Should I Buy Or Build A Rain Chain?

Rain chains have become a lot more popular nowadays, mainly because they’re a low cost alternative to downspouts, which can look clunky and unattractive. If you have decided that you want to use a rain chain instead of spending a lot of cash on a downspout that you may not even like, you have a big decision ahead of you – will you take the time to build a rain chain on your own, or do you think that it may be a better idea for you to just buy one and install it on your home? Here are some considerations that you will want to make if you’re looking to use rain chains on your home.

Why Would I Build a Rain Chain?
There are a few reasons that you may want to think about building a rain chain instead of buying one. Here are some of the main reasons that you may want to do so.

First, if you’re the type that really likes to be creative, or if you enjoy tinkering and trying out new things that you can make, then you may want to try your hand at making a rain chain yourself instead of going out and buying one premade. Even if you’re not incredibly skilled at it, you may still be able to put it together quite easily because it’s not a hard task for you to take on. You may have to try a few times in order to be able to get the whole thing down and done correctly, but it’s worth the effort to save the cash.

If you’re crafty and you happen to have some metal laying around the house you may want to build your own rain chain. Since it is such an easy task and you already have the skills, you’re going to be in a much better place, and you’re not going to have a huge budget when it comes to putting the whole thing together. On top of that, you’re going to have a lot of fun and you won’t have to buy any tools in order to try and do the whole thing either.

Why Would I Just Buy a Rain Chain?
In other cases, you may be trying to figure out if buying a rain chain is the right decision. Here are some of the considerations that you may want to make if you’re just going to buy a rain chain.

What does your budget look like? There are many items that can make it a lot easier for you to get your costs under control. In some cases, especially if you don’t have any of the supplies that we talked about above, it may just be better for you to go out and buy one. This is the same case if you’ve decided that you want to save time, as well. Some people just don’t have the time that they need in order to be able to make something like a well done rain chain.

Another consideration is the design. Even though many people can make a basic chain that doesn’t have any frills, it takes a little bit more skill to make a more complicated one. If you’re looking for something elaborate or decorative then you may want to leave it to the processionals and take a look at everything that is already on the market. You may find something that you absolutely love and adore, or you may even find something that goes perfectly with the whole scheme that you have for the outside of your home. Either way, you at least want to go ahead and look at the premade ones that are out there.

If you’ve been looking at a rain chain, this is an important decision that you’re going to want to make so that you can figure out a budget and such ahead of time. If you’re looking for a rain chain, go ahead and check out the entire selection that we have available for you. There are a lot of beautiful ones that you can choose from, and they’re easy to install on your home at any point in time.

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Rain Chains - More Than Meets The Eye

What is a "rain chain"?

The rain chain has gained great popularity in America as a substitute for a downspout in traditional Western homes. Originally, however, it was a decorative as well as functional household tool in its nation of origin, Japan. The original rain chain, or kusari-toi, was made to act as a beautiful water feature as it moved rainwater from rooftops down toward a drain or possibly a storage container to both prevent flooding and also to conserve natural resources.

Many of these water features are made as chains or cups, which many find much more pleasing than a traditional downspout, even without rain. These artistic but functional elements harmonize the environment surrounding it, providing constant life force movement with rain. Simultaneous to the movement is a comforting and relaxing sound as the water travels from ring to ring or cup to cup. This aesthetic experience is created through the ancient practice of fusui. Much like China's feng shui, fusui is about finding balance with nature and the natural flow of energy. This energy, or chi, is believed to improve the quality of life for those who practice fusui.

Why use a rain chain?

In states where water is becoming or already is scarce, salvaging rain while keeping up aesthetics is a great combination. Aside from the relaxing sight and sounds a rain chain provides, the collection of such a valuable resource is important for gardens and drinking water. Merely place a bucket, barrel, or bowl beneath the chain and then store the water. Barrels tend to be easiest as the water stores directly in the barrel, ready to be used when drier weather approaches. The water can also be used as drinking water, washing water, or even to fill fountains that run when it is not raining. Another benefit to using such a device is that rain chains will not get clogged like gutters and spout systems might. Keeping heavy storms from flooding your property or filling gutters that might later damage the roof with standing water is the greatest benefit.

Types of Rain Chains.

There is a great deal of variations when choosing a rain chain. First, there are a large number of materials to choose from, such as colored aluminum, zinc, copper, steel, and more. The most traditional-looking material is copper as it will change with vert de gris as it is used to look more antique. There are also the choices of styles. Links, cups, and themed rain chains make it possible to find exactly the right chain for your home and your style.While themed chains are less traditional, they are more modern and more reflective of the personality of your garden. Dragonflies, watering cans, and even pineapples are some of the decorative options you might find. There are also accessories to compliment whatever style you choose, such as collecting dishes and attachment pieces to make installation simple.

How to Install a Rain Chain

If you already have a gutter, installing a rain chain is easy. Place a V clip gutter attachment piece inside the gutter so it lays flush over the downspout hole. This piece should direct water toward the chain. This attachment piece might need to be bent slightly so that it fits better, since gutters often vary in size or dimensions.

Search for a rain chain installation kit to have a full plethora of all needed tools for installation. The variation of outlet lengths and verities of materials means you will find just the right match for whatever rain chain you decide on.

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Snow Guards Save Lives and Property

Snow guards are vital for home owners and property managers alike, especially when maintaining sloping roof tops in snow and ice conditions.

There you are, minding your own business walking in to work when suddenly whoomp! A roof avalanche takes you out. Or worse yet, the same situation occurs, only you are the business owner, your employee happened directly beneath the falling ice, and now you are liable for the injuries befalling your employee. Falling snow and ice from sloped roof-tops can make dangerous situations both for people and their property in winter. But this can all be prevented with snow guards.

So, what is a snow guard?

A snow guard is a device, most likely made from metal or plastic, that protrudes from the roof. The purpose: to prevent accumulated snow and even ice from avalanching down off the roof and onto you, a guest, animals, your car, trees, or anything else valuable that can be damaged from the heavy snow and ice. It does this by slowly melting sections or at least controlling how much debris can fall at any given time. Amazingly, the guards can be matched to your roof so that they seem invisible!

Can I install snow guards myself?

Installing guards is best left to professional installers. The handyman or homeowner who tries to install a system may do so incorrectly, which potentially could cause more damage to the roof. If the pattern isn’t correct or if the attachment isn’t solid enough, it could increase possible damage to shingles, gutters, or other property. A licensed and practiced roofer can install the system for you since they have experience taking into account roofing type and thickness, slope of the roof, and even possible snow loads. This then determines the pattern, placement, and guard size or material.

Snow guard basics
Though you should talk to a professional installer, the basics of how the guards work is:
• Begin with high quality products that match the type of roof you have
• The guards should be placed as to hold snow and ice where it is, so several rows are necessary
• Have the roof pitch, roof dimensions, and selected snow guard (what color or decoration you are interested in) ready to give a professional installer
• The guards should be then placed in a staggered fashion across the roof

So, what kind of snow guards are there?

There are so many different types of guards to choose from to meet your needs. You can choose from material type, roof type, and even decor. The type of guard installed depends entirely on your roof, and your aesthetic choices. The following list is not comprehensive, but is just an example of what kinds of snow guards you will need based on your roof:

• Tile- Tile roofs require Pad-Style or Pipe-Style fittings
• Metal- Metal roofs will require Fence-style, Pad-Style, or Pipe-style fittings
• Solar Panels- Solar Panels require specific fittings meant just for solar arrays
• Shingle- Shingled roofs require Pad-Style or Pipe-Style





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What is a Rain Chain?

So what is a rain chain and how will it help your home?

A rain chain is a unique alternative to having the more common and traditional downspout that helps drain the gutters. The rain chain uses a collection of cups and chains where the water will flow from the gutter and down to the ground. It's a lot more visually beautiful to have instead of a much longer downspout that resembles a pole.

Additionally, a rain chain will also provide some easy listening acoustics that range from a small trickling of water traveling down the chain and all the way up to what can sound like a miniature waterfall.

History

The rain chain was first developed in Japan to create a water feature that carried water down to either a drain or storage container as a way of storing rain water. Some families in Japan, hundreds of years ago, even had the water deposited into larger barrels for the household to use down the road - for tasks such as baths, cooking, and laundry.

In many homes and temples, the Japanese would have the water from the rain chain flow into ceramic or stone pots to collect the rain as a way of providing even more of a display for the water collection. Even here in the United States, there are people who will want to have redwood or cedar containers underneath each rain chain - with smaller decorative pebbles inside the container.

Usually, the rain being collected regularly, would help moss grow in between the pebbles. There are also instances when some would use a paver tile or stones to help break the water's fall.

Japanese temples had also incorporated the rain chain into the design of the buildings to add even more visual beauty when people would come to frequent. A similar product was also found in South America where the rain chain was considered a better option than machine downspouts.

Natural benefits

The idea of having a rain chain is how it can be linked to the Japanese term of feng shui - literally meaning "wind and water" 

- which is the art of moving matter in a specific order in an effort to create harmony within the environment. It is a practice that has been used for thousands of years in Asian

In feng shui, there is another term of "chi" that represents the universal energy that surrounds us. Finding a balance between people and the natural elements of the environment is considered good chi. In a lot of ways, both can be accomplished with a combination of having a few rain chains as a way to have a peaceful and tranquil way to connect with nature.

Installation

The installation of a rain chain is very basic in nature and only involves having to hang the chain from a hole where the gutter's downspout would usually hang and utilizing the attachment pieces that usually come with the gutter kit. In the event of a mismatch between the hole in the gutter and the chain, one might have to purchase a new installation kit to make the hole smaller to enable the water to trickle into the rain chain.

GutterSupply.com usually sells each type of rain chain at about eight and a half feet with nearly 20 cups per chain. Each style features cups and flower patterned cups that are open at the bottom to allow the flow of water.

More information

Additionally, GutterSupply.com will also offer various types of metal that compose the different rain chains - aluminum, copper, galvanized steel and zinc. The online gutter supply store also offers a vinyl gutter rain chain. For more information about the different styles and composition types of rain chains, as well as pricing, you can visit GutterSupply.com and click on the corresponding links for rain chains.

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What is a rain chain?

The folks at GutterSupply.com are obviously known for their different types of gutters, as well as correlating guards and machines. But more people are starting to learn about how they can order a new rain chain – especially when it can be purchased at a bit of a discount.

So what is a rain chain and how will it help your home?

A rain chain is a unique alternative to having the more common and traditional downspout that helps drain the gutters. The rain chain uses a collection of cups and chains where the water will flow from the gutter and down to the ground. It’s a lot more visually beautiful to have instead of a much longer downspout that resembles a pole.

Additionally, a rain chain will also provide some easy listening acoustics that range from a small trickling of water traveling down the chain and all the way up to what can sound like a miniature waterfall.

History

The rain chain was first developed in Japan to create a water feature that carried water down to either a drain or storage container as a way of storing rain water. Some families in Japan, hundreds of years ago, even had the water deposited into larger barrels for the household to use down the road – for tasks such as baths, cooking, and laundry.

In many homes and temples, the Japanese would have the water from the rain chain flow into ceramic or stone pots to collect the rain as a way of providing even more of a display for the water collection. Even here in the United States, there are people who will want to have redwood or cedar containers underneath each rain chain – with smaller decorative pebbles inside the container.

Usually, the rain being collected regularly, would help moss grow in between the pebbles. There are also instances when some would use a paver tile or stones to help break the water’s fall.

Japanese temples had also incorporated the rain chain into the design of the buildings to add even more visual beauty when people would come to frequent. A similar product was also found in South America where the rain chain was considered a better option than machine downspouts.

Natural benefits

The idea of having a rain chain is how it can be linked to the Japanese term of feng shui – literally meaning “wind and water” – which is the art of moving matter in a specific order in an effort to create harmony within the environment. It is a practice that has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries.

In feng shui, there is another term of “chi” that represents the universal energy that surrounds us. Finding a balance between people and the natural elements of the environment is considered good chi. In a lot of ways, both can be accomplished with a combination of having a few rain chains as a way to have a peaceful and tranquil way to connect with nature.

Installation

The installation of a Rain Chains is very basic in nature and only involves having to hang the chain from a hole where the gutter’s downspout would usually hang and utilizing the attachment pieces that usually come with the gutter kit. In the event of a mismatch between the hole in the gutter and the chain, one might have to purchase a new installation kit to make the hole smaller to enable the water to trickle into the rain chain.

GutterSupply.com usually sells each type of rain chain at about eight and a half feet with nearly 20 cups per chain. Each style features cups and flower patterned cups that are open at the bottom to allow the flow of water.

More information

Additionally, GutterSupply.com will also offer various types of metal that compose the different rain chains – aluminum, copper, galvanized steel and zinc. The online gutter supply store also offers a vinyl gutter rain chain. For more information about the different styles and composition types of rain chains, as well as pricing, you can visit GutterSupply.com and click on the corresponding links for rain chains.

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Knowing the basics about gutter guards

One of the most tedious household chores home-owners loathe is cleaning their gutters of debris like leaves and twigs – which you wouldn’t want getting caught in the gutter’s downspout opening and prevent water from properly draining. If there’s any blockage, then the water can eventually lead to water damage to the roof – a very expensive fix that could have easily been prevented.

The gutter guard, through various incarnations, can help keep everything that isn’t water out of the gutter. Many of them have a low profile like the typical version of the gutter guard that goes for about $6 for five- and six-inch widths – along with a mill finish for the aluminum guard.

The basic types of gutter guards

•    Reverse curve – Designed to lead the rain water down into the gutter using a slit that will keep the leaves and other debris from going anywhere but to the ground.
•    Mesh – Imagine a sheet with several tiny holes that attach to the roof shingles that easily prevent blockage and will sift out leaves and twigs while letting the water flow.
•    Bottle Brush – Similar to having the bristles that keep birds away, pointing up to catch the tree debris while the water continues.
•    Nylon – These are best for defending against snow and ice during those winter months, and important in the Midwest and East Coast states.
•    Non-gutter cover – A series of either angled slats or flat strips that keep rain away from the roof.
•    Foam type – A guard that fits directly into the gutter to prevent debris from falling into it from the roof and nearby trees.

Protecting half-round gutters

While a very large majority – like 99 percent – have rain gutters of some kind. But a unique option is having a half-round option that act as a rain trough composed of metal and hangs just a little below the ease of the roof to catch the rain off the bottom edge. It is also just as effective in catching the snow as it melts and runs off the roof.

These gutters will still collect and guide the water towards the downspout onto either splash pads of anything the homeowner chooses – some even have collection containers for rain water to use later on.

Additional downspout accessories

There’s more than having the basic types of Gutter Guard to help protect your home’s overall health, which include these different accessories to provide extra protection from keeping anything other than rainwater from getting in.

•    Wire strainers – Prevents leaves and other debris from getting into the downspout, usually sitting inside the outlet leading to the downspout. These can come in either three- or four-inch sizes – made of either aluminum, steel or copper. There are also additional heavy duty options available online.
•    Flex-A-Spout – Imagine if you were able to bend around the different obstacles that can divert water away from the house and into the flexible downspout that can be moved and adjusted based on what your personal needs are for the home’s landscaping.

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Choosing a Gutter Supplier Over Big Box Products is a Smart Call

Have you been looking for a way to get a gutter ready in your home? Are you trying to add a half round gutter to your roof or another option with a unique design? If you take a look at what a gutter supplier can offer for your needs then you might find that you can get more out of your product when you ask for help.

In fact, a supplier may be a better entity to work with instead of a big box company. There are many reasons why a gutter supplier's products might be better for your use than what some massive corporation might have to offer.

What Gauge Do You Need ?

You might be amazed at the variety of gauge levels that you can choose from when finding different gutters for your home. The gauge refers to the thickness and strength of the unit in general.

You might want to measure the rain gutters that you want to use and then look for an option that is suitable for your home and the amount of rain that may come in your area. If you check on the right options for managing your home then you should have a fine option that is sensible for the needs you require.

How Long ?

You also have to see how long your units have to be. A direct supplier will be more apt to help you create half round gutters and other items that are measured to fit in your home. These gutters may be designed to fit in with a fine look if they are cut carefully.

Your home may be measured on each side to determine what you need to use. This will allow you to get the right kind of product that is measured to fit the exact specifications that you want to utilize at a given time.

Hangers are Important

You can get hangers to work on the body of your gutter system too. Suppliers can provide you with a variety of hangers based on the exact needs that you might have for making it work. Some hangers are stronger than others. There are also different hangers for the various sizes and styles of gutters.

Fewer Seams May Work

The problem with what so many big box companies have to offer is that they only offer 10 foot gutter sections. A system like this will create a lot of additional work seaming all of the different lengths together. A potential problem with this is the amount of seams this system creates. The more seams you have, the more opportunities for leaks to occur.

You can use fewer seams in a setup or even go with a seamless rain gutter design if you contact a supplier for your needs. A seamless gutter will feature a fine look that is nice and easy to manage and will not require as many costs as what you'd get elsewhere. The installation process for one of these seamless rain gutters will certainly be easier to manage as well.

If you contact a supplier of rain Gutters to help you out with your property then you should have an easier time with taking care of your Gutter setup. You should have an easier time with preparing your setup with care if you understand what you want to use.



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Demystifying Cleaning and Maintaining Gutters

Demystifying Rain Gutter Maintenance and Cleaning

The fastest way to cause expensive damage to any building, including, well, your home, starts with neglecting your gutters. If you don't bother to take care of those gutters, it's highly likely that accumulated debris, junk and excessive moisture will indeed pose a threat to the foundation, exterior and even the interior of your home.

So, what happens to your home if you don't bother maintaining and/or cleaning your gutters? Well:

Water will end up accumulating around your foundation and, eventually, enter your basement, crawlspaces or other parts of your home. This could lead to molding or other serious water damage.
Water can freeze during colder months and cause your foundation to crack or erode faster.
Water that becomes trapped behind your roofing's fascia boards could put your home's own gutters at risk. This also creates unwanted openings in your home if left alone; that could cause water or even unwanted animals to enter your home.

All of those prospective problems make excellent reasons to get your rain gutters cleaned as soon as possible. There's a reason why many savvy homeowners consider gutter cleaning and maintenance one of the most important chores to take care of during the autumn season.

Maintenance & Cleaning Tips for Taking Care of Your Gutters

Did you know that your home climate determines how often you'll need to clean out your gutters? Well, it's true. Depending on where you live and how the weather may be, you may need to do a lot of cleaning or just a little maintenance for your gutters.

Drier climates, to provide another example, may not need daily or even weekly gutter cleaning or maintenance sessions. If you live in a place that's prone to rainy and snowy weather, you're definitely going to want to engage in some gutter maintenance weekly during those particular seasons.

So, before we go, let's take a look at some tips to help you take care of gutter cleaning and maintenance:

Tip #1: The most important time to clean your gutters is during the late fall season. It's also imperative to start cleaning once the leaves start coming down during the fall season—leaves are very prone to getting caught in Gutter.

Tip #2: The milder weather of the summer season doesn't mean you should neglect your gutters. It's just as important to clean your gutters during the spring and summer, since pollen, flower petals and other plant debris like to accumulate in the reservoirs of Gutters.

Tip #3: Don't forget about cleaning the downspouts, too! Many people forget that the downspouts can also accumulate plenty of plant debris and even other types of debris that may have gotten caught in your gutter system. Make sure that the downspouts of your rain gutters stay clean all year around, so you don't have to worry about the system not doing its job.

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