Posts Tagged ‘Rain Chains’

Replace Your Ugly Gutters with Rain Chains

As numerous ancient Asian practices such as Feng Shui and meditation gain popularity in the western world, we are starting to discover that many ancient practices still offer great benefit today. One place that this is certainly true is in the practice of draining water from the roof of a home or structure using a device known as a rain chain. Made of a long ornate chain of small bells or other decorative items, these chains direct rain downward, much like a gutter, while creating a relaxing sound and offering a decorative touch that is simply beautiful.

Rain chains offer numerous benefits. Not only to they look and sound peaceful, but they prevent mud puddles by slowly dripping water rather than sending it pouring out of a downspout. The water can be fed onto the ground, into a plant container, or into a basin or barrel. These chains can also be placed at regular intervals along your gutter, allowing you to water an entire row of plants or simply divide the amount of water falling to the ground. The catch basin you choose to use can be functional or decorative, and will serve to prevent erosion around the base of the building caused by constant water drainage.

Another benefit to using a rain chain setup is that they are aesthetically pleasing. These chains are typically made of copper and can have a clear coat to keep them shiny or a decorative patina that offers different colors and patterns as the chains age. They can also be made in many different patterns, from standard chains to small bells, cups, or bowls. The water will glide from one part of the chain to the next, and the shape will prevent the chains from splashing onto your house or structure.

Employing rain chains on your gutters can be an excellent idea. These chains offer a beautiful décor that can spread out the downward flow of water so that it can be used to provide benefit. In addition, the sound that the chains make as the rain flows down them or as the wind blows through them is surprisingly calming. Your home and garden will benefit greatly from their installation, and you will find that they add a great sense of beauty and relaxation to the space. When seeking a unique décor for the structure of your home that can help mitigate rain damage and add to the home’s beauty, these chains are simply ideal choices.

How to Install a Rain Chain

The rain chain is a unique form of water feature that serves a distinct purpose while also providing a practical function for your home. Originating in Asia, these chains install on your existing gutters in the place of a downspout to provide a place for water to flow downward and into a drain or container. These chains are usually quite decorative and can come in numerous designs, though the most common and popular is typically a chain of small copper pots.

Installing rain chains can be surprisingly easy. Most chains will come with an attachment that allows them to be easily attached to your existing gutters. The piece sits over the hole in your gutter and will direct the flow of water directly down and onto the chain. The chains are also equally easy to move or to remove if needed.

If you seek to put a rain chain in an area where there is not currently a downspout or hole, you will find that the task can still be easily accomplished. Using a circle cutter attachment for a standard drill, you can simply cut a small hole in the drill that will fit the hook or attachment piece on your chain. The chain can then be easily fit into place and will work to drain water. Many people choose to use these decorative pieces directly over potted plants or small gardens as an efficient means of irrigation. Planter boxes are especially well served by a properly placed rain chain.

When you are installing your chains, one thing that you will certainly want to do is to use a garden hose to test them. An improperly seated chain will not direct the flow of water downward, which will detract from the cosmetic benefit of the chain and can interrupt proper water drainage. If this occurs with your chain, bending the attachment piece slightly will allow you to seat it at the proper angle so that water will flow downward. When the chain is properly installed, water will flow down each pot or link in a perfect line, creating a beautiful visual effect and draining the water directly below the end of the chain.

Rain chains are certainly beautiful decorative pieces and can provide a wonderful and functional water feature for your home. The installation of these chains is quite simple and can be performed in a matter of minutes. When seeking to install your chains, taking the time to ensure proper alignment will result in a unique form of rain drainage that can add a great deal of beauty to any space.