What is a Rain Chain?
Over a thousand years ago, rain chains or kusari-doi were invented in Japan. These decorative metal chains were created to divert water from the roofs of homes or temples. Besides their practical purpose, they also served as decoration, creating a gentle trickling sound during rainstorms that is highly important in Japanese Shinto culture.
In recent years, rain chains have still been used as a practical water feature. They make excellent alternatives to traditional downspouts, particularly in areas that receive less annual rainfall. Rain chains reduce rainwater pooling near a home’s foundation while offering a more visually appealing alternative to standard downspouts.
In this article:
- How Do Rain Chains Work?
- Benefits of Using a Rain Chain?
- Types of Rain Chains
- Rain Chain Maintenance Tips
- Rain Chain vs. Traditional Downspout
- Other Ways to Navigate Heavy Rain
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Rain Chains Work?
Rain chains function by allowing water to cascade down them like a miniature waterfall. These devices work because of surface tension. That surface tension guides rainwater down the chain, directing it away from the building’s foundation. Functionally, they are very similar to traditional downspouts, though they have their own unique benefits.
Benefits of Using a Rain Chain
- Aesthetic Appeal
- Enhances a home’s exterior with a decorative touch.
- Popular among those seeking a minimalist or Zen garden look.
- Available in a range of materials including copper, aluminum and brass
- Environmental and Functional Benefits
- Water conservation benefits (redirecting rainwater into rain barrels or garden beds).
- Gentle water flow helps prevent erosion compared to downspouts.
- Soothing Sounds
- Rain cascading down the chain creates a soothing, trickling sound.
- The sound of rain is known to create a relaxation response in your brain.
- Less Maintenance
- Rain chains generally need less cleaning than your downspouts
- They are less likely to clog with leaves or other gutter debris.
Types of Rain Chains
Cup-Style Rain Chains
Arguably the most-decorative style of rain chain, cup-style rain chains collect water in tiny cups as it glides down the chain. This style is believed to be the best because the cups allow for minimal splashing, which can be an issue for link-style chains. Cup-style rain chains are also preferable in areas with higher rainfall compared to link-style.
Link-Style Rain Chains
The simplest design, link-style rain chains, are just a series of chain links. They can come in a range of shapes like oval, square, or circle, some with double or triple links. Link-style rain chains are best for areas with less rainfall, as they tend to cause more splashing. However, they are also much more wind-resistant than cup-style chains.
Rain Chain Maintenance Tips
Just as with a traditional downspout, the connection point of your rain chain can still get clogged with debris like fallen leaves. This debris can prevent water from flowing freely down the chain. That’s why the most important maintenance task for a rain chain is to check for clogs. Other important maintenance tips include:
- Clean the chain every few months
- Remove the chain in the winter if you receive snowfall or ice to help prevent damage
- Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals on the chain
The best rain chain material for durability is aluminum. Aluminum is sturdy in various weather conditions and requires little upkeep to maintain its appearance. However, if you have a pure copper rain chain, understand that it will patina over time. Don’t try to remove the patina—this natural process protects the chain from corrosion.
Rain Chain vs. Traditional Downspout
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Rain Chains | • More aesthetically pleasing • Can direct water into gardens or water barrels effectively • Create a soothing sound • Require less maintenance • Offer more design customization |
• Not as effective at handling water in high-rainfall areas • Less durable than downspouts • Splashing may lead to erosion around windows, foundations, or siding • Not suitable for windy environments |
| Downspouts | • More durable in most weather conditions • Easier to install in many cases • Better at directing water away from the foundation • May be more cost-effective |
• Less aesthetically pleasing • Fewer customization options |
Rain Chain vs. Traditional Downspout: Cost
When comparing the cost of downspouts to rain chains, material choice plays a significant role. Copper is usually the most expensive metal for either rain chains or downspouts, while aluminum is the cheapest. However, vinyl or PVC downspouts provide an even more budget-friendly option.
Prices vary greatly, but here are some ideas of price ranges for rain chains and downspouts:
- Rain chains: $44 – $122 each
- Downspouts: $30 – $75 per downspout
- With drainage system: $150 – $350 each
Other Ways to Navigate Heavy Rain
While rain chains and downspouts are great for light and regular rain, they aren’t always effective when it comes to heavy rainfall.
Read more about how to help protect your home’s roof and foundation with gutter protection that’s built to last in our blog post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of a rain chain?
To purpose of a rain chain is to divert water away from the house or a building in a more aesthetic way. Some homeowners also use rain chains to direct water into a rain barrel or a garden, which is harder to do with a downspout system.
Do rain chains work well in heavy rain?
Yes, but not as effectively. Rain chains are best used in lighter rain because they can cause splashing. This splashing can damage windows and siding while also pooling water near the foundation. Although you can’t predict when a big storm will hit, rain chains are best for homes in areas with lighter showers.
What do you put at the bottom of a rain chain?
This depends on the preferences of the homeowner. Some people use drainage rocks or a planter to collect rainwater. Others position a rain barrel underneath the chain to collect the rainwater for future use. One landscaping tip is to create a garden bed near the rain chain and slope it downward to direct water flow.
Do rain chains make a sound?
All rain chains make sound during rainfall, but the type of sound varies based on the material and design. Cup-style chains will make a bell-tinging sound as the water drops between cups while other rain chains create a soft waterfall effect or a gentle metallic ringing.
Can rain chains be used in freezing temperatures?
Yes, you can leave rain chains up in the winter. Keep in mind, though, that they can collect ice and break if the weight becomes too much. If you live in an area that gets ice and snow, it’s best to take the chain down to help avoid damage.
