Rain chains are a beautiful and functional alternative to traditional downspouts, guiding water from your gutters to the ground in a visually appealing way. However, while they can be a great addition in mild climates, they present serious drawbacks in states with harsh winters—Minnesota being a prime example. Here’s why rain chains aren’t the best choice for your home during Minnesota’s freezing months.
1. Excessive Ice Buildup
Minnesota’s freezing temperatures create a major issue for rain chains: ice accumulation. As water trickles down the chain, it can freeze in layers, forming heavy icicles and solid columns of ice. This not only reduces their functionality but can also create a hazardous situation if chunks of ice break off and fall. Our team at Call The Gutter Guys have seen this first hand with other installers.
2. Added Weight on Gutters
Traditional downspouts are designed to withstand winter conditions, but rain chains are more susceptible to damage. The added weight of ice buildup can strain your gutter system, potentially leading to bent gutters, loosened brackets, or even structural damage over time.
3. Limited Drainage Efficiency
Rain chains work best in light rain, gently guiding water downward. However, Minnesota experiences heavy snowfall that melts and refreezes. When gutters overflow due to clogged or frozen rain chains, this can contribute to ice dams—one of the biggest wintertime concerns for homeowners in the state. Ice dams can lead to water backing up under shingles, causing roof leaks and interior damage.
4. Hazardous Icy Surfaces Below
Because rain chains don’t direct water as precisely as downspouts, the area beneath them is more prone to ice accumulation. This can create dangerously slick surfaces on walkways, driveways, or patios, increasing the risk of slips and falls—especially in Minnesota’s already treacherous winter conditions.
5. Reduced Aesthetic Appeal
While rain chains are often installed for their visual appeal, their beauty is diminished when covered in thick layers of ice. Instead of delicate trickling water, you might end up with a frozen column resembling an oversized icicle, which defeats the purpose of their decorative function.
What’s the Alternative?
If you live in Minnesota and still want an aesthetically pleasing alternative to downspouts, consider:
- Decorative downspouts that blend with your home’s design while effectively channeling water.
- Heated gutter systems to prevent ice buildup and improve drainage efficiency.
- Removable rain chains, which can be replaced with downspouts during the winter months.
Final Verdict
While rain chains are charming and functional in warmer climates, Minnesota’s extreme winters make them more of a liability than a benefit. The risk of ice buildup, added weight on gutters, and hazardous conditions below outweigh their aesthetic appeal. If you’re considering installing rain chains, it’s best to use them only seasonally or look for other drainage solutions better suited for harsh winter conditions.
Our professional team at Call The Gutters Guys have been helping homeowners in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs for years with seamless gutters, downspouts, and leaf covers that work. We start off by assessing your homes roof lines, grade, where the water flows from your home and design a system that diverts water far from your foundation.