I’ve actually inspected a few places where folks tried the gravel pit plus pavers idea, and I’ll say it’s hit or miss. Gravel definitely helps with drainage and mud, but if you don’t put down some kind of weed barrier underneath, you’ll be pulling weeds all summer anyway. The pavers look fine at first but can shift around if the base isn’t packed tight. Honestly, I’ve seen more issues with cup style freezing up too—one place had these wild ice columns that looked cool but pulled the chain right off in March.
Honestly, I’ve seen more issues with cup style freezing up too—one place had these wild ice columns that looked cool but pulled the chain right off in March.
That’s been my experience too, especially in spots that don’t get much sun. Cup style looks nice, but once you get a few freeze-thaw cycles, those ice columns can get heavy fast. I’ve seen them yank the mounting hardware loose or even crack the first cup. If you’re in a spot with regular winter freezes, link style tends to shed ice more easily—less surface area for buildup.
On the gravel and pavers thing, totally agree about the weed barrier. I inspected a place last summer where they skipped it, and by July it was basically a dandelion farm. For pavers, tamping down the base is key. If it’s not compacted enough, you’ll notice shifting after the first big rain.
If you want less maintenance and fewer surprises in winter, link style might be worth considering. Cup chains are great for milder climates or if you’re really set on the look, but up north they can be more hassle than they’re worth.
I get the appeal of cup style—when they’re new and not encased in a frozen waterfall, they look pretty slick. But up here, unless you’re into surprise ice sculptures or want to play “guess how much weight your gutters can handle,” link style is just less drama. I’ve seen cup chains basically turn into medieval weapons after an ice storm... not exactly what you want dangling over your walkway.
One thing I’ll throw out there: if you’re doing any kind of green roof or rain garden setup, link chains are way easier to work with for directing runoff. Less clogging, less maintenance, and they don’t rip out half your fascia board when winter decides to show off.
On the paver front—couldn’t agree more about compacting the base. I learned that the hard way after my first attempt. Wound up with a wavy mess that looked like it belonged in a funhouse. Live and learn, right?
Couldn’t agree more on link style for anything involving a green roof or rain garden. The maintenance is just so much easier—cups look nice until you’re chipping ice off them every week. I’ve seen fascia boards split clean off from the weight, too. Good call on compacting the base for pavers. That lesson sticks with you... literally, in some cases.
Link style’s definitely less of a headache, especially if you’re dealing with freezing temps. I tried cup chains once because they looked so cool in the catalog—bad move. Ice built up inside the cups and I was out there with a screwdriver every other day. Never again. Plus, those things are heavy when they fill up... my gutters didn’t stand a chance. Link style just lets the water go where it needs to, no drama.
