I need help with a rain chain please...

last year

last modified: last year

Another addition to our project - we need to get gutters.

This is a cut & paste photo of what our almost-done house will look like - nothing major is negotiable at this point. We are going to need to use a rain chain in the one corner I’ve marked with a red X.

There will be a small patio there to the right of the door under the triple window next to the car port.
I’ve chosen the largest rain chain I can find and I think I want to do black to keep with the other black accents (house numbers, door hardware, light, probably using a couple of black chairs on the little patio, etc.)

We know that rain chains are not ideal for when we get the crazy rain we sometimes do here, but our gutter guy feels it's the best bet for that particular corner. He knows I'm very (VERY) concerned about the aesthetics of the situation.

This is a picture I found of a house with a rain chain and I like this look, so I think I'll be good with using one on our home.

Any suggestions on what type of vessel to use at the bottom of the chain or does anyone have an idea of a creative set-up? I'm stuck on what to do there.

Thanks in advance.

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PRO

beesneeds

last year

last modified: last year

I think rain chains can be very pleasing to the eye. If your gutter guy feels good about it, then good. He would likely know the rain and gutter situation in your area. There are birdbaths made to go with rain chains- some the chain attaches to the basin. I've seen some where the chain hangs above. I have a little birdbath on one corner of the porch that gets drips. It's metal and when the rain is good, it makes a lovely sound.

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Comments (11)

kitasei2
last year
Your situation is like mine, and the chain is exactly the same. I am stalling on hanging it because it seema like the water will be sprayed right at visitors to the door!
PRO
JAN MOYER
last year
last modified: last year
The chain is as effective as it can be...... in a torrential downpour, almost ineffective.

Rather than a "vessel", solve the destination issue with adequate landscaping, stone, pebbles...and pitch. Completely MIA at this point it seems as you worry about the look of chain?

I will amend here: the last thing you want at that corner is hardscape under the triple window. A bad spot for a patio and water diversion.........

You need a landscaper to your site and a lot more curb appeal. At the very least? a deeper, larger version of this and a deep wide dig, well before a patio installation. a lot better looking than a vessel.
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kitasei2
last year
Mine came with a larger vessel for the top - still totally inadequate for a torrent. I currently have a large barrel that I keep elephant ears in in the summer
la_la Girl
last year
Agree, I would expect pebbles or small rocks at the bottom (to help with splashing) and then a really good angle to get the water away from the house asap
Lorraine Leroux
last year
Are the gutters and downspouts going to be directed to the far left? If you intend to direct all the water to the right and the rain chain I would certainly change that up right away. I would put a downspout to the left of the door to handle the majority of the rain and NOT to the rain chain.
Susan W
Original Author
last year
There is going to be a downspout at the other end of the house and our gutter guy (who is awesome) has already taken into consideration angles, sloping, etc. to divert as much water as possible down that way.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the rain chain will be insufficient in the event of torrential downpours, but again, there are many reasons why we are going this route. And the sort of crazy part is, we will now be in the minority of homes that even have gutters down here.

The water is absolutely NOT being diverted onto the patio and our plans do include some sort of rocks/pebbles in the area in front of the patio. That's where the water will be diverted.

Without sounding too thin-skinned, I'm not sure about the insinuation that there is, or will be, a lack of curb appeal.

We're working with an awesome contractor, a separate gutter guy, and a wonderful landscape architect. They all know how important the aesthetics of the project are to me and they're all working diligently to be sure we're able to incorporate form and function in all we do.

I like to ask questions here in hopes of new and unusual ideas.
houssaon
last year
I really like the look of a rain chain, but have no personal experience with one. I'm glad to read that you are going to have a leaded on the left side of the house away from the entry. That should help. Good luck!
Lorraine Leroux
last year
How about ending the rain chain over top of a bird bath or fountain with rocks around it to handle the overflow of a lot of water and not damage turf?
Susan W
Original Author
last year
Oh, a birdbath! I like that idea. Thanks.
Susan W
Original Author
last year
Our gutter guy is good with a rain chain in that corner - he suggested it.

Unfortunately, there's no perfect answer in our particular situation, but I feel that the rain chain is definitely going to be our best bet. Thanks for all of the thoughtful responses.