Chain Downspouts

Chain downspouts – it’s a term that is not very familiar to many people. Our business is not just selling them; we also do our best to educate our clients on what they are, how they work, and the benefits of owning one or several. Once you learn about them, we hope that you will want to get one or more for yourself!

Chain downspouts actually originated centuries ago in ancient Japan (they are called kusari-doi there). The people of that era were very in tune with the elements, so they came up with this concept that is pleasing to both the eye and the ear. At the same time, they discovered that their new ornament was also surprisingly functional. It was a great way for the rain to get from the roof of the house to the ground. The new item quickly spread around the country, and is still popular there today.

Here in the US, we are doing our best to replace traditional “boring” downspouts with the much more interesting chain downspouts. Most homes today still have the standard type that is enclosed, concealing the sight and sound of the water. Granted, those downspouts do operate efficiently; the water travels that eight or ten foot distance quickly, and soaks into the ground below without any problems. But that system offers only function, not beauty.

When we demonstrate our chain downspouts to someone for the first time, the first reaction is almost always the same: a smile. Then there are some common questions that are asked:

Will it be too heavy to hang from my gutter?

The answer to that is simply no. Remember, your gutter is designed to hold the weight of several gallons of water. In comparison, chain downspouts weigh less than what a single gallon of water weighs.Installation is easy - just see how!

Will the copper change to green over time? Will it rust?

That’s a great question. There are some “imitation” chain downspouts that are made from steel because it is cheaper to manufacture. They are then covered with a thin copper plating – this is an invitation to rust. Don’t be fooled!

Every copper rain chain in our product line is made of the highest quality pure 100% copper, which is why we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. Over time, the appearance will transform from shiny copper to a wonderful brown patina. Rain chains purchased from us will never rust – we guarantee it.

Does it matter where chain downspouts are hung?

There are some factors to consider when deciding the best location for your new home ornament.

First, consider the effect of splashing. If hung too close to a walkway or porch, those passing by might find themselves getting a bit wet during a heavy rain. In general, the ones made of just the copper loops linked together tend to be the “splashiest” – for a location with foot traffic nearby, chain downspouts that use cups might be more appropriate. They can handle the flow of water more easily as it is funneled from the top to the bottom.

Second, it’s nice to have a spot where it can be easily seen. If you have a window near where your gutter drains, that could be an ideal spot. This would allow you to “see the show” up close, but without getting wet. You might even be able to open the window a bit and enjoy the sound of the water as well.

Do I need to anchor the bottom end?

The end of the rain chain can be anchored in various ways, but that is really just a personal preference rather than a necessity. It can swing freely unless you live in an area that is exceptionally windy. As an alternative, you can hang it into a barrel to collect the rainwater, or you can use one of our copper basins. Both of these options prevent the rain from hitting the ground directly.

Installation is very easy – each one comes with a gutter attachment hook that snaps right in place with no problem. Once you have done that, you’re finished with installation – it’s that easy!

Chain downspouts are becoming more and more widely used because of their beauty and functionality. We are very happy to play a part in replacing “traditional” downspouts with this much more interesting alternative. Our products are designed to last many lifetimes, they are environmentally friendly, and we can’t think of a better way to enhance the appearance of your home!

Questions about Rain Chains? Visit our "FAQ" page.

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