Rain chains are Japanese style drainage mechanisms used in gutter systems. These are alternatives to downspouts. They use surface tension to help guide rain water gently to the ground. Although heavy rainfall can sometimes overwhelm this system, it doesn’t get clogged. The more surface area there is on the chain, the more water it can handle.

Some of these drainage devices are simple chain links that can be bought at hardware stores. You can easily make one of these yourself. Other rain chains are very ornate and include double and triple ring links or a series of copper cups. Figurines such as small fish or tiny umbrellas may be intermixed with the links. The artisans who make these chains can get very creative. This doesn’t compromise the rain chain’s ability to perform.

Installing Your Rain Chain

This is easy. All you need is a gutter installation clip and an anchor to mount the chain in the ground at the other end. Simply disassemble the old downspout from your existing gutters. Attach and secure the installation clip in the hole left by removing the old downspout. Fasten the rain chain to that clip.

Secure the other end of the rain chain by driving the anchor into the ground. Make sure the connection is strong and the chain is fairly taut. This prevents it from whipsawing back and forth during high winds.

It is also a good idea to place gravel or other small stones around the anchor. Bury the anchor several inches deep if possible. This helps keep the rainwater from eroding the soil around the anchor and causing it to loosen or break free from its mooring.

Are you considering replacing your gutters? One alternative option developed by an MIT engineer is called the ‘Rainhandler’. Its design diverts rainwater from the roof over an area 2 to 4 feet beyond the eaves. There are no downspouts in this aluminum system. The rain is dispersed through specially designed slits upon reaching the edge of the roof.

One of the biggest advantages of this design is that it rarely gets clogged. It can be easily cleaned with a water hose and sprayer operated from ground level. This means you don’t have to worry about falling off a ladder while cleaning your gutters.

This rain handling system also prevents a ‘cutline’ from developing on the ground along the perimeter of the roof. This erosion feature is an ‘eyesore’ commonly seen in residential landscaping under traditional gutters that have become clogged or overloaded during a storm. Besides being unsightly, these depressions can permit pooling of water that will eventually damage a home’s foundation.

The only way a Rainhandler system could be overloaded is when three sloping roof sections meet to collect water at a single point. This might occur for a short span along the roofline of a U-shaped building. In such a unique circumstance, installing a very limited section of  traditional guttering is recommended. However, the rest of the building can still be adequately handled by the Rainhandler. 

A different alternative system called ‘RainbreakerZ’ features tiny perforations in stainless steel plates that are configured much like those of the Rainhandler. It works in a similar fashion - but the RainbreakerZ attempts to make a single large raindrop disperse through 19 separate holes. Theoretically this reduces the impact on the soil and vegetation below.

If you redo the trim on your house, you will probably want to paint your gutter system to match. The paint on galvanized materials often gets chipped over time. Vinyl gutters can become discolored as they age. A good coat of fresh paint can make these older gutters look like new again.

Basic Tips For Gutter Painting

For best results, disassemble the gutter system prior to cleaning and painting it. Vinyl gutters often come in lengths that will fit inside your garage. Extruded metal pieces generally run the length of your house and will have to be laid out and painted outdoors. Place all gutter sections on a flat surface away from dust and other debris.

Clean the gutters and downspouts thoroughly. All residue and grit must be removed from the surface so that the paint can adhere properly without peeling.

Get rid of all rust on metal surfaces. Use a wire brush and/or sandpaper when necessary. Paint remover may help in some circumstances. Finish cleaning any galvanized surfaces by wiping them down with mineral spirits or a similar solvent.

Use soap and a sponge to removed caked dirt from vinyl. Then, rinse the vinyl gutters thoroughly with water and let them air dry.

Metal gutters and downspouts need a layer of primer to treat the surface and ensure the paint sticks. Allow the primer coat to dry overnight. Vinyl parts don’t need primer, so you can skip this step for plastic gutters.

Use weather resistant exterior latex paint for vinyl parts. Galvanized metal gutters should be covered with an oil based paint designed for outdoor use. Allow plenty of time for each section to dry completely before reassembly.

There is no such thing as maintenance free gutters. They need to be regularly cleaned regardless of what type of anti-clogging device you install. The biggest difference in the various types of gutter protection systems is how easy they are to maintain. Certain gutter protection devices can help keep debris out. However, fancy screening equipment may also make cleaning your gutters even more difficult once they do eventually get clogged.

Meshes or Screens: This is a just mesh or screen installed as a cover on top of any type of traditional gutter. “Gutter Guard” is a well-known brand. While these do help marginally, smaller leaves and debris can still build up and impede the drainage system. Regular cleaning is a must.

Solid Covers with Open Edge Slots: These rely on water’s tendency to adhere to surfaces to direct the liquid into the slots. Debris simply falls off the edge onto the ground. “Gutter Helmet” is an example of this type of system. In a perfect world, this works. However, in a heavy downpour this can change. Torrents of water may direct small debris into the slots and cause drainage problems.

Gutter Filters: With a filter system, sponge-like foam is used to fill the gutter space. This allows water to drain through while preventing leaves and debris from getting into the system. “Gutter Filter” is one popular brand name. While these work well for a while, any filter will eventually clog. Generally, very small dirt and debris fill up the pores of the filter. This type of debris is difficult to flush out.

When it comes to picking out new gutters for your house, you have several materials from which to choose. Aluminum, steel (galvanized or stainless), and vinyl are the most common choices. Vinyl is the cheapest material and is available in thicknesses from 1.7-2.2 mm. Durability is fairly low regardless of which gauge you choose; this material tends to turn brittle over time.

With metal gutters, the gauge does make a big difference. Thicker is better with .032 considered optimal. Steel doesn’t dent easily and aluminum is corrosion proof. Stainless steel is resistant to rust, but is more expensive than aluminum or galvanized steel. Copper is another option, but few homeowners choose this material because of its high upfront cost.

Profiles

There are 3 basic profiles for gutter channels. The basic U shape (also called the half round) is an open design that is easily accessible for cleaning. The K or ogee shape is one of the most common gutter profiles. It doesn’t have the highest capacity, but the indent along the front edge offers a little more structural support for thin gauge materials.

Fascia style rain gutters are designed to blend in with the trim on your house. They are one of the most attractive options. For any profile, you can choose a 5”, 6” or 7” size. Downspouts are generally either round or rectangular in cross section and may be smooth or corrugated. The amount of rainfall in your area plays a role in how large your gutters and downspouts need to be.

Gutter maintenance is not a favorite household task for many homeowners – especially those who have a fear of heights. However, learning to inspect and clean your gutters now can save you plenty of money down the road. How? Clogged gutters allow water to spill over the edges and pool near the foundation of your home.

Soaker hoses that keep the soil around your foundation from drying out are a good thing. A flood of water that turns the entire area into mud can be very bad. Unstable soil conditions may cause your foundation to shift – repairs can cost thousands of dollars. To avoid this, follow these simple steps:

• Trim your trees so that the branches end 3 feet from the edge of your roof. This will limit the amount of leaf and twig debris that falls into your gutters.
• Put on your rain coat and do a full inspection of your gutters during your next heavy rain storm. Note areas where water is running over the sides instead of down the spouts. These are indications of clogging. Also, look for seams that are not properly sealed. These will be dripping.
• Set up your ladder and test it for stability before climbing up to look in your gutters. Have a friend or family member standing by just in case you fall. Only climb up far enough to peek over the edge of the gutter.
• Some home maintenance specialists recommend using a hose with a spray nozzle to wash clogged material out. Others say this can cause leaves and twigs to lodge in the drain pipes where they will be difficult to remove. Try to scoop out most of the debris by hand and then rinse the rest of it out with the hose.
• Use gutter caulk to fix any seams that need sealing. For more complex repairs or if you aren’t sure how to do this, call a handyman. The cost of repairing (or even replacing) your gutters is not high if you shop around.

Learn to professionally fabricate and properly install aluminum rain gutters.
First, load the roll of coil stock aluminum right to the gutter extruding machine. Then turn on the machine and allow the machine to form about 4 feet of gutter, then immediately turn off the machine. Apply silicone adhesive around inside edge of the aluminum end cap. Use hammer if necessary to lightly tap end cap onto end of gutter for tight fit.

Pinch the end cap onto the gutter using a crimping tool. Now run a bead of silicone along seam where end cap joins the inside of the gutter. Turn the gutter-extruding machine back on to produce the desired length of gutter. Turn off machine and mark the location of the downspout outlet on the inside of the gutter. Use hammer to punch out downspout hole using manual downspout cutter.

Spread silicone adhesive generously around flange of downspout outlet. Wipe dry the area around the hole in the gutter, after which install the downspout outlet. Cut the gutters length by using the machine’s forward-pull guillotine cutter. Install the other end cap onto the remaining gutter end, again using the silicone adhesive and finally the crimping tool.

Place aluminum drop on clips by spacing them every 2 to 3 feet. Holding the gutter against the house fascia, making sure it pitches down toward the downspout ½ inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Fasten gutter to the house with hex-head screws through the hole in the drop-on clips attaching them to the fascia.

Protect your house from debris in your rain gutters

Today you have many choices when it comes to keeping debris out of your rain gutter. Let’s take a look at a couple of the leading products on the market today.

Gutter Sentry – This option allows you to add the filtration system to your existing gutters and downspouts with out replacing the entire gutter. To get the warranties with other companies, they often require you to replace the entire system with their system. This can be a very expensive option. Gutter Sentry is promoted to stop damage to your fascia boards, siding and landscape due to water run off and overflow. This system comes in custom made 5” and 6” gutters, and does not attach to the actual roof. Products that attach to the roofing material will have to be removed when the roof is redone.

GutterMaxx – This option offers free quotes. GutterMaxx proclaims to be the only self-flushing system, with two water entry points. Installation is relatively easy since it comes with a unique yet convenient snap-on, snap-off cover. This system was designed to help protect your home against rot and water filtration to your fascia, as well as overhanging areas. This option also has a quality look to the gutters on your home.

LeafGuard – This system offers one piece construction that is seamless. LeafGuard promotes it’s product as the only one piece covered gutter system. This option is said to be 20% thicker than regular gutters. LeafGuard also claims to be the only gutter system with the Good Housekeeping Seal. Company offers a no clog warranty. This is a guarantee that the system will not clog with leaves, pine needles or any other organic debris for the life of your house. The company will clean any debris build up if this takes place.  

Cleaning out your rain gutters is a task that should be done a couple times a year. This will help prevent any major clogs from occurring. A clog in your gutters can cause a lot of problems. One problem that can be caused by clogged gutters is damage to your roof. The wood can become rotted due to setting water. Clogged gutters are also a fire hazard. Dried leaves that accumulate over time can become ignited very easily.

Rain gutters are fairly easy to clean. It is recommended that you use gloves while cleaning because gutters often have sharp metal pieces. You will only need a few tools to clean out your gutters. A small trowel, a water hose, and a ladder should get the job done. If you have a clog in your gutter system, you will need a snake to remove it. Cleaning your gutters often will help reduce the chances of developing any clogs.

The process of cleaning out your rain gutters will take you a while. You will want to allow at least a full day to complete this job. The amount of time that this job takes really does depend on the size of your home and how large your gutter system is. Make sure that while you are cleaning out your gutters that you do not reach too far while standing on the ladder. Many home injuries happen when people fall off ladders.

Protecting your home from damage is a step that needs to be done from the beginning. Many people do not realize how rain can eventually ruin the foundation of a home. Rain can also cause a build up a mildew or mold on just about any exterior surface. It does not matter if your home is brick or vinyl siding; rain can cause damage or unsightly stains. The gutters will help protect against damage and stains.

Rain gutters are made to help prevent water from leaking under your homes foundation. They will drain the water away from the home to prevent a build up of unwanted water. A gutter system will also keep water from running down the side of your home. This is where most of the damage is done to a home. When water rests on the side of the home, it can get stuck under the siding. This is when the damage can occur.

Water that is free to run off the roof and straight to the ground will cause stains to appear on the side of your home. This is from the mud splattering all over the walls. It can be hard to remove if it left over a long period of time. If left too long your siding can be permanently discolored.

Rains gutters can be a little expensive, but they can save your home from years of damage. The cost is greatly impacted depending on if you have them installed or do it yourself. Installing rain gutters is not a job that should be done by those completely inexperienced because you can cause damage to the roof. If they are improperly installed, they will not be a benefit to the homeowner. However, it is not totally out of the possibility of being able to do it yourself if you feel like you are decent handyman.