Rain chains have gained so much popularity over recent years. More and more people are realizing how functional and beautiful rain chains can be. Rain chains or Kusari doi in Japanese, have been around for hundreds of years. The Japanese have used their roofs in conjunction with rain chains for means of water collection for years. They, in turn, use this rainwater for many household purposes. There are many Japanese churches and buildings that use a very large type of rain chains for decoration. Rain chains on churches and cathedrals are becoming more and more popular. The link-stye chain is more like the original Japanese chains than the cup-style chains, although many prefer the cup-style chains for various reasons. The cup-style chains seem to have less spoashage than the link-type, although both types have the potential for some splashage if the rainfall is heavy enough. Many customers have had success with the gutter reducer, which acts like a funnel to help direct the water down through the chain. Many people like to use rain barrels or other types of receptacles to compliment their rain chains. Some worry that wind may cause their chains to blow around, but usually this is not a problem. If this is a concern, tent-like stakes can be used or even fishing wire can help to stabilize the chain. Having the chain hang into a receptacle with rocks around the bottom of the chain can also help to anchor the rain chain. Rain chains can also be used on roofs without the benefit of gutters. As long as there is an area on a roof where water streams down, a rain chain can be used successfully.
As I have stated in previous blogs, I have a partial chain hanging from one of my trees. I also have chain hanging on a shepherd’s hook in my garden. Rain chains add so much charm and personality to any garden, from the sight of the rain water cascading down through the chain to the delightful, peaceful sound of rushing water going from cup to cup. They are quite easy to attach to the gutter with each chain having its own attachment piece. Most chains can be shortened or lengthened by means of pliars. The hammered cup and the double loop chain, both, need to be cut and soldered for shortening or lengthening the chain.
All our rain chains are 100% copper and over time, and dependent upon different weather conditions, can form a lovely patina to be enjoyed for a very long time to come.
