QA

Quick Answer: What Are Rain Chains Used For

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.

Are rain chains effective?

A rain chain is an excellent way to divert rainwater away from your home, and they come with many advantages that you don’t get with a gutter downspout. Rain chains in Charleston, SC are not only more attractive, if installed correctly, they can work just as well as a downspout gutter system.

Where do you put rain chains?

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.

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.

Do you need a basin with a rain chain?

You don’t need to attach a rain barrel or basin to all of your rain chains. You can if you would like to, or you can only connect one or two. Using rain barrels is especially nice in hotter areas where there are water shortages. Basins are generally small and won’t collect as much water.

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.

Do rain chains cause flooding?

Meanwhile, bad drainage in the yard can create soggy, muddy spots, and if water is misdirected, it can upset a neighbor by flooding her property. Rain chains are less sturdy, and less high-capacity, than traditional downspouts. If you live in a high wind area, you might not be able to use rain chains.

Can a rain chain replace a downspout?

They don’t help you prevent erosion – which is the whole point of having a gutter system in the first place. Traditional rain chains use a small pot or catch basin to handle the water that travels down the chain. And we certainly wouldn’t recommend using them as a whole-home replacement for a normal downspout system.

Can I use regular chain for 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.

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.

How do you divert rain without gutters?

Most homes use regular gutters, you don’t have to use them.7 Alternatives to Gutters on Houses Rain Chains. Source: Hayneedle. Rain Dispersal Systems. Grading. Drip Edge. Ground Gutter or French Drain. Drip Path. Built-in Gutters.

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 you use a rain chain with gutters?

No. Although rain chains work best when attached to a rain gutter they can also be used wherever the water flows off of your roof, awning, or shed. It is helpful when the water flow is concentrated into the rain chain to maximize the function of the rain chain.

How do you install a rain chain without gutters?

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.

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 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.