Keeping the Story Alive with New Upholstery

« Back to Home

3 Beautiful Ways To Deal With Rain Water

Posted on

Rain is something that many homeowners enjoy. It's soothing, beneficial for lawns and nourishing for plants, and can wash away dirt. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Storms and heavy rain can lead to damage to the home and surrounding landscape if drainage solutions are not working as they should. Things like downspouts, rain gutters, and ditches are often used to lead water away from the home in order to prevent damage. However, these solutions are not always the most aesthetically pleasing. Here are three attractive ways to deal with excess rainwater.

Rain Chain

Rain chains are artistic alternatives to closed downspouts and gutters. Water flows down from the roof onto either a chain or a chain with cups every few links. The water can produce a pleasing sound as it rushes by. These chains are equal parts decorative and functional. The cost of rain chains varies with basic models costing between $20 and $50 and with more decorative versions costing between $50 and upwards of $200. Rain chains are a beautiful way to keep rainwater off the roof. For more information on rain chains, check out companies like Rain Chains World.

Decorative Drainage Swale

A swale is a shallow trench that is dug in order to allow storm water to flow away from the home and surrounding landscape. They fill up with water whenever there is rain and often look like miniature streams. The cost to build a drainage swale can be as little as $.50 per square foot. Often these swales are simply covered with grass and built to blend in with the landscape. However, swales can also be lined with river rock and various plants. Landscaping the swale is a great way to make it an attractive part of the landscape and to take advantage of its drainage abilities. 

Rain Garden

Another way to deal with rainwater is by creating a rain garden within the landscape. Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the landscape where water can easily flow. They are planted with water tolerant plants and often thrive whenever weather conditions are wet. A do-it-yourself rain garden usually costs between $1 and $5 per square foot while a professional installation costs between $10 and $20 per square foot. Rain gardens can provide both an attractive pop of color as well as a way to effectively deal with excess rainwater. 

Ditches, drainage pipes, downspouts, and gutters are all common ways to deal with excess rainwater. While they are effective, they may not be the most attractive choices. Three beautiful ways to deal with rainwater include rain chains, decorative swales, and rain gardens. 


Share