Conductor Heads
Architectural Drainage With Old-World Character
Conductor heads — also called leader boxes — are the decorative transition pieces between your gutters and downspouts. They add elegance to historic, craftsman, and high-end homes while improving drainage capacity.
What Is a Conductor Head?
A conductor head is a box-shaped collector mounted at the top of a downspout, where the gutter outlet meets the vertical pipe. Originally developed for large commercial buildings and historic architecture, they're now a sought-after detail on custom homes, renovations, and any project where the drainage system should be as beautiful as the rest of the exterior. They also serve a practical purpose: the enlarged collection chamber reduces the chance of overflow at the gutter-to-downspout transition, especially on high-volume runs.
Materials
Styles & Materials
Copper
Most PopularCopper conductor heads develop a rich patina over time, transitioning from bright penny to deep brown to verdigris green. They're the traditional choice for historic homes and pair beautifully with copper or half-round gutter systems.
- Develops natural patina
- 50+ year lifespan
- Soldered seams
- No painting required
Aluminum
VersatileAluminum conductor heads can be painted to match any gutter color, making them a practical choice for homes where you want the architectural detail without the cost of copper.
- Paintable to any color
- Lightweight
- Rust-proof
- Cost-effective
Galvanized Steel
IndustrialGalvanized steel conductor heads have a raw, industrial look that suits modern farmhouse and contemporary architecture. They can be left natural or painted.
- Raw industrial aesthetic
- Very durable
- Paintable
- Heavy-gauge construction
Lead-Coated Copper
Historic RestorationUsed on historic restoration projects where original materials must be matched. Lead-coated copper has a matte gray appearance that doesn't patina like bare copper.
- Historic authenticity
- Matte gray finish
- Extremely durable
- Restoration-grade
Profiles
Common Shapes
Rectangular
The most common profile — clean lines that suit craftsman, colonial, and transitional architecture.
Tapered / Hopper
Wider at the top than the bottom, the hopper shape is the classic conductor head silhouette seen on historic New Orleans architecture.
Ogee / Molded
Features decorative molding on the face — a traditional detail for Greek Revival and antebellum homes.
Custom Fabricated
We can fabricate conductor heads to match existing details on historic homes or meet custom architectural specifications.
Benefits
Why Add Conductor Heads?
Architectural Character
Conductor heads are one of the few drainage details that add genuine visual interest to a home's exterior. They signal craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Improved Flow Capacity
The enlarged collection chamber at the gutter-to-downspout transition reduces the risk of overflow during heavy rain events — a real advantage in Louisiana.
Historic Authenticity
On New Orleans shotguns, Creole cottages, and antebellum homes, conductor heads are historically accurate details that preserve the character of the architecture.
Longevity
Copper and lead-coated copper conductor heads last 50–100 years with minimal maintenance — far outlasting the home's other exterior finishes.
Curb Appeal & Value
Homes with thoughtful exterior details command higher prices. Conductor heads are a relatively small investment that elevates the entire roofline.
Custom Sizing
We fabricate conductor heads to fit your exact gutter outlet and downspout dimensions — no off-the-shelf compromises.
Our Process
Site Assessment
We measure your gutter outlets, downspout locations, and the architectural style of your home to recommend the right conductor head profile and material.
Material & Style Selection
We walk you through material options, patina samples, and shape profiles so you can see exactly what will be installed before we order anything.
Fabrication
Conductor heads are fabricated to your exact specifications — either in-shop or by our specialty metal fabrication partners for complex custom profiles.
Installation
We install the conductor heads with proper sealing and fastening, ensuring a watertight connection between your gutter outlet and downspout.
Final Inspection
We test the system with water and walk you through the installation, pointing out the drainage path and any maintenance notes specific to your material choice.
32 Colors Available
Find Your Perfect Gutter Color
Browse the full Senox collection — Traditional, Armor Tough®, Duel Tone® & Premium Metals
Add Conductor Heads to Your Project
Whether you're restoring a historic home or adding a custom detail to new construction, we'll help you find the right conductor head for your architecture and budget.