The Finishing Touch of a High-Performance Gutter System
Discover how leader heads (conductor heads) enhance both the function and beauty of your home's drainage system.
Get a Free Gutter ConsultationEFFICIENT WATER MANAGEMENT
What Do Leader Heads Do?
Leader heads, also known as conductor heads or collector boxes, are a critical component of a high-performance rainwater drainage system. Positioned at the top of a downspout, they collect water from the gutter or a scupper and guide it efficiently and safely.
- Improve Water Flow: By increasing air circulation and relieving back pressure, they allow rainwater to move more quickly and smoothly.
- Prevent Overflow: They provide an intermediate catch basin during heavy rains to prevent water from backing up and spilling over.
- Reduce Noise & Splashing: They minimize the noise and mess often caused by fast-moving runoff entering downspouts directly.
Architectural & Design Benefits
Beyond their functional purpose, leader heads also serve a decorative one. Available in a variety of styles, materials, and finishes—from copper and aluminum to painted steel—they can complement the exterior aesthetics of both traditional and modern buildings.
In historic architecture, they're often used as ornamental features, sometimes bearing dates, initials, or custom designs to add a unique, distinguished touch.
Key Considerations
Ensuring proper function and longevity is crucial.
Proper Sizing
It's important to match the size and shape of the leader head to the capacity of the gutter and downspout system. Improper sizing can lead to ineffective drainage.
Material Compatibility
Ensuring the material is compatible with the rest of the gutter system helps prevent galvanic corrosion and prolongs the lifespan of all components.
Leader Head FAQs
A leader head acts as a catch basin at the top of a downspout. Its main functions are to improve water flow by increasing air circulation, prevent overflow during heavy rain, and reduce noise and splashing.
Leader heads are most beneficial for larger or more complex roof systems, commercial buildings, and homes with flat roofs or scuppers. They are especially useful in areas with high rainfall where managing large volumes of water is critical.
They are available in a variety of materials to match your gutter system, including copper, aluminum, and painted steel. We can help you select a material that is compatible with your existing gutters to prevent corrosion.
Absolutely. A key benefit of leader heads is their decorative potential. They can be fabricated in many styles and finishes, and in historic applications, are often customized with dates, initials, or unique designs to match the building's architecture.
Add Function and Elegance to Your Home
Contact our experts to discuss how custom leader heads can enhance your gutter system's performance and curb appeal.
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