Plastic spouting, although functional, is not exactly attractive but there is a much better looking alternative. Have you considered replacing it with decorative copper rain chains? Replacing ugly plastic downspouts with attractive rain chains is becoming more and more popular as people find out about them.
It is easy to fit a rain chain and they are durable enough to last for many years. The copper is usually coated with shellac to prevent oxidation and keep the copper shiny. There are a huge variety of designs available including watering cans, bells, tulips, lilies and other flowers, umbrellas and traditional chain links.
Chain links are the traditional design but nowadays links made from shaped cups are more popular. The bottom of the cups has a hole which allows the water to flow from cup to cup down the chain to a collecting point at the bottom. This could be a decorative copper bowl, a wooden rain tub or the water could be diverted through a channel away from the house.
One thing to consider is that when you fit a rain chain you should also consider buying a reducer, which fits between the guttering and the top of the chain, as this will prevent splashing.
One design we particularly like is the Copper Tulip Rain Chain sold at Amazon for around $80. It is hand made from solid copper and includes a fixing clip to attach it to the gutter.
We looked at customer’s rain chain reviews for this particular product at Amazon to see how it was rated and found that the majority of people who had bought this product gave it five stars with a few rating it at four stars. One customer said ‘The quality of this product is 5 star and the price is nearly half that of the competitors. I highly recommend this rain chain.’ and another ‘We’ve received many compliments on this quality product and will be ordering another very soon!’. One customer said how all the kids in the neighborhood love to come and watch the rain chain in action when it rains!
A few customers also pointed out the necessity of using a reducer when attaching the chain to the guttering as the water splashes and missed the chain if you don’t do this. Some also pointed out that they don’t cope with very heavy rain very well.
In conclusion we love rain chains and we’re sure they will make a great addition to your home decor. With the huge range to choose from you’ll surely find one that you will love for your home.