We demonstrate that leaky modes can be observed in asymmetrical photonic crystal slabs on low-index and high-index substrates. The reflective spectra are studied using the scattering-matrix method, and bands of the leaky modes are obtained via the surface-coupling technique. Caused by the lack of the vertical translational symmetry, the transverse electric (TE)-polarized incidence is reflected into light containing a transverse magnetic (TM) component when the incident plane does not possess mirror symmetry, although the conversion efficiency is weak. This phenomenon, i.e. polarization conversion, is studied in detail.