Backed up gutters and clogged downspouts can cause damage to homes through erosion, watering seeping up under the roof or behind fascia and siding. With proper drainage, gutters help control water around a home. Hiring a professional gutter cleaning company helps gutters stay clean, and helps prevent these issues.

It can be frustrating to have your gutters cleaned and then another problem pop up later. It then costs more money to have someone come out again to fix a problem. So, make sure that when you hire a gutter cleaning company you answer the questions below.

Hire a gutter cleaning service that can do the job for a reasonable fee. Here's how to find one that's good for you.

Find the right company. Most companies get their business through word of mouth, and good companies get good word of mouth. If any neighbors use a gutter cleaning service, ask how competent and reliable they find their service. Look around in your neighborhood and see who has recently had a company come out to clean their gutters. Ask around.

If you don't know anyone who uses a gutter-cleaning service, check online Yellow Pages for those that look interesting — remember, the biggest ad does not mean the best service.

Once you have a list of possible companies, ask each one whether the company is licensed (if licensing is possible in your state) and has worker’s compensation and full insurance for all employees who would work on your home. Companies without insurance and workman's compensation leave you liable if an employee gets hurt on your property.

Ask the company to fax or email you a copy of their license, insurance and worker's compensation certificates as proof.

Get References-Ask the company for references from people for whom they've done work. Written testimonials are nice, but references should include a phone number so you can call the people for their opinion about the work.

Get an Estimate-Have all companies that you choose visit your home and give you an estimate for the cost of the work and the time required. Any company that won't do a free estimate is not worthy of your consideration. Get all estimates in writing. Also determine how promptly they can do the work.

If you want your gutters cleaned only once, don't be pressured into signing a contract for ongoing gutter cleaning service. If they do a good job the first time, then it's worth considering them. Any service with whom you have a contract should clean your gutters twice a year.