Water chains can never handle the heavy rains and the downspouts mainly because they fail with strong water flow.

In areas with regular, heavy rainfall, every inch of rain that falls on a 1,000-square-foot roof can generate 600 gallons of water. In regions of heavy snow, there are usually no horizontal gutter pipes along the eaves of buildings - they would be smashed or pushed off by freezing and thawing and by the weight of snow sliding down the roof. Likewise, it is rare to find tiled roofs in such regions for similar reasons, melt water would penetrate beneath the edges of tiles and subsequent freezing would shatter them or pop them off. Modern relatively maintenance-free metal roofs meet these challenges, as did the cedar bark, shingle, or thatched roofs of the past - although they required regular maintenance. The shuro-nawa type of rain chain can still be found at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, next to the entrance of a house historically resided by each generation’s leader of Mitsui family, each successor inheriting the name Hachiroemon Mitsui.According to Kantor, rain chains typically weigh between 5 and 9 pounds. Aluminum rain chains are typically lighter, and are a great choice if you’re looking for a longer rain chain. On the other hand, if you’re living in an area where there is often heavy rainfall, you may be better off going for a heavier, more durable copper rain chain. The Japanese invented rain chains to collect and direct run-off into basins. While many today have incorporated the rain chain into the rainwater harvesting system, the traditional means of allowing the water to collect into a small basin was used for spiritual and auditory purposes, not for rain harvesting. Despite their different materials and styles, the molding of rain chains in Japan today is still being done by hand using copper. First up, our neutral, floral, and stunning lily cup rain chain. This piece features a flamed metal finish for a goes-with-everything, metallic look that only gets more beautiful with age.

Because it’s so slim, it likely won't work well in the event of a heavy downpour. Other than that, if you’re looking for a playful design and a way to efficiently direct water flow to the ground, it could be the best rain chain for you. As your rain chain ages, it might show signs of a patina that actually lends character to its already unique aesthetic. How Do I Install My Rain Chain?Rain chains are a beautiful and functional alternative to traditional downspouts. They guide rainwater from the gutter system to the ground along chains, cups or other designs, which creates an aesthetically pleasing effect. MEASUREMENTS - 8-1/2 feet long. Figure dimensions - 2-1/2 inches wide x 9 inches high. Our figures are the largest in the industry, which will ensure all water is diverted away from your home. Rain chains work in a very simple, but effective, manner. They consist of either vertical chain links or a series of cups made out of metal - traditionally copper (which of course oxidises into pretty aquamarine tones), but also in more contemporary metals like steel and aluminium. The downside is that it’s lightweight, meaning it’s probably not the best rain chain for stormier climates. Still, it should be totally sufficient for moderate rain storms. And the biggest upside is that, since it’s so affordable, you can likely buy several for your home and still stay within budget.

Another important factor when choosing your rain chain is the height of the chain. If you are using it as a part of your RWH system, then the ideal height for the rain chain would be that height which allows it to comfortably sit in or anchor to your cistern or barrel. If the rain chain is not being used as a component of a rainwater harvesting system, then it is also important to secure your rain chain on the ground to ensure efficiency Storing Rain Water Each loop measures 2 inches in diameter. You can choose different lengths between 6 and 20 feet. Custom sizes are also available for an additional cost per foot. Just be aware that prices also fluctuate depending on the rain chain material, with copper and stainless steel being the most expensive. MEASUREMENTS - 8-1/2 feet long. Chain link dimensions - 6-1/2 inches wide x 7 inches high. Our chain links are the largest in the industry, which will ensure all water is diverted away from your home.MEASUREMENTS - 8-1/2 feet long. Double link dimensions - 6 inches wide x 6 inches high. Our double links are the largest in the industry, which will ensure all water is diverted away from your home. MEASUREMENTS - 8-1/2 feet long. Cup dimensions - 3-1/4 inches wide x 3 inches high. Our cups are the largest in the industry, which will ensure all water is diverted away from your home. In regions with heavy rain, different approaches are necessary. Here the need to channel water off the roof and away from the building is necessary and may also involve the gathering and conservation of water for later use. In warmer, and wetter, regions of Japan, rain may fall as a gentle misting of water droplets, it may fall heavily, and sometimes seemingly endlessly in large drops during the annual rainy season (tsuyu), or it may pound down with a fearsome force in apparent rods of wind forced water, especially when typhoon driven. Because of their nature, they cannot endure strong winds where a nice regular downspout has a significantly better chance to withstand what windy challenge Rain barrels usually come with a faucet and hose attachment at the bottom of the barrel. That way the water can be used on the garden or just drained away from the house.

Depending on the area in which you are and the volume of water you plan to harvest, having a cistern or other storage tank to store harvested rainwater is highly recommended. Depending on the type of rain chain you plan to use, your storage tank can be a barrel, galvanized tub, or stone drum with a hose inserted for easy use. Location Rain chains transform a plain downspout into a pleasing water feature creating beautiful curb appeal to your outdoor space. Like downspouts, rain chains prevent water from just falling out of a hole in your gutters and onto the ground, which can cause erosion and splashing. Instead, they break water flow and create a softer, more streamlined landing.

Shop Areas

The rain chain weighs 3 pounds and comes with a sturdy hook and stake to anchor it into the ground. You can choose from a variety of colors including gold, blue, cyan, and green. Several users do note that while the cups and links are wrought iron, the chain and clips appear to be made of a weaker metal, and may not be ideal for windy climates.