Can bent leaf guards cause roof leaks?

We had to raise our shingles to clean out gutters, which have metal leaf guards on them. The leaf guards will no longer lay flat again and have been this way for more than a year.  Will this cause a leak? -- Easley, S.C.

There are a number of different metal leaf guard systems and you didn't mention which type you have. Regardless of the style, your gutter system is designed to work with the leaf guards laying flat. If they are not, the system is not functioning properly.

Even if you haven't seen evidence of a roof leak in the year since you cleaned the gutters, it doesn't mean there isn't one. Rainwater may have been diverted into unwanted areas of your home and could be creating a problem without any external signs or could cause a future problem. As you are probably aware, the list of problems that could occur if a roof leak is not identified and repaired is a long and expensive one: damage to shingles, the roof, foundation, basement, driveways, walkways, paint, and landscaping. Mold and wood rot could also become a problem.

It would be a good idea to have a contractor or installer familiar with your metal leaf guard system evaluate and fix the leaf guards, so they lay flat again and ensure that the system is functioning properly. It's worth the investment to pay for a roof inspection and determine whether there is an undetected roof leak. A full inspection usually runs between $200 and $400.

If you don't have a leak, count yourself lucky. If you do, hire a professional roofing contractor and have it repaired immediately. Delaying the inevitable can only compound the problem and usually costs significantly more in the long term.