5 Benefits of Installing Rain Chains in Your Home Exterior
Rain Chains are becoming an attractive home exterior design choice. They effectively direct water from the gutters to the ground. Try adding a rain chain to add a mystical and elegant element to your outdoor space.
These decorative chains have efficiently replaced traditional downspouts. They transform a functional element of your gutter system into a soothing water feature. Our team has all the necessary information on rain chains. Learn about rain chains and the types available in our Gutter Downspout Alternative 2024 guide.
This blog will provide “5 Benefits of Installing Rain Chains in Your Home Exterior” to enhance the ambiance of your outdoors. Also, learn how to maintain your roofs effectively with our “Key Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Gutters.”
What Is a Rain Chain?
A Rain Chain, known as a kusari doi, originated in Japan hundreds of years ago. You can often see these ornaments hanging outside residences and temples. It is one of the most innovative ways to save and manage the water of rain. It has been in the architectural practice of Japan for centuries. These chains are made of links or small containers that hang from the gutter down to the ground.
These rain chains guide rainwater in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In modern days, the rain chain has become a decorative outdoor feature that attaches to a gutter. Its primary purpose is to direct rainwater to the ground or a water-harvesting container. They have become a functional alternative to traditional downspouts to keep water away from roofs and foundations. These rain chains also add charm to a home's exterior.
Different Types of Rain Chains
Below, we have explained two primary types of available rain chains:
Link-style Rains Chains:
Linke-style is the fundamental type of rain chain. It is available in various designs to suit your preferences, including oval, twist, rectangular, and fleur-de-lis. These rain chains are made from Silver, gold, copper, and oil-rubbed bronze. They come in various color choices, such as black, white, and copper. Many are constructed using lightweight aluminum or stainless steel, often featuring a powder-coated or copper-plated finish. A link-style rain chain is suitable if your area doesn't experience heavy rainfall.
Cup style Rain Chains
Cup-style is a more traditional designation for Rain Chains. This type of rain chain can handle a higher volume of water compared to cupless options. Cup rain chains are crafted using the same high-quality materials and finishes. They come in various designs, including round, square, conical, scalloped, or triangular cups. East Asia's natural beauty and architectural styles often inspire these designs. The cups resemble honeysuckle, calla lilies, koi, or a Japanese pagoda.
5 Effective Tips to Transform Your Home's Exteriors with Rain Chains
Do you want to make your outdoors look more elegant and aesthetically pleasing? Then, let us help you. Below, we have provided you with five benefits of installing rain chains in your Home's Exteriors:
1. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
The first benefit of Rain chains that attracts people towards it is that they are very aesthetically pleasing. Not only are they functional, but they also increase the visual appeal of your home. They are unique and beautiful additions that enhance the beauty of any home exterior.
They come in various designs and materials, such as copper, aluminum, and brass. Consider installing a rain chain in your yard to give your outdoors a unique and charming look. The unique designs and the calming sound of water flowing down the chains will create a tranquil outdoor space where you can relax.
2. Sustainable Watter Management
Another thing that attracts people to rain chains is the eco-friendly elements. This ancient architectural technique has been used for centuries to manage rainwater. If you love sustainability-themed home decor, then this is the best choice you can make. These chains elegantly direct water into the ground, contributing to a more sustainable water management system.
You can add customized elements such as creative ponds, barrels, or gardens to drain water. This addition can decrease the water volume in storm drains, alleviating the burden on local water treatment facilities. In addition, rain chains are frequently crafted from recycled materials, making them a sustainable choice that supports a circular economy and helps minimize environmental harm.
3. Easy Maintenance
Another benefit of these rain chains is that they are low-maintenance. They do not require proper cleaning or repair sessions that take an extra buck out of your pocket. In addition, the simplicity of rain makes an effort to clean them. These rain chains are made from high-quality materials resistant to clogging and rust. Moreover, the structure of these Gutter Downspouts makes them very easy to install and can be done without any specialized tool, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your choice.
4. Versatility
Rain chains possess the remarkable ability to adapt to a wide range of climates, making them highly appealing. They perform effectively in various weather conditions, including rain and snow. They are an excellent fit for various home designs, ranging from contemporary to classic.
Adding rain chains is possible for any building equipped with a gutter system. You have the freedom to customize them to match your style and preferences. Whether you have a quaint cottage or a bustling commercial building, they can be customized to suit any atmosphere.
5 Increased Property Value
Rain chains are the most economical way to increase the curb appeal of your place. They come in many designs, colors, and materials. You can add enhanced feature themes like hearts, watering cans, or lilies to complement your home's architectural style.
These downspout gutter alternatives add a unique decorative element to your outdoors, enhancing the value of your property. This artistically enhancing feature can become a Unique Selling Point for your house. A well-maintained rain chain system can attract more potential home buyers.
Tips To Successfully Install Rain Chains
If you want a more stylish and functional way to manage rainwater runoff from your roof, consider installing a rain chain outdoors. Below, we have provided some pro tips to make your rain chain installation easy:
- Choose the Right Location: The first and most important thing to do before starting your rain chain installation is to Identify the right place. Professionals suggest installing a rain chain in the position where water flows naturally. Rain chains are best in areas sheltered from strong winds to prevent them from swinging excessively.
- Prepare the Gutter: Remove the Downspout. Take out the existing downspout where the rain chain will be installed. Ensure that the gutter and downspout opening are clear of debris to allow smooth water flow onto the rain chain. If your gutter has no pre-existing hole, you may need to drill one or use a rain chain adapter for easy installation and a clean look.
- Install the Rain Chain: Use the hardware to attach the rain chain to the gutter or roof. Ensure it's securely fastened to handle the weight of water. The rain chain should hang straight down, reaching close to the ground or a water basin. You may need to add or remove links to achieve the right length.
- Ground Preparation: Place a drainage basin, rock bed, or decorative water feature directly beneath the rain chain. This prevents erosion and helps manage the water runoff. If you live in a windy area, anchor the bottom of the rain chain to prevent swaying.
- Test the Setup: Pour water from a hose onto the roof or gutter to test the flow along the rain chain. Ensure the water flows smoothly down the chain and drains appropriately at the bottom.
- Maintenance: Regular Cleaning keeps the rain chain and gutters clean of debris. This ensures continuous, smooth water flow and prevents clogs. Over time, check the rain chain for any signs of rust, wear, or damage, and repair or replace parts as needed.
- Aesthetic Considerations: Complement Your Home: Choose a rain chain that matches your home's exterior in color and style. Enhance the Landscape: Integrate the rain chain into your garden or landscape design, using plants or stones to enhance its appearance.
Conclusion
Rain Chains have become a popular option for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home's exterior. They efficiently guide water from the gutters to the ground. Consider incorporating a rain chain to bring a touch of enchantment and sophistication to your outdoor area. These decorative chains have become a popular alternative to traditional downspouts. They turn a practical part of your gutter system into a calming water feature.
Our team has all the information you need about rain chains. Discover all you need to know about rain chains and the different options presented in our comprehensive Gutter Downspout Alternative 2024 guide. Discover seven practical tips to elevate the look of your home's exteriors using rain chains. These simple yet effective ideas will help you create a more inviting outdoor space. Ask us for an estimate to find the most trusted gutter contractors for installation and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the point of a rain chain?
Ans: The purpose of a rain chain is to direct water from your gutters to the ground.
Q2. What do you need to install a rain chain?
Ans: Some of the equipment needed to Rain chain drill includes a 2-inch hole saw, two 1.5-inch PVC pipes, one 1.5-inch PVC elbow, a yardstick, a handsaw, a planter or planter box, soil, and plants.
Q3. What should I put at the bottom of a rain chain?
Ans: A stone-filled ceramic or terracotta pot is placed at a rain chain's bottom.
Q4. Where do rain chains originate?
Ans: Rain chains were where they originated In Japan and have been used for hundreds of years.
Q5. How long does a rain chain need to be?
Ans: The standard 8.5' length of rain chain ranges from 5-7 pounds.