Rain chains attach to gutter downspouts to direct the flow of rainwater.
When it rains, the water collected on your home's roof usually runs into the gutters and through the downspouts to the ground. You can replace a partial curved downspout with a rain chain, which guides the water to the ground through a chain or fixtures on a chain. Rain chains are available in hundreds of styles and finishes. They provide function -- directing the water flow as a downspout does -- with the added pleasures of motion and sound. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place a ladder near the downspout. Climb the ladder and hold the top of the rain chain up to the downspout to judge the length. The bottom of the rain chain should be slightly above ground level for correct operation.
2. Mark the correct height on the downspout with a marker. Climb down the ladder and set the rain chain aside.
3. Climb the ladder. Cut the downspout on all four sides on the height mark, using a pair of tin snips. Pull the curved downspout off and set it aside.
4. Drill a hole completely through the downspout, about 1/2 inch from the bottom edge you cut. There will be a hole on each side of the downspout.
5. Insert one end of the rain chain hanger in the hole on the left side of the downspout. The hanger usually is a T-hook and is included with the rain chain.
6. Slide the other end of the hanger into the right-side hole in the downspout. Each side has a pin that protrudes through the holes on each side of the downspout to hold it in place. Attach the rain chain to the hanger.
Tags: rain chain, side downspout, chain hanger, Climb ladder, curved downspout