What is a drain designed to collect water from a roof surface called?

A drain designed to collect water from a roof surface is referred to as a roof drain. This type of drainage system is integral to managing water runoff from flat or sloped roofs, directing it safely away from the building's structure. The purpose of a roof drain is to prevent water pooling on the roof, which can lead to leaks, structural damage, or compromise the roofing materials.

Roof drains often have a built-in mechanism that allows for the siphoning of excess rainwater, ensuring that it flows through the drainage system efficiently. By utilizing this drainage method, buildings can mitigate water-related issues, safeguarding both the roof and the interior of the structure from potential water damage.

Gutters, while also used for water collection from roofs, specifically channel water along the perimeter of the roof rather than serving as a direct drain. Leaders typically refer to the vertical downspouts connected to gutters, which express water flow downward, while conductors are often a broader term relating to piping that carries water but do not specifically refer to the drainage mechanism on the roof itself. Thus, the terminology and function of the roof drain set it apart as the correct answer for this question.