When you are looking for something unique to decorate with, you often don’t think of your home’s rain gutters. But, ever since the lowly rain gutter got the help from these little marvels, those ideas have changed. Now, rain chains are helping homeowners with a variety of decors and designs benefit from this simple application. So, what are they?
Simple, rain chains are interlinked pieces of artwork that form a downspout for your rain gutter. They are sometimes referred to as Japanese rain chains because they were first made in that country. Classically, they were made using rings and interlinked together in a variety of ways to form interesting looped features. That is how the name rain ‘chains’ came into being. Now, you can find these ‘chains’ in any number of styles from hummingbirds, teacups, flowers and other whimsical designs.
What they all have in common is their features. Well, their main feature, in any event. They work instead of having a downspout on your gutter system. These can be used with a variety of guttering systems from traditional to the more modern seamless gutters as well. In fact, they look really nice when paired with a more elegant seamless copper gutter.
When there is a heavy rain, these beautiful designs will divert the water down from the gutter into an area where the chain falls. The water just flows over the pieces of the chain and splatters a bit around it. With this type of design, it is quite friendly for landscape elements to be placed nearby. The look and design of this simple piece will help to accentuate the look of any plain gutter. They often come in 10’ lengths, but can be linked together to form longer ones. You could always remove some links to shorten as well. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new rain chains as much as we do.