One thing that all houses have in common is some sort of system that guides rainwater from the roof to the bottom of the ground. In the US and Europe, most people use gutter downspouts to do the job.
This system is bulky enough to draw the attention of anyone who passes by. That is why the downspout tube is sometimes placed at the back of the house like an unwanted object.
What if there is a way to substitute the downspout with an attractive alternative that you could proudly display near the front of your porch?
Kusari-doi, or rain chains, is an aesthetically pleasing Japanese substitute for our traditional downspout. While dealing with rain like most of us, people in Japan have found an elegant solution to a common issue.
They probably wondered if water from the roof could pour with grace and beauty. It certainly can, which you will notice after replacing your regular downspouts with an appealing alternative.
Summary
Don’t choose rain chains before reading this to understand the pros and cons of each material, including how copper is more expensive and requires more maintenance. Using small buckets made of aluminum or steel, you can easily make DIY rain chains.
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Table of Contents
What is a rain chain?
At that point, you may wonder if rain chains are decoration or a practical mechanism. You might be surprised, but rain chains are endowed with usefulness and beauty.
They manage to direct water from the roof, not worse than modern downspouts. What is more, they have an aesthetic pleasing for your eyes.
What do rain chains look like? You may think it is the chain hanging from the roof, which won’t be far from the truth. Kusari-doi can be fastened to the eaves of the roof or to the gutter that collects the water. Similar to chains, they can contain links, but the exciting part is that those links can have different shapes. You can choose from two types:
- kusari-doi link-style
- cup-style.
The most original ones are in the shape of lilies, hearts, or even watering cans.
They are often made from copper. This material develops a cerulean patina with the time that resembles the color of the azure coast.
Unlike downspouts that lose any attractiveness over the years, rain chains only acquire more and more charm. If links change to a cerulean color, you will have a good decorative element in your possession. Kusari-doi will undoubtedly serve for a long time and faithfully.
As an alternative, you can also choose brass, steel, or even aluminum kusari-doi. The material depends on your taste and the area you are living in. If high winds are regular in your region, you’d better choose one made from brass or steel. Aluminum is the lightest metal of all and is more suitable for areas with small winds.
Rain chains are often made of these materials
- Copper
- Iron
- Brass
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
The other thing you should be aware of is that the more extravaganza features you choose, the more expensive the chain will be. After all, downspouts cost less than exquisite decorative elements.
Here’s the typical cost by material.
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copper | $50-$200 |
| Stainless Steel | $30-$150 |
| Aluminum | $20-$100 |
| Brass | $40-$175 |
| Iron | $25-$125 |
Aluminum
Here’s a great option if you’re going for aluminum.
| Name | Rain Chains Direct Store |
| Coating | Black powder coated |
| Length | 8.5 feet |
| Material | Aluminum |
Pros
- It’s very affordable.
- High-quality materials have been used.
- They’re very modern.
Cons
- They’re less decorative than some other options.
- They’re on the smaller side.
- You can get higher-end ones if you’re willing to spend more money.
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How do they work?
Regarding functional parts, rain chains can do their work as efficiently as downspouts. Water follows the path through the gutter towards the chain when it rains. Then it goes through the chain till it reaches the bottom part.
What happens next depends on what kind of drainage system you plan to have. You can put either a nice-looking basin under the chain, a huge barrel, or make a French drain. Choose only what is more suitable for the amount of rain you usually have.
Naturally, the water has a certain speed when it pours down. If there is nothing between the roof and the ground, the speed of the pouring water will create holes and wash away soil. Erosion is the reason why any system is needed, and gutter chains successfully do the job. They slow down the speed of the water, so it calmly flows down the path.
What comes with the water afterward? Don’t worry. It won’t create a pool after reaching the ground. Beneath the hanging chain, you can put a barrel that will collect water for future use.
If you have a special drainage system, it would be better to hang the gutter chain above it so that the water will go there straight away. The more aesthetic and Japanese-like resolution are stones. You can put them beneath the chain, and they will protect the soil from erosion.
Here’s a quick look at the pros & cons of the different materials.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Durable and attractive patina. They resist rust and corrosion. | They have a high cost and require regular cleaning. They also require more maintenance. |
| Aluminum | We love that they’re lightweight and affordable. You’ll enjoy their rust resistance. | They’re less durable than copper and less attractive. On top, they’re prone to discoloration. |
| Stainless Steel | Durable and rust-resistant. It’s great that they’re easy to clean. | They’re expensive and are often less visually appealing. |
| Brass | We appreciate their durability, attractiveness, and rust resistance. | They have a high cost and require regular cleaning. Over time, they may discolor. |
| Galvanized Steel | Inexpensive & rust-resistant | They’re less durable than other materials. They may also discolor. |
Storms rarely come without wind. When they do, it will probably be difficult for the gutter chain to stay immovable. This issue has also been anticipated. You can fasten the bottom of kusari-doi to the ground so it will stay stiff during heavy winds. You can also choose heavier material for yours but be aware that excessive weight will also affect the gutter.
Rain chain vs. downspout: pros & cons
When you decide whether to buy something or not, do detailed research on what you are about to order. It is necessary to know all the pros and cons of kusari-doi so you won’t regret buying it. It is time-consuming, so here is all the information you need. So don’t choose rain chains before reading this.
First, a gutter chain’s most obvious advantage is its aesthetic beauty. It can elegantly match your garden decor and give a special touch to your house. Sometimes people buy those things to decorate their homes without looking for practicality.
They also have an elegant size in comparison to massive downspouts. To tell you more, they can even turn into ice sculptures when the water freezes inside of them in the winter.
Aesthetic value is not the only beautiful part kusari-doi can offer. It not only looks like a fountain but sounds like one as well. Downspouts, on the other hand, sound more like water in pipes. Relaxing tunes cannot be the main reason to buy rain chains, but it is certainly a good additional advantage.
One of the disadvantages you can find in rain chains is their price. Decorations are expensive most of the time because of all the ornaments and materials.
If downspouts appear to be a much simpler and less expensive option, you will be surprised to learn that the simplest water chain costs less. In search of a cheaper resolution, people found a way to make rain chains on their own. It is possible, and the only thing you need is DIY and tools.
With downspouts, it is often the case that they clog. When leaves fall into the gutter, they often get stuck in the entrance to downspouts. It does rarely happen to kusari-doi because there is no closed space in-between for leaves to get stuck.
When kusari-doi can manage leaves, it is not resistant to poor weather conditions. Heavy rain and high winds are things that will damage or even break it. If your region is teeming with harsh weather, downspouts are more suitable for your house. They are stiffer and have a larger water capacity.
If you disregard weather conditions and substitute your downspout with a prettier alternative, there is a great chance that the foundation of your house will be damaged.
The reason for that is the excessive amount of water. If the rain chain fails in managing the water, it will go no other way than the house’s foundation. No one wants to pay that price just for a beautiful view.
Finally, rain chains are easy to install and maintain. You can do it just by following the guide. They also do not require any additional maintenance work. However, they may need to be taken off during the winter.
Removing your rain chain is better for gutter safety if you suspect that ice will give too much excess weight. Still, downspouts are difficult to install and require regular cleaning.
