FAQs All About Rain Chains

What's the most common way to collect and direct rainwater from the roof to the ground? If you guessed a gutter system, you're right.

Gutters are best known for their ability in directing rainwater away from a roof. When paired with a guard of some sort, you get a pretty good system that keeps excessive rainwater from running off and accumulating on your roof—depending on the type of roof you're dealing with, of course.

But, you also need a downspout to go with your gutter system and gutter guards.

Rain chains are an alternative downspout used to divert rainwater away from roofs. Although primarily popular in Japan, they're now used in various places around the world to divert and, sometimes, collect rainwater. Of course, they also have a decorative flair that make them irresistible as décor for the exterior of a home.

Today, many people in western parts of the United States need alternative ways to collect water for use on plants, landscapes and other necessities. Of course, what better way to introduce that alternative than using a rain chain? In this article, we're going to review a few frequently asked questions about rain chains.

Frequently Asked Questions ~ Rain Chains

Nowadays, there are alternative ways to direct rainwater away from a roof. Some of those alternatives are especially useful for collecting rainwater, particularly in regions where water conservation is important. The rain chain is one of those important alternatives—and, they're fast gaining popularity in various parts of the United States.

What are rain chains? How does a rain chain work?

Rain chains are simple devices by design. They're generally constructed as a linked series of metal cups, chained together by the bottom. Some, however, consist of an actual series of chain links that stretch out vertically.

When rainwater (or water from another source) runs off your roof, the water flows down from your gutter system and down a drain. You can also set a storage container at the foot of the rain chain to have the water collect there instead. The ease of collecting rainwater via a rain chain is what makes this alternative downspout popular in various places around the world.

Should I get a rain chain for my home? Why might I not need a rain chain for my home?

Rain chains might not suit homes in some parts of the United States, but they're becoming much more popular among homeowners in the western part of the country.

The rain chain allows homeowners to collect rainwater for various purposes, which comes in handy in drought-like conditions. Some homes may even fare better with a rain chain in place of a traditional downspout, particularly in cases where the homeowner outright prefers a rain chain to the former.

Rain chains also add considerable curb appeal to higher end or even modestly priced homes. Some of the most popular include elaborately styled cups and bells—the latter rings as the rain travels down each cup and into a catchment.

Some homes, however, might not do well with a rain chain. Rain chains, especially if they're not made from resilient materials, may break down faster than a traditional downspout. Rainwater does get heavy—and, if you live in rainy area, rainwater will be pouring down the rain chain on a semi-regular basis. The constant water weight is what wears down otherwise good rain chains.

You'll also need an effective water collection system that diverts water away from your home while safely storing the water in a reservoir for later use. This reason is why rain chains are excellent for homes in drier regions, such as those out in the west.

What are the best advantages of a rain chain? What should I look for if I plan to buy a rain chain for my home?

Of course, there are plenty of advantages that rain chains provide. To start, you can use them to collect rainwater. This is great for people who otherwise need to collect rainwater in drought-prone regions.

You can also use rain chains as a way to boost the value of your home. Rain chains come in various styles and finishes that can be customized to suit any home. One of the most unique things about rain chains is that some are musical—musical, as in, bell cup rain chains ring as rain collects in each cup. For some people, that's well worth the price of using a rain chain as their downspout.