook.
Getting Water Away From the House
While rain chains help decelerate water pouring from your gutters, they don’t escort it away from your home like downspouts. To avoid water damage and foundation issues, you could hang rain chains over rain barrels, containers, or planters.
Rain Chains in Heavy Rain and Winter
Rain chains can do a decent job in heavy rain, but cup-style models often work better than link models. However, when it rains so heavily that a torrent of water is pouring from your gutter system, the chain may reach its capacity, resulting in splashing and overflow.
Remove the rain chains in the winter. When melted snow and ice trickle off your roof and onto the chain, they can freeze and add weight, which may stress the upper anchor point.
FAQs About Rain Chains
What is the point of a rain chain?
Rain chains help channel water to water features, rain barrels, and landscaped beds to keep it from pooling around your foundation. They serve a similar purpose as downspouts but come in decorative styles, such as cup-style rain chains or copper rain chains that develop a beautiful patina over time.
What is the downside to a rain chain?
Rain chains have a few drawbacks, including their limited water capacity, susceptibility to freezing issues, limited durability, and splashing issues with improper placement.
What do you do at the bottom of a rain chain?
You can place various items at the bottom of a rain chain, including planters, flower pots, and rain barrels. You can direct water from a rain chain into water features, ponds, or down a slope away from your home.
Will a rain chain work without a gutter?
While rain chains can work without gutters, they won’t be able to redirect water from other parts of the roof. If the water arcs off the roof, they may be entirely ineffective, so you’ll need a drainage system on your roof, too.
Do rain chains work well in heavy rain?
Rain chains can work well in heavy rain when paired with gutters and a water collection system like a rain barrel. However, they may have splashback issues when the amount of water pouring down exceeds their capacity.
