Decorative rain chains replace downspouts and connect to gutters.
Rainwater running off the roof of a house presents a problem. The water needs to be directed away from the house to protect the structure while at the same time draining in a safe manner. Many homes use gutters and downspouts as a solution. Rain chains present an alternative. With proper drainage they divert rainwater while adding an attractive feature to a home. Does this Spark an idea?
History
The use of rain chains in Japan stretches back hundreds of years. They decorate homes and temples. Rain chains, known in Japan as "kusari doi," also are part of Japanese gardens. They have been popular in the United States since they were "discovered" during coverage of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan.
Function
Rain strikes the roof of a home and moves toward the edges. To prevent streams of water cascading off the roof, gutters are installed to catch the water. The captured water has to drain somewhere so downspouts attach to the gutters. Water flows through the downspout. Rain chains attach to gutters and replace downspouts. Water flows freely through a downspout; a rain chain breaks the flow into gentle movement making proper drainage easier.
Locations
When rain water reaches the end of a rain chain it is not a steady stream of water. The rain chain converts the water to slow easy drops. Proper drainage of rain water requires selection of desirable locations. An example of proper drainage can be rocks or pebbles. The water lands on the stones and then slowly is absorbed by the soil underneath. The purpose of drainage is to avoid standing water, protect the home or structure from water damage and avoid creating a stream bed or erosion of the existing soil.
Alternatives
Other options for drainage include the use of water collection devices like a decorative bowl. This option requires emptying the bowl as needed. Any method that breaks the fall of the water and prevents erosion of the underlying soil is suitable.
Tags: rain chain, attach gutters, proper drainage, Rain chains, rain water, replace downspouts