Advantages And Disadvantages Of Rain Chains
Posted on: 22 November 2017
Rain chains are an alternative installation of your roof that takes the place of traditional gutter downspouts. Rain chains are made out of multiple containers that are formed into a single long chain, each of which drains into the container below. This creates a decorative and functional way for water to be moved out of your gutter system and into the ground of your yard. Because of their unique structure, there are a few distinct advantages and disadvantages associated with rain chains. Understanding what those pros and cons are can help you figure out whether or not rain chains are the right fit for your home's needs.
Advantages of Rain Chains
Aesthetic Appeal: The main draw of installing rain chains in your yard over traditional gutter downspouts is the fact that they look much better. They can be made out of a wide range of different materials and often have decorative patterns and designs implemented right into their structure. Further, some models of rain chains even make noise, similar to wind chimes, as water passes through them, making them a great design option for your yard.
Ease of Installation: Another key advantage of rain chains is that they are extremely easy to install: all you have to do is hang them right underneath your gutter system, which can be done in a matter of minutes with no special tools, which can help cut down on labor costs associated with your roof.
Disadvantages of Rain Chains
Flow Limit: One of the most significant disadvantages of rain chains, when compared to traditional downspouts, is the fact that they can become overwhelmed during periods of heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding and erosion in the area surrounding the base of the chain. This means that rain chains are really only ideal for areas that receive light amounts of rainfall throughout the year.
Flow Direction: Similar to the above points, one of the major disadvantages of rain chains is that they cannot direct water away from your home, which means that water will drain into the soil near the foundation of your home, which can raise the risk of flooding and water damage. While you can mitigate this risk by having your rain chains flow into a rain barrel or through landscaping design around the base of your home, it is still something to keep in mind when considering purchasing a rain chain.
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