Although plastic downspouting is functional and cheap it is not very decorative. Is there a more attractive alternative? Copper rain chains are fast becoming popular to replace those ugly downspouts and add a touch of elegance to the outside of your home.
Rain chains are easy to fit and last for many years. They are usually made of solid copper and can either be covered in a shellac coating to preserve the shine or left uncoated to acquire an attractive patina as they age.
If you look in garden centers or online stores you’ll see a huge variety of designs, from the simple chains links that have been used traditionally in Japan for centuries, to more modern designs. Nowadays cups, in the shape of flowers and objects such as umbrellas or watering cans, are very popular. Water flows down the chain from the roof guttering, collects in the cups and flows out of the bottom through a hole in its base. A water container of some kind can be placed below the chain to collect the water or it can be channeled away from the house. To collect the water decorative copper bowls can be used, traditional water barrels or even a wooden box filled with shiny pebbles.
Although rain chains usually come with a hook to fix them to the guttering on the roof it is better to buy a specially made reducer which channels the water from the guttering down the chain or, when the rain is heavy, it will splash onto the house walls. Reducers are available at the same place you purchase your rain chain.
Tulip Rain Chains are amongst the most popular and have cups in the shape of tulips made from solid copper. They can be found in garden centers or online for around $80.
Some people find that rain chains don’t function very well in very heavy rain but almost everyone who has fitted these chains loves the way they look and the lovely tinkling noise they make in the rain. If you are the first in your neighborhood to fit one you’ll be sure to get a lot of attention from the neighbors!
There are so many designs available that you’ll find it difficult to settle on just one! Be the envy of the neighborhood when you fit these attractive copper rain chains!
