Architectural Downspouts and Rain Chains

Rainchains are meant to be seen, not hidden around the corner

By Mark Ward Sr.

Industry Response by Mike Milliman

popular option, Japanese rain chains.

"Rain chains are a growing product line," says Mike Millman of GutterSupply. com, a materials supplier and online retailer based in Lake Bluff, Ill. "They’ve been used in Japan for more than a hundred years, and now rain chains have been introduced to the United

States."

The metal, usually copper, chains can replace a conventional downspout, as rain water cascades down a vertical series of cups or links. In addition to the visual display of cascading water, the action can produce a pleasant tinkling sound — compared to the clunky noise that emanates from enclosed downspouts.

Sales growth in rain chains, suggests Millman, dovetails with rising interest in Eastern concepts such as feng shui (literally "wind and water") or the ancient practice of placing objects and arranging space in harmony with the environment. Yet rain chains also offer some pragmatic benefits as well to both installers and homeowners.

Rain chains retail at about $8 to $20 per linear foot, reports Millman, or up to $50 for intricate handcrafted products. "Installers should think about adding rain chains to their product lines," he recommends."Many homeowners are interested in unique gutter solutions but don’t yet know about rain chains, and so you can introduce them to the product. Rain chains are unique, which means higher margins for the installer.And the product’s uniqueness helps set you apart from other contractors."

The chains are easy to install. A simple wire clip sits in the gutter over the downspout hole. The center portion of the clip is bent in a V-shape to extend below the hole, which helps direct water flow down onto the chain. The rain chain itself attaches to the bottom point of the "V." Though installation may require some bending of the attachment so it sits correctly in the gutter, adds Millman, "They’re a fairly simple element to install."

Moreover, if the clip is copper and the gutter aluminum, to prevent electrolysis, "You could put a piece of plastic on each side of the outlet hole underneath the gutter attachment piece, or place a barrier such as ice-and-water shield between the two metals. As long as there’s no direct contact

between both raw metals, you shouldn’t have a problem,"Millman points out. At ground level, anchoring the rain chain should be considered. "They can drain into a variety of receptacles like basins, bowls, saucers, or pebbles," Millman says. His company also sells hammered copper bowls and dishes which anchor the chain, provide drainage, and enhance aesthetics. "The manufacturers say that rain chains maintain their tension by weight and gravity," he notes, "but I also recommend tying them down so they won’t sway in the wind."

GutterSupply.com sells approximately 25 designs. Cup-style rain chains can offer the appearance of a chain of lilies, star flowers, scallops, or bells. Both round and square cups are available. Link-style chains can feature single loops, double loops, chain link, or a combination of loops and links. Millman’s company even offers "theme" rain chains crafted in such motifs as grape-andleaf, wave-and-dolphin, hummingbird, and pineapple.

"Rain chains aren’t a complete replacement for downspouts," advises Millman, "but they’re an aesthetic alternative, possibly for high-visibility places like a front entrance where a conventional downspout may look obtrusive."

For more information on gutter supplies such as rain chains, visit Gutter Supply.