Known by the Japanese name “kusari doi”, the rain chain is a unique alternative for the downspout in a conventional gutter installation. This Japanese invention is both decorative and functional in nature. Normally water that flows through a rain chain is collected in a container or rain barrel for future use or for water harvesting purposes.
Rain Chains: A Definition
Rain chains are a progression of cups made of metal that are tied together with an outlet in each cup for the passage of water. Originating in Japan centuries ago, rain chains are the Asian version of a downspout. Because most rain chains are made of copper, they develop a patina over time that gives them an old-fashioned or antique finish.
Song for a Rainy Day
Any ordinary rainy day will become more melodious if you have a copper rain chain in your midst. Imagine listening to the soothing sound of the rain as well as watch the droplets cascade along the links and through ornate stylish copper cups. In Japanese history, rain chains were used to harvest water for later use. Rain chains not only decorate your landscape they provide an essential purpose as well. Why settle for the mundane look of a vinyl or aluminum downspout when you can add a decorative accent that provides the same function?
Gardening Decor
Besides replacing downspouts with rain chains, you can also use them in your garden. Suspend a rain chain over a ceramic pot or rain barrel among your calla lilies or daffodils. Not only are they a good drain when it rains, they are also useful in harvesting water in your garden for use there.
Wherever you want to place them or their particular use, they’re a very nice item in and around your property. Using a Japanese rain chain can make any stormy day much more inviting.
Low Maintenance
The Japanese rain chain is an appealing item that is low maintenance as well. Besides removing a small amount of leaves, you won’t have to do too much in the way of care especially in the case of copper. Over time, the copper will develop a blue-green patina that will give it an antique look which will even add more to its already agreeable aspect.
Shopping for Rain Chains
You can buy rain chains, direct on the Internet. The cups of the chains come in a variety of styles and several materials. Besides the copper rain chain, you can choose from brass, iron or aluminum. A copper rain chain is a long-lasting item. Its weight is light and it’s durable. In addition it doesn’t corrode as some metals do or rust like aluminum or iron will. Most rain chains are about 8 feet, 6” in length. Cups come in a myriad of shapes and designs and include copper varieties as – slotted square cups, square cups, calla lily cups, flared cups, bells, scallop cups, and ribbed cups.
Positioning Rain Chains
Find a select corner of your house or position rain chains at each corner where a downspout would normally be situated. They will easily attach to the gutter. Water rushing through rain chains can be likened to the soft streaming waters of a fountain. It is very soothing to listen to this harmonious flow of water on a rainy day. No more hearing the fury of water coursing through a downspout. Not only can they serve to direct the water away from your house when it rains, rain chains can be used to direct the flow to other areas of your yard if you so choose.
Other Materials
Chains come in several materials besides the primary material of copper. Usually brass will darken over time while aluminum will maintain its silver color although it will acquire small pits of oxidation on its exterior. Copper will darken and acquire its blue-green patina.
Link vs. Cup Designs
You can use rain chains in cold as well as hot weather. There is a style especially created for your geographic area. If you’re wondering, rain chains can handle a large quantity of water running over their links and from their series of cups. Probably link designed chains are the best representation of original Japanese rain chains. On rainy days, water will spatter more as it goes through rain chains made of this style than when water is running through cup style rain chains. Therefore, because water has a tendency to splash more when the link style is used, probably a cup design is more appropriate if you want to place rain chains near windows, doors or walking paths. Link designs have simple lines and an open look. They are versatile as they work out well in pastoral settings as well as with a more modern motif. The Zen loop and double loop links look the closest to the Japanese version.
Cup styles act as channels and are more effective when it comes to the flow of water. Even during heavy rains, cup styles do not splash to any significant degree so they have versatility when it comes to placement. Cups are available in many styles and themes.
Simple Installation
To attach rain chains to your guttering, use an attachment piece inserting it into the hole where the downspout once was set and voila you rain chain is connected to the gutter. Depending on the length of rain chain you purchased, you may need to shorten it depending on your personal preference.
Potential Drawbacks
In some cases it’s a good idea to anchor rain chains down in severely windy conditions. Some retailers provide copper dishes that catch the water and provide loop attachments to affix the chain to the bowl. There may be a little problem with excess weight on the chain in icy conditions. Still, most people comment on the crystal beauty of the links on sunny, icy days.
Rain chains are a wonderful way to decorate the outside of your home. Take some time to shop the Internet. You’ll find a design that will make any rainy day suddenly become cheery and bright.