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Architectural Downspouts
By Mike Milliman
Rainchains are meant to be seen, not hidden around the corner
By Mark Ward Sr.
Industry Response by Mike Milliman
Intense competition in the gutter industry has spawned heavy consumer
advertising, which in turned has raised homeowners' awareness of
gutter products. Now that awareness is trickling down into accessory
products, from conductor heads to decorative hangers - or to an
increasingly
popular option, Japanese rain chains.
"Rain chains are a growing product line," says Mike Millman of
GutterSupply. com, a materials supplier and online retailer based in
Lake Bluff, Ill. "They've been used in Japan for more than a hundred
years, and now rain chains have been introduced to the United
States."
The metal, usually copper, chains can replace a conventional
downspout, as rain water cascades down a vertical series of cups or
links. In addition to the visual display of cascading water, the action can
produce a pleasant tinkling sound - compared to the clunky noise that
emanates from enclosed downspouts.
Sales growth in rain chains, suggests Millman, dovetails with rising
interest in Eastern concepts such as feng shui (literally "wind and water")
or the ancient practice of placing objects and arranging space in
harmony with the environment. Yet rain chains also offer some
pragmatic benefits as well to both installers and homeowners.
Rain chains retail at about $8 to $20 per linear foot, reports Millman, or
up to $50 for intricate handcrafted products. "Installers should think about
adding rain chains to their product lines," he recommends."Many
homeowners are interested in unique gutter solutions but don't yet know
about rain chains, and so you can introduce them to the product. Rain
chains are unique, which means higher margins for the installer.And the
product's uniqueness helps set you apart from other contractors."
Simple Installation
The chains are easy to install. A simple wire clip sits in the gutter over the
downspout hole. The center portion of the clip is bent in a V-shape to
extend below the hole, which helps direct water flow down onto the
chain. The rain chain itself attaches to the bottom point of the "V." Though
installation may require some bending of the attachment so it sits
correctly in the gutter, adds Millman, "They're a fairly simple element to
install."
Moreover, if the clip is copper and the gutter aluminum, to prevent
electrolysis, "You could put a piece of plastic on each side of the outlet
hole underneath the gutter attachment piece, or place a barrier such as
ice-and-water shield between the two metals. As long as there's no direct
contact
between both raw metals, you shouldn't have a problem,"Millman points
out. At ground level, anchoring the rain chain should be considered.
"They can drain into a variety of receptacles like basins, bowls, saucers,
or pebbles," Millman says. His company also sells hammered copper
bowls and dishes which anchor the chain, provide drainage, and
enhance aesthetics. "The manufacturers say that rain chains maintain
their tension by weight and gravity," he notes, "but I also recommend
tying them down so they won't sway in the wind."
GutterSupply.com sells approximately 25 designs. Cup-style rain chains
can offer the appearance of a chain of lilies, star flowers, scallops, or
bells. Both round and square cups are available. Link-style chains can
feature single loops, double loops, chain link, or a combination of loops
and links. Millman's company even offers "theme" rain chains crafted in
such motifs as grape-andleaf, wave-and-dolphin, hummingbird, and
pineapple.
"Rain chains aren't a complete replacement for downspouts," advises
Millman, "but they're an aesthetic alternative, possibly for high-visibility
places like a front entrance where a conventional downspout may look
obtrusive."
For more information on gutter supplies such as rain chains, visit Gutter Supply.
About the Author
Mike Milliman offers information on Gutter Machines from the angle of a supplier, offering you a new perspective into this industry.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/35300.html
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| Some other articles by Mike Milliman | Gutter Machines: A Supplier's Perspective
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There are several different types of seamless K-style gutter machines: 5-inch,
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