Rain chains are alternatives to a downspout. Their purpose is largely to direct water or to make a water feature out of the transport of rainwater from the guttering downwards to a drain or to a storage container. courtesy/wikipedia
What you need to know:
When it rains and the wind blows, the rain chains, which resemble a mini-waterfall, give out beautiful music chimes. They also create a magnificent cascading water feature as rainwater playfully dances and flows through these handcrafted channels.
A heavy downpour can potentially cause soil erosion in the garden thereby depriving it of its natural mineral resources. While gutter downspouts might seem ideal for controlling rain water that runs off the roof, with time, they could clog the spouts and become difficult to maintain.
Moreover, water running off the roof can sometimes give an irritating dripping and echo sound that could deny you sleep, especially if the gutters are installed next to the bedroom window.
Rain chains are a beautiful yet functional alternative to downspouts. They are a decorative alternative to a cheerless gutter downspout. While their purpose is largely decorative, most of them do help mitigate the effects of urban water run-off.
When it rains and the wind blows, the rain chains, which resemble a mini water fall, give out beautiful music chimes. They also create a magnificent cascading water feature as rainwater playfully dances and flows through these handcrafted channels.
Aesthetic
They are also aesthetically functional in the dry season. They work by adding to the visual interest at the garden by blending with the plantation instead of having long chain links hanging in the corner of your home. Many of us see these chains but probably do not know their function.
Originally from Japan, rain chains have gained popularity throughout the world over time as they are a green choice. They are regarded as green since they encourage the storage of rain water which can later be used for watering the lawn or even to make a pond in the garden.
Remember that you need a drainage system below the chain to direct rain water so that it does not make the garden soggy. Options for the drainage systems include a buried drain, a water feature, a French drain or a large barrel for rainwater reclamation.
It could even flow into a small pool where birds can quench their thirst. This run-off water is also a great way to have a water fall in your garden without relying on the council’s piped water which you have to pay for.
Normally, rain water will drain from the roofs gutters onto smaller rocks at the bottom end of the chains. Alternatively, the water can be directed to a barrel or rain catchment pebble fountains placed in the garden.
In yesteryears, these chains were exclusively made of copper since it does not rust and acquires a wonderful patina over time. Besides, copper is the world’s most reusable resource and its recycling rate is higher than of any other engineering material.
In recent years, however, gardeners have discovered other recycled materials that can be used to make these chains. Binder clips or standard chains make perfect alternatives. “These are available in the household or hardware stores at affordable prices,” says Edwin Mwangi from Eden Gardening and Landscaping Limited.
Cascades
Depending on your taste and preference, the design of the chains can differ from the link designs, styled cup designs to the floral ones.
The cup designs have a hollow bottom enabling water to cascade from cup to cup as it is guided beautifully down to the ground. You can also have the cascades from small, shaped flower pots.
Link designs are the simplest to make and install. You can manipulate the shape of the chains into oval, circle, rectangle or tear-shape, depending on your liking.
The floral types could resemble flower petals from lilies, to roses to tulips. The end product is a chain extending from the rooftop gutter to the ground that helps direct rain water but also looks attractive.
“If you are in doubt about how to attach the chains from the gutter to the ground, a handyman can help out,” says Mwangi, whose company fits these chains on gutters. Virtually any home, whether traditional or contemporary, can stand out when installed with the sleek designs of rain chains as they complement outdoor decor.
Choose a location that is visible to place the chains. The entrance to your garden is a great choice as the items appear ornamental and meld effortlessly into the entire landscape.
Consider anchoring the chain to keep it in place if you are worried about high winds that may interfere with its efficiency. Be sure to inspect it regularly along with the gutters for issues that might inhibit its performance.
Pooling water
While thinking about where to install the rain chains in your garden, it is critical to ensure that they divert water away from the house to prevent damage to its foundation.
You could use catch basins to keep water from your foundations, and then create a system to empty the water to your garden manually. Use mosquito repellant biscuits to discourage breeding of the insects so close to your house.
An improperly installed rain chain can lead to pooling water around the foundation of the house which will contribute to humidity and mold. In addition, high moisture levels create environments that promote insect breeding which you need to avoid around the home.
If you live in a high wind area, rain chains may not be such a wise choice for you since they can fail to serve effectively. In this case, what you need is a gutter drainage that directs water from the roof down to a tank or garden pond away from the house.
