Rain Chains: Adding Aesthetic and Functionality to Your Gutter System

Installing quality and well-functioning rain gutter systems in your Lafayette, LA property is essential to protect the overall structure of your residential or commercial property. You know that the purpose of a gutter system is to channel water flow away from your home or property to prevent damage caused by water buildup. That is why every property must have a gutter system. But let us make your gutter system more aesthetic and functional by adding rain chains.

What is a rain chain?
Rain chains are an alternative to the downspout that originated in Japan more than a hundred years ago. Rain chains are often used for purely functional purposes, this is a chain that hangs from the eave of the house. This chain is also being used as an aesthetic feature and is visible from the roadside.

A rain chain is connected to the gutter system of your property in place of the downspout. With rain chains connected to your gutters, the water will visibly follow the chain down to the ground or into a barrel or water feature, instead of normally flowing down into an enclosed pipe. Additionally, using rain chains can help reduce soil erosion.

Types of Rain Chains
If you are planning for a roof gutter installation for your Lafayette, LA property, consider adding or connecting rain chains on it to experience the difference and benefits they bring. Some of the types of rain chains you can choose from are as follows: basic oval links, twist loops, rectangular links, or Fleur-De-Lis designs.

Rain chains also come in different colors and the most common colors are silver, gold, copper, oil-rubbed bronze, black, white, and copper patina. Moreover, most chains are made from lightweight aluminum or stainless steel with a power-coated or copper-plated finish.

What are the Pros and Cons of Rain Chains?
Like most of the other accessories for your property, rain chains also have their pros and cons. Some of the pros of adding rain chains to your gutter systems are:

• They are aesthetically pleasing and come in a variety of styles and materials.
• The sound they produce when water flows down is relaxing.
• Rain chains are usually less expensive than downspouts.
• They are also easy to install.
• High-quality metal rain chains will age well and you can use them for a long time. While copper ones can develop an eye-catching patina.

If there are pros, there will also be some cons in adding rain chains to your gutter systems and these disadvantages are:

• They are not as sturdy as downspouts and, with less water capacity and control, they aren’t suitable for use in areas with very high winds and heavy rainfall.
• Water freezes quickly on the chains which adds weight to the gutters and eaves.
• Bad weather and improper installation can result in improper water direction—and, in the worst-case scenario, you might start seeing signs of foundation damage on your property.
• Some metals used in making rain chains leach toxic materials, so you won’t want to use any captured rainwater for ponds or birdbaths.

In Conclusion
Now that you know what rain chains are, their uses, their types, and their pros and cons, when planning for a roof gutter installation for your Lafayette, LA property, think wisely whether you want them added to your gutter systems or not. Once you decide that you want them, do not hesitate to call Gutters and More Construction LLC today at 337-400-2641 to avail of our services.