What Are the Benefits of Rain Chains vs. Downspouts?

When water pools where it’s not supposed to, it’s a headache for any homeowner. This is especially the case if water collects on the ground near your home’s foundation. This phenomenon could compromise your home’s structural integrity, so it needs to be mitigated. Gutter systems featuring downspouts and rain chains are a few ways to do that.

You might know what a downspout is, but what is a rain chain? Do rain chains work as well as downspouts? Read on to learn more.

What’s the difference between a rain chain and a downspout?

Both rain chains and downspouts are mechanisms designed to transport water away from your home after it collects in the gutters. A downspout, as the name suggests, is a metal tube connected to the gutter that travels downward and has a piece of metal attached to the end which allows water to run out and away from your home and its foundation.

What is a rain chain? Rain chains originated in Japan, and they’re an aesthetically pleasing alternative to downspouts. They come in a variety of different designs, from literal chains to several interconnected cups or buckets that allow water to cascade down and be moved away from your home. They’re often made of copper or a copper facsimile to account for the rain and weathering to which they’ll be subjected.

Do rain chains work as well as downspouts?

For the most part, yes. The only exception is if you live in a climate that routinely receives heavy rain. In that case, you may want to use a hybrid system involving both a downspout and a rain chain. The downspout can transport the water to the rain chain, and it can be sent away once it reaches the rain chain.

What are some of the main benefits of rain chains over downspouts?

As we touched on before, many homeowners enjoy rain chains because of their beauty. They’re inherently customizable, and you can easily find a shape or color that fits your home’s unique style.

Rain chains also convey a sense of peace and serenity, and are often used in gardens for this reason. In addition, many rain chains make noise as they’re transporting water. These sounds can be relaxing and soothing, which is an effect you wouldn’t get if you simply used a downspout.

They’re also natural. Rain chains mimic the natural flow of water, allowing it to fall, consolidate and trickle downhill until it reaches the ground. It’s not unlike a lake or river feeding into a waterfall.

Are there any disadvantages to using rain chains?

Unfortunately, there are. Rain chains can’t hold as much water as downspouts, and they’re less durable than downspouts. They can also cost more than downspouts, and depending on where you live, you may need to remove them during the winter months.

Call for gutter services today

Now that you know what a rain chain is and whether it works as well as a downspout, call the team at Gutter Master for all of your gutter-related needs. We offer a vast array of gutter services, ranging from gutter cleaning to gutter fabrication and even leaf guard installation. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Categorised in: Downspouts, Rain Chains

This post was written by Writer