Protect your property and enhance your architecture with expertly fabricated leader heads tailored to your building’s design and drainage needs.

Decorative Meets Functional—Leader Heads That Work Hard and Look Great


At RCI Architectural Sheet Metal, we design and fabricate custom metal leader heads that do more than move water — they complete the visual statement of your structure. Also known as rainwater collectors, these components serve as a critical part of a building’s gutter and downspout system, especially in high-volume or historic structures.

Whether you’re an architect seeking visual detail or a contractor focused on performance, our leader heads check every box: aesthetics, capacity, durability, and code compliance.

Why Choose Custom Leader Heads?


Improve Water Drainage

Leader heads act as reservoirs, relieving pressure from downspouts by allowing air to enter and water to flow more freely. This reduces the risk of overflow and protects your building from water damage — especially critical in the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate.

Add Architectural Character

From clean lines to historic reproductions, our leader heads add refinement and detail to commercial and historic properties. Choose from ornamental, box, round, or tapered styles—or provide a custom design for replication.

Built to Withstand the Elements

All of our leader heads are fabricated in-house in Portland using high-performance metals built for longevity:

  • Aluminum
  • Stainless Steel
  • Galvanized Steel
  • Copper
  • Pre-finished painted metals
  • Custom patinas and finishes available

Leader Heads for All Building Types


We fabricate leader heads for:

  • Commercial Buildings
  • Government Facilities
  • Educational Campuses
  • Historic Structures
  • Industrial Complexes
  • Custom Homes

Customization Options


Each leader head is made to order based on your specifications. Options include:

  • Material & Finish (Kynar, Galvalume, Copper, etc.)
  • Size & Capacity
  • Mounting Brackets
  • Decorative Scrolls & Detail Work
  • Overflow Outlets
  • Round or Square Connections

Have a unique spec or idea? Send us a drawing—or we’ll work with you from concept to completion.


Past Projects & Restoration Replication


We’ve fabricated leader heads for everything from historic downtown Portland restorations to modern commercial complexes. We can also match existing metalwork for buildings undergoing partial restoration or repair.

Need to recreate a discontinued or damaged design? We offer custom restoration and replication services using hand-formed and machine-bent techniques.

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Fast turnaround & project coordination

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Detailed shop drawings available

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UL-certified fabrication processes

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COBID Certified (W/M/V #11817)

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150+ years of combined team experience

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Veteran-owned, local Portland operation

Request Your Custom Projects Today


Whether you're replacing damaged leader heads or ordering a full custom system, RCI Architectural Sheet Metal is ready to deliver. Let’s design something that performs well and adds a statement to your structure.

📞 Call 503-284-6361 or click below to request a free estimate.