Splashing Rain Gutter Alternatives

Michael maines a designer at fine lines construction in freeport maine discusses ground gutter systems an alternative to roof gutters.

Splashing rain gutter alternatives.

Are your gutters not doing the job they should be. Called kusari doi in japan rain chains are elegant alternatives to downspouts and used as decorative details. Here are three fuss free alternatives for a house without rain gutters. Are they constantly leaking.

Rain chains are a popular japanese alternative to gutters or downspouts. While the above systems are good alternatives to rain gutters experts insist that a well fitted rain gutter. Rain cups descend from the gutter to direct rainwater into a barrel. The traditional asian decorations the chain and rope gutters are unique aesthetically pleasing and symbolic.

Now improved with three more patents the rainhandler gutter provides superior dispersal and strength. While not a permanent solution the way that gutters and other options are this. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva installs an alternative to a gutter when a traditional one does not work. The barrel prevents water from pooling around the foundation or worse blasting between the foundation and earth like a fire hose a major cause of crawlspace flooding.

This is a solution to two problems. In most circumstances traditional style gutters are the most effective at diverting water as far away from structures as possible but they also require a downspout in order to redirect that water. Subscribe to this old house. They protect your home from water building up by pushing the fluid through a series of stacking chains or cups.

Do you just not like how gutters look. Eventually the water will make its way from the roof to the ground without. In cases where large sections of roof require a gutter and there is no good place for a downspout a rain dispersal system can be a viable option. Adding the rain barrel to the chains will certainly make this set up green and eco friendly.

Along with protecting the foundation this also reduces chances of water splashing on the siding and damaging it. The rainhandler gutter is a state of the art rain dispersal system invented by an m i t. Ken mayer flickr cc by 2 0. When done correctly grading can improve the appearance of a home without detracting from its beauty with items such as rain chains.

The drip edge can also be used along with a rain gutter to properly channel runoff water from the roof into the gutter.