Best Rain Chains in 2022

Last update: November 18, 2022

Are rain chains better than downspouts?

Rain chains are a beautiful and functional alternative to downspouts. They provide the same function of directing water away from your home, but they do so in a much more aesthetically pleasing way. Rain chains also add a bit of a decorative touch to your home, and can be a great conversation starter.

Are rain chains functional?

Rain chains are a decorative way to guide rainwater from your gutters down to the ground. They are typically made of metal or plastic and hang down from the gutter in a series of links or cups. While they are often used for aesthetic purposes, rain chains can also be functional in directing water away from your foundation and landscaping.

Are rain chains noisy?

Are rain chains supposed to touch the ground?

No, rain chains are not supposed to touch the ground. They are hung from the gutters and should be long enough to reach the ground.


Monarch Pure Copper Hammered Cup Rain Chain, 8-1/2-Feet Length Review:


The item is, in my opinion, really excellent. two significant negatives. 1) It is 8 feet, not 8.5 feet. Because we purchased three, it is really falsely stated in the description that it is longer than it is; this is not a flaw or an accident. 2) It does include a tiny hook. By no means is it a hook for installation, and the real instructions explain what should be included with it but isn't. Therefore, to attach a rod (which should be stainless or copper), you must either drill holes in the downspout connector OR buy the attachment feature for an additional $10 to $15.00, which is what we ultimately ordered after the copper cup chains arrived. So, to put it mildly, it stopped the installation. I see that you can buy 3 foot extenders, so I'm hoping the 8 foot will be enough to handle the water flowing down. We also purchased a sizable pot, poked holes in it so that the water would flow in the desired direction, and added pebbles to the pot for support. Overall, the end product ought to look extremely fantastic. Later, I could add photographs.



Monarch Rain Chains 25034 Pure Copper Gutter Adaptor, Large Adapter Review:


Although it wouldn't have looked as good, we could have used the gutter attachments that were already there. Note: These must be altered to appropriately fit inside the gutter. I had to use aviation snips to expand the prior holes, bend the sides to fit the gutter's recess, and silicone seal the bottom face. If working off a ladder is a problem, it isn't difficult. The final outcomes are fantastic.



Monarch Rain Chains 19135 (Black Powder Coated) Monarch Aluminum Extra Large Akira Rain Chain, 8-1/2 Feet Length Review:


Stunning and quite useful design! Only this chain had both big apertures at the top AND bottom of each link, preventing leaves from getting caught in the chain and allowing heavy rain to pass freely. This has to be the case with every rain chain I purchased. It needed to accomplish more than just look good.(I also have other rain chains hanging from the pergolas, but they aren't connected to gutters, so it doesn't matter if leaves fall into them; they serve primarily as decoration.)Rain chains had been on my wish list for a while, but I put them off because we needed to replace our flimsy old gutters. You know, sometimes this stuff is all "linked" and it's best to wait to do everything at once. That's why we didn't want to replace them until we completed the roof. Therefore, I had three of these lovely rain chains installed in front of the house by our gutter installer when we installed a new roof and new gutters.Because of how hard it rains in Miami, even a gutter with three chains on it seems like a firehose during a downpour.Our home's front roofline spans a distance of around 100 feet. Due to improper spacing between the three downspouts on the original gutters, one portion kept sagging and then toppling after each significant downpour.I positioned two rain chains at each end and one in the center of the new gutters when they were installed. I get to observe the rain falling down the central chain through the window in my living room and enjoy the exquisite symmetry of the chains. I can see them all in motion from the porch in front. I've never been happier.In a way, I'm relieved it took so long to purchase them because it allowed me time to contemplate the type of chain I needed (rather of just getting something attractive and later being dissatisfied with its performance) and the optimum location for them.The solution is simple if you're changing a downspout that is already in place. However, if you're getting new gutters, you should think about it because, after the hole is made in the gutter, you're sort of forced to put the chain there!It was challenging for me to choose a location for the chain because it needs to be practical but it's also good to have it where you can appreciate it from inside the house or on your porch or patio. I gave it a lot of thought before hanging them and even had to move one because the water flow was too much for it and the ground was always soggy. I replaced it with a down spout and French drain because I was afraid that if I hung them somewhere and didn't like them there, I would be stuck with that.Even with all the planning, you really can't predict how much and how quickly water will leak from your roof, and rain chains might become overloaded. This makes them appear foolish every time it rains because the water splashes down sideways, sprinkling anything within a 5' radius.Some of the things I thought about included if the drainage was adequate or whether I needed to build it up with pebbles, a pot, or a barrel.Was it too close to trees, the front or back door (chains splash, so location near a door is not always ideal), could I see it from inside the home, was it in an area that receives too much wind exposure, where it might break loose and slam into a glass door, window, or the house? (That's a worry given how frequently here there are unforeseen high wind storms.)Did I have enough of a buffer, an underliner, rocks, a pot, or all of the above to prevent the overflow from washing away the sand or dirt over time or from drowning all the plants in a garden if it was going to flood onto pavers or something set in sand?The chains should maintain their bright copper hue, please. Thoughts of painting them all with a clear sealant paint crossed my mind, but I knew that rain and sun would cause them to age unevenly and that the sealer would eventually fade, chip, or wear off in patches. I didn't think I needed a rain chain with copper spots, and I'm not OCDC enough to re-spray the chains every year, so I just left them be. As a result, they all have a wonderful patina now. They haven't turned green, and it's uncertain whether they will. I kind of hope they won't.All of them were "ended" in blue and white Talavera pots with blue liners. I decided to put large white river boulders in the pots to hold the chains steadily during strong winds and rains after hearing them slam and rattle against the pots on windy and rainy days.The difficulties of living in the Land of Hurricanes make me aware of the need to bring the chains down when the next "big one" blows through, but after installing storm shutters, this won't be a major concern. In order to prevent their rain chains from freezing over during an ice storm and causing a gutter to collapse with the additional weight of the ice, I suppose persons who live in cold areas have to take their rain chains off.This chain is ideal for usage if you reside in an area with frequent strong rains or next to trees that shed a lot.



Monarch Rain Chains Aluminum Gutter Adaptor Black Powder Coated with Brass Bolt for Rain Chain Installation Review:


I have bought several Monarch goods throughout the years. This firm provides outstanding quality and service. I heartily endorse them. They reply quickly to my queries and always follow up with any further information I might need. I recently bought the rain chains and basin and I really like them. I advise you to try these on your gutters if you want to give your house a very unique appearance. Much superior to downspouts.



Monarch Ring Rain Chain, 8-1/2-Feet Length, Pure Copper Review:


I finally made the decision to buy this ring-style rain chain after spending hours, or even days, online. I put them in place on my brand-new patio cover gutters and have observed how they perform in both light and heavy rain. It sounds and looks like a cascade is falling down the chain, which is really interesting to see. Additionally, I bought copper funnel adapters for the gutter, which look fantastic. The rings withstand bending readily, the brazing looks decent, and the chains are well-made. In my opinion, to prevent any foundation issues, when putting the chains, allow positive drainage away from any structure. I drilled a 2' deep hole and 4' wide opening to install a french drain "broad trench with a positive fall away from the structure. I then discarded the additional chain (I bought the 8'6 "chains) into the hole, which was then properly backfilled with drainage material. The chain is anchored and it functions and looks fantastic.



Monarch Flat Black Powder Coated Aluminum Hammer Rain Chain, 8.5-Feet Review:


Because there is a lot of splashing after a heavy downpour, I only gave 4 instead of 5 stars. I'll admit that saving money on the larger, more expensive products was more my fault than anything else. This is lightweight and well-made, and it will work nicely for a shorter gutter run. Just be aware that heavier rain may cause it to overflow the cups. From a functional standpoint, it doesn't really matter, but if you also want an attractive drain, smaller ones can become clogged more easily than larger ones. But it's still good at the proper places. in particular if you desire a light weight hanging.



Sunflower Home and Garden 8 FT Decorative Iron Umbrella Rain Chain with Bonus Adapter Installer Piece Review:


This is a good, affordable method of transforming your rainwater into a calming and lovely work of feng shui art.My house doesn't have gutters or downspouts since I chose not to have them, but it does have a wonderful little valley formed at a nice little 90-degree angle where the angles of the roof meet, where the rain falls onto a rock sculpture/rock garden that is right outside my front door.Without a downspout, I simply screwed a foot-long piece of thin galvanized chain into the fascia to cross the 90-degree angle where I knew the water would splash down. Think of a short clothesline running from one fascia board to the next.I attached the umbrella rain chain to that arrangement, and I am now patiently for the next downpour.Although there are chains that cost significantly more money, the real copper ones are quite pricey. According to the maker, this one has a coating that makes it look like copper. If it rusts or turns discolored, I'll just get some nice Rustoleum paint and fix the problem right away.



Rain Chain Gutter Installer (Black) By Rain Chains Direct Review:


Two unsightly downspouts on our property, one of which was directly next to the front entrance, were the biggest visual standouts. As soon as we fitted it and tested it with the hose after I got one rain chain, we were THRILLED! Since we don't get much rain, some water does splash forth from the cups on the chain, but that's okay. If your eaves extend that far out from the house, it also helps to hang it there. In essence, it is incredibly effective at directing the water in the desired direction. It's excellent in terms of aesthetics as well! Since there is still building equipment outside our home, there are no pictures yet, but this product is fantastic for curb appeal! It comes with its own installer if you don't want to get the more extensive installer as an extra, but the gutter installer made it so easy to install.


Can you hang a rain chain from a tree?

A rain chain is a decorative chain or link of metal, wood, or glass that is hung outside a home or building to guide rainwater down from the roof. While rain chains are most commonly hung from the gutter of a home, they can also be hung from trees. Hanging a rain chain from a tree can be a beautiful way to add interest to your landscaping and to provide a functional way to direct rainwater away from your home.

Do copper rain chains turn green?

Rain chains are a beautiful and functional addition to any home. They are typically made of copper, which can develop a green patina over time. While some people may find this attractive, others may prefer the bright, shiny look of new copper. If your rain chain does turn green, you can clean it with a mild solution of vinegar and water.

Do rain chains attract mosquitoes?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that rain chains attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, so if there is a rain chain near a standing body of water, it is possible that mosquitoes will be attracted to the area. However, rain chains themselves do not produce standing water, so they are not likely to attract mosquitoes.

Do rain chains clog?

Rain chains are a great way to add beauty and function to your home while also helping to prevent water damage. But do they clog? It is possible for rain chains to clog, but it is not common. If your rain chain does clog, it is likely due to leaves or other debris falling into the cups or links. To prevent this, you can simply brush the rain chain off with a broom or hose it down occasionally. If your rain chain does clog, the best way to clear it is to use a pliers or other tool to remove

Do rain chains work in heavy rain?

Rain chains are a beautiful and functional addition to any home, but they are often misunderstood. People often think that rain chains are only for light rain, but they can actually be used in heavy rain as well! Rain chains work by redirecting water from your gutters down a series of links or cups. This not only looks great, but it also helps to control the flow of water and prevent flooding. While rain chains are typically used in light rain, they can actually be used in heavier rain as well. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain

Do rain chains work in winter?

Rain chains are a beautiful way to add a decorative touch to your home while also being functional. But do they work in winter? Yes, rain chains do work in winter! They may not be as effective as they are in the summer, but they will still catch and redirect rainwater. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you may want to consider adding a snow guard to your rain chain to prevent the snow from sliding off the roof and onto the ground.