It is All About the Installation One disadvantage of using rain chains over gutter downspouts for your rain gutters is that if they aren't installed properly, they can lead to excess water around your home's foundation.
While rain chains are a great way to collect rainwater in a water butt, or redirect rainwater to flowerbeds, they are not efficient enough on their own to remove water from your roof. Therefore, it is not advised to completely replace your drainage system, especially if you live in an area with heavy rainfall.
Depending on how much rain you get, a rain chain might not be efficient. You might end up with a more condensed torrent, dropping at a fast rate into one very small area. That will cause a whole host of problems like dirt splashing up, a crater being formed, worst case scenario a minor flood.
Inadequate Drainage: The amount of water that a rain chain can handle is limited compared to traditional downspouts, which can affect drainage capacity during heavy rains.
Do I need to anchor the bottom of my rain chain? Yes, we recommend anchoring your rain chain to the ground.
You can choose to purchase an anchor so the rain chain will be secure to the ground, but in most cases, is not necessary. Place some stones or a potted plant at the base of the chain to handle the initial impact of the rainwater falling off the chain.
Rain chains can be used without gutters, but they do depend upon a vertical water source to function most efficiently. If water is arching off the roof, the chain may or may not catch or transport all of the water in both light and heavy rainfall conditions.
Hanging a rain chain in the front entryway is an excellent choice as it will be visible from the road, adding curb appeal to your home. Additionally, the front entryway often has good drainage, ensuring efficient water flow down the chain. For a symmetrical look, consider using two rain chains.
Rain chains can freeze over in the winter. Normally this does not cause any problems and can be quite beautiful. However, some attention must be paid to both the amount of ice that is gathering on the chain and the length of the chain. As both lengths and amount of ice increases, so does the weight on the chain.
Using a rain barrel with your rain chain
It's a very sustainable way to spend less on water and grow your own food right in your backyard! Using a rain chain to drain water from your gutters is a very decorative and creative way to collect rainwater too.
However, rain chains can't control large amounts of water properly, especially if there is a wind blowing. That wind flings the water off the rain chain in a wide arc in an uncontrolled fashion. This can stain siding, gradually wash away foundations, and make the doors and windows dirty all over again.
Yes, you can use a rain chain without a gutter, but you do want your rain chain to be able to capture enough water to be able to function.
Stake It to The Ground
The simplest way to anchor your rain chain to the ground is by using an Anchor Stake or Anchor Pin. These stakes provide a single point on the ground for you to attach your rain chain to. They come with some extra accessory chain to get the perfect fit.
Rain chains (Japanese: 鎖樋, kusari-toi or kusari-doi, literally "chain-gutter") are alternatives to a downspout. They are widely used in Japan. 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.
Downspouts are the more traditional route. They are more effective and can handle more water, which makes them the best choice for areas with heavy rainfall. Rain chains may not be as effective, but they add more beauty to your home, as they are typically made with stylish designs.
Gutter Vacuum: Gutter vacuuming allows the user to clean out gutters safely from the ground without the need for ladders or other access equipment. Some gutter cleaning systems can reach gutters up to 40ft high, which is ideal for cleaning out gutters on two, three, and four storey buildings.
It is important to note that some types of roofing may not need gutters. Roofs that have significant overhang will direct water away from the house regardless, which means your home is less likely to need gutters.
Drainage rocks
An alternative way to secure your rain chain is by anchoring it with drainage rocks at the bottom. This is a great way to use a rain chain in your yard if you like to landscape with rocks. This is also a clever way to use harvested rainwater on your rock garden.
Best Rain Chain Materials
Copper - Copper is the most common material used to make rain chain systems due to its strength, durability, and classic style. As these pure Copper Rain Chain weather over time, they develop a rich, elegant patina.
Originating from Japan, rain chains are artistic alternatives to traditional downspouts. They are essentially a series of decorative cups or shapes chained together, which guide rainwater from your roof gutters down to the ground. When it rains, the water cascades down the chain to create a beautiful waterfall effect.
But, all situations are different, and for a rain chain to work without a gutter, the water would have to come down from the roof in a vertical manner to a point, such as a corner or valley of a house. The rain chain would have to be positioned or hung beneath the flow to act efficiently and catch the rainwater.
Rain Chains With No Gutters
One is to install a short gutter section, adding a hole at the end where you want your rain chain to hang. Another is to add a 90-degree corner leader head, which fits snugly into the area where two roofs intersect, like a corner of the house.