| Author |
Message |
Don Harris CSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA
Senior Member
Username: don_harris
Post Number: 104
Registered: 03-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 02:59 pm: |    |
We have a client who wants to use rain chains at the entrance canopy of a commercial office building. Any experience pro and con, as to whether this is an acceptable use of a rain chain would be appreciated. Thanks. Happy New Year to all. |
Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski
Post Number: 469
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 03:08 pm: | |
Depending on the location and traffic, this would seem to be inappropriate. Lovely, perhaps, but they might invite vandalism (think attractive nuisance). (and Happy New Year to you, too) |
Sheldon Wolfe
Senior Member
Username: sheldon_wolfe
Post Number: 217
Registered: 01-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 03:49 pm: | |
This chain should be vandal-proof. Yes, vandal-proof, not vandal-resistant.
big chain |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wyancey
Post Number: 249
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 04:02 pm: | |
Don,
In the past my employer designed hot-dipped galvanized heavy link chain as rainwater leaders (downspouts) at the Agriculture Forestry Building at the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Bottom of chains connected at grade to a drain opening that is tightlined to a underground storm water system. Some where near entrances and exits that were protected with canopies. They did not seem to be a problem at the time. Rain fall in Edmonton is not as significant as snow fall in Edmonton. Rainwater was collected in gutters and discharged to the chains. Length of gutters was not excessive.
I have also seen them used at tea house type structures in Japanese gardens.
Look great.
I will dig deeper.
Wayne |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wyancey
Post Number: 250
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 05:18 pm: | |
Don,
More information.
My former employer recalls, the chain drops worked okay where they were relatively sheltered. They tend to spray around a bit especially when there is heavy rain. Probably the biggest problem is at the base. The detail for collection for the Ag Forestry was too small.
He has drawings around the office still. He will track them down next week, scan and email them to me.
I will contact you on this thread once I receive them.
Wayne |
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec
Post Number: 289
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 07:24 pm: | |
Wayne
We specified them for a project in Parkland, Florida, made of copper, for a high end Golf Club designed by a CALIF Architect. Unfortunately the rain chains were VE'd out, but the architectural firm had used them before and had recommended them highly. Wayne, if you like, I'll send you an email with the firms's contact info, they are a large firm in Irvine and I am still working with the Project Architect/Manager on that project for several current projects, he might be able to provide the info you seek. |
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec
Post Number: 290
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 29, 2006 - 07:28 pm: | |
Ooops, I see it is Don who asked the original question. Don, send me your email address at lazarcitec@msn.com and I'll forward their info to you. |
Don Harris CSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA
Senior Member
Username: don_harris
Post Number: 105
Registered: 03-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 09:47 am: | |
Thanks for the great input. It is much appreciated. |
Julie Root
Senior Member
Username: julie_root
Post Number: 71
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 12:03 pm: | |
I am seeing them a lot here in CA on LEED buildings especially at the front entrance ways. I think because they get more visual bang for the buck. In all cases I have seen where they have designed interesting rock areas for the chain to splash into so as not to cause big splashes. Sorry I do not have photos, but next time I see one I will try to remember to take a pic. |
John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: bunzick
Post Number: 631
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 02:20 pm: | |
I have seen them in Florida using plastic chain. May be more vulnerable to vandalism, but it never rusts. |
Ron Beard CCS
Senior Member
Username: rm_beard_ccs
Post Number: 161
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 03:15 pm: | |
Don:
Other factors to consider in addition to those previously mentioned (control of water at grade and vandalism, etc.) include the following:
1. Extent of overhangs. Chains don't perform well when near the side walls.
2. Prevailing winds.
3. Height of fall.
Ron |
Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre
Post Number: 429
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 04:36 pm: | |
one way to deal with the high wind situation is to simply anchor the chain at the ground in some fashion. I agree that they can invite vandalism, but its a pretty common method for rainwater directing in the Seattle area because the chains are so easy to maintain. the splashing seems to be the only problem, and that can be easily remedied. I'm not so sure that they work well for areas that get deluges, but for a typical northwest winter, they do just fine. |
Ron Beard CCS
Senior Member
Username: rm_beard_ccs
Post Number: 162
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 08:08 pm: | |
Anne:
Your "typical northwest winter" is suspect by the rest of the country when we read about your getting 12" of rain per week. <g>
The wind issue I have experienced is not that the chain moves, it is that the wind is stronger than the capillary action of the water clinging to the chain. Water spray is widely dispersed beyond the design intents or the containment systems. The higher the drop the larger the spread pattern. This is more of a concern in projects located in coastal areas. |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wyancey
Post Number: 252
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007 - 03:55 pm: | |
Don,
I obtained some details for the AgForestry Bldg. Please e-mail me at wyancey@weberthompson.com |
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