Rain Chains – The Water Management System that Enhances the Curb Appeal of Homes in Michigan
Rain chains originated hundreds of years ago in Japan as a way to help control water from the eavestrough to the ground. This was before running water was used in homes and the fresh water was then collected and used for everyday tasks such as washing clothes, cleaning dishes, and cooking. A rain chain’s design provides both a functional path for water as well as a serene experience for homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan as the water cascades and flows through the decorative links. In fact, a rain chain has essentially the same function as a downspout – the only difference is you can see the water as it flows down the chain and around the loops or cups.
Using Rain Chains as Part of an Effective Water Management Strategy
As water management experts, Atlas Home Improvement believes that rain chains should be used strategically. They should never be used in place of a primary downspout location. If a homeowner would like to use a rain chain as an architectural detail or an aesthetic addition to their landscaping, we recommend using a rain chain in addition to the primary downspout on the gutter run. However, there are also situations where a traditional downspout will either not work or will look awkward, such as around a porch in which the only way to bring a downspout down would be a column. To avoid hanging a noticeable downspout off a column, a rain chain becomes the perfect solution to controlling rainwater.
This rain chain was used both to complement the home’s landscaping and serve as a functional drainage location around the front porch. The rain chain empties into a copper basin that had holes drilled in the bottom and in turn was hooked up to an underground drainage tile. This “Square Cup” rain chain design looks great installed with our “invisible” Titan Gutters and Gutter Helmet.
Premium Rain Chains Expertly Installed
Rain chains can be hung directly from the gutter with no additional components required. However, Atlas Home Improvement installs all our rain chains using a copper installation kit to better direct water from the gutter onto the top rung of the rain chain. We also use a special technique that allows us to hang a copper rain chain from an aluminum gutter without causing a galvanic reaction. Many of our customers also prefer to upgrade their rain chain system to include a hand-hammered copper rain basin. This has a solid brass loop in the center that connects to the rain chain. Attaching the rain chain to the loop makes it easier to protect the system from damage, especially during heavy winds.
Like many home improvements, installing rain chains may sound easy, but it is better left to professionals. To learn more about the water management solutions that Atlas Home Improvements offers to homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan, contact us today.
