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| Poor installation of kick out flashing by roofers |
Well, I’ve mentioned before that things have been a bit stressful around here lately. A few months ago, when I went to swap out our mantel decor from winter to spring, I noticed bubbly paint on the wall. We all know what that means: water infiltration.
Since we had already repaired the chimney when we moved in, I thought it might be a masonry issue. Long story short: we had masonry repairs and then a new roof. Let’s just say, the roof experience was not a positive one — actually, it was downright awful. We dealt with damage to our home every time a new crew came out. After the third round of “fixes,” we finally said no more.
Dealing with home repairs can feel like an emotional roller coaster. It’s expensive, stressful, and requires you to put your trust in strangers. If you’re like me, you try to do your homework — reading reviews, asking for referrals, hoping you make the right choice. But even then, things can go sideways.
I’ve always believed that your home should feel like a safe haven, not a place where you constantly discover new issues or feel let down by the people you hire to help. After the roof fiasco, I was feeling pretty defeated.
We needed someone to repair our gutter, and correct the kick out flashing. The wonderful Amish gentleman who had worked on our home before was unavailable, and I knew I had to act quickly to get the repairs made since the roofer would be paying this time. That’s when I discovered Jon from Vex Gutters.
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| The gutter is going under the porch roof which Jon stated is a no, no. |
I sent Jon a message through his online portal, not really expecting a quick response based on my past experiences. But Jon called me back shortly after. What a breath of fresh air! It sounds simple, but these days, someone actually calling you back feels like finding a needle in a haystack.
Jon happened to be nearby, so he offered to stop by that same day. I explained everything to him, and from his glowing online reviews, I already knew he had a reputation for fixing what others messed up.
When Jon arrived, he inspected the gutter area where we had an issue and found even more issues than I had noticed from the ground. Our siding had been cracked by the step flashing the roofers installed, which they also cut a slit in the siding for — flashing that we didn’t even have before. The roofers had also damaged and replaced our front gutter but when they did so, the gutter was placed under the shingles of our porch.
I asked Jon if he would mind taking photos for documentation, and he graciously used my phone so I’d have clear records. He explained that he doesn’t do siding repairs himself, but he had a trusted friend who did excellent work. Jon was clear that he doesn’t usually make referrals lightly because it’s his reputation on the line. But he felt confident in this friend’s workmanship since they used to work together, and he knew I’d be in good hands.
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| Cracked siding from roofers |
As if that wasn’t enough, Jon also checked a gutter in the back of our home that had been overflowing after the new roof was installed. With all of the rain we've had, it was like a waterfall over the porch roof. Multiple people had already told me the gutters were clean, but something just didn’t feel right.
Jon grabbed his ladder, took the downspout apart, and showed me it was completely full of roofing debris — leftover from when the roofers used blowers to clear the roof and conveniently funneled it all into our downspouts. Jon cleaned out the debris, reassembled the downspout, and simply told me to have a good day.
I stopped him — we pay people for their time! But Jon insisted he hadn’t been there long enough to charge me. In a world where it often feels like everyone is looking to nickel-and-dime you, Jon’s honesty and integrity were almost shocking. He takes pride in his work and isn’t interested in squeezing every dollar out of you.
I’ve had plenty of experiences with contractors who show up late, don’t return calls, overcharge, or disappear halfway through a job. That’s why encountering someone like Jon feels so rare — and why it’s so important to share when you do.
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| My neighbor who is an architect indicated this is an incorrect install, it cannot go under the porch, and we would also get insects in the crack causing issues later |
Jon even pointed out that a gutter should never be installed under shingles — something he refused to replicate, even if our original porch gutter had been done that way. He explained how a leaky gutter endcap could cause water to travel into our walls, creating hidden damage that might not show up until it’s too late (and very expensive).
Then, he did something that truly set him apart: he walked away from a paid job. He told me it wouldn’t make sense to repair the gutter now only to have his friend remove it again for the siding repair. He could have easily taken the job, charged me, and left me paying twice — but he didn’t.
That kind of honesty is so rare. It reminded me that there are still good, hardworking people out there who care more about doing the right thing than padding their pockets.
Jon is a true craftsman and small business owner who does nearly all the work himself, sometimes with help from his son for gutter cleanings. He doesn’t show up to impress you with sales pitches or big talk; he simply gets the job done right and treats you with respect.
If you’ve ever been burned by contractors before, you know how valuable that is. When someone genuinely cares about their work and your home, it shows — and it gives you peace of mind that money can’t buy.
He showed up when he said he would, communicated clearly, took extra steps to document issues for me, and turned down money to save me from unnecessary costs down the road. That kind of integrity deserves to be shouted from the rooftops (pun intended).
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| Overall, this doesn't look nice |
What to Look for When Hiring Someone to Work on Your Home
After my experience with Jon at Vex Gutters, I was reminded how rare it is to find someone who actually cares about the work they do — and about you as a homeowner.
When you’re looking to hire someone for any home project, whether it’s gutters, a new roof, siding, or even small repairs, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Communication is everything.
If they don’t return your calls or show up when they say they will, that’s a red flag. The right person should make you feel heard and respected from the very first contact.
2. Honesty over sales pitches.
A good contractor won’t push you into extra services you don’t need. They’ll tell you exactly what the problem is, explain it clearly, and offer solutions — even if that means turning down work.
3. Willingness to educate.
The best pros aren’t afraid to explain things. They’ll show you damage, take photos, and walk you through how and why something needs to be fixed. You should feel more knowledgeable after they leave, not more confused.
4. Go beyond online reviews.
Online reviews can be a great first step, but they aren’t everything. It’s always a good idea to also ask around locally and see who your neighbors, friends, or family have actually worked with and trusted in real life. Nothing beats a recommendation from someone you know personally.
5. Pride in their work.
Look for someone who treats your home as if it were their own. They should care about the details and not cut corners just to move on to the next job.
6. Transparency about limitations.
A trustworthy contractor knows what they can and can’t do — and they’re not afraid to tell you. When Jon told me he doesn’t do siding but had a trusted friend who does, that was a big sign of integrity.
7. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
When it comes to big home repairs, especially roofs or structural work, it’s always wise to get more than one professional opinion. Some contractors might exaggerate damage or try to scare you into rushing a decision. If you find yourself feeling panicked instead of informed, it’s a good moment to slow down, gather more information, and seek another perspective.
I hope after today, you feel a little more prepared and empowered when hiring someone to work on your home. I know I’ve learned more than I ever wanted to about repairs — sometimes the hard way. Honestly, I feel like I’ve graduated from the school of hard knocks when it comes to home projects (maybe I really should write a book!).
Frequently Asked Questions About Gutter Repair in Lancaster, Ohio
How do I know if I need new gutters or just a repair?
If you notice overflowing water, sagging gutters, cracked siding, or water stains inside your home, it's time to have your gutters inspected. Sometimes a simple repair, like clearing a clogged downspout, is enough. Other times, replacing damaged sections or installing new gutters is the safest choice. An honest professional like Jon at Vex Gutters will tell you exactly what you need — and nothing you don't.
How much do gutter repairs typically cost?
The cost of gutter repairs can vary widely depending on the damage and your home's layout. Minor fixes, like clearing a clog, can be very affordable, while larger repairs or full replacements will cost more. The best first step is always an inspection and an honest quote from a reliable expert.
Why shouldn’t gutters go under shingles?
It might seem like a good idea to tuck gutters under shingles for extra coverage, but it actually creates a risk for water to back up and seep into your roof or walls. A properly installed gutter should sit just below the roof edge to safely catch and direct water away from your home.
How often should I have my gutters cleaned?
Generally, it's a good idea to clean your gutters at least twice a year — once in spring and again in fall. However, if you have a lot of trees nearby or notice overflow during heavy rains, you may need to clean them more often.
Is it worth hiring a small, local business for gutter work?
Absolutely! Local businesses like Vex Gutters not only bring specialized expertise but also a level of personal care and honesty that’s hard to find with larger companies. Supporting local craftsmen helps keep these trustworthy businesses alive and thriving in our community.
I always say: support the people and businesses that do good. Share this post in case you know anyone who might need gutter work, and let’s help keep honest small businesses thriving.
If you value honesty, skill, and good old-fashioned integrity, Jon is your guy. I can’t recommend him enough.
Ciao,
Cara
