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The sun is finally shining - time to prepare for the rain

Lithuania is a land of rain. You can’t deny this fact, so rainstorms shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, every summer they come unexpectedly and force many residents to calculate their losses. Although rain is necessary for nature, it can be a real test for homeowners. The good news is that if you prepare in advance, even the heaviest rainstorm will not turn into a tragedy.

Water through the roof and gutters

Rain always hits the roof first – but whether it runs off or seeps in depends on maintenance. The most common problems are clogged gutters or damaged roofing. Even more damage can be caused by storms and strong winds that tear off part of the roof and leave the house unprotected.

  • Inspect the roof once a season and replace damaged parts of the coating.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts in spring and fall.
  • While building your house, plan where rainwater will run off – into a drainage well, rain garden, or reservoir.

A timely repair of a roof tile costs much less than repairs after a flooded attic.

Improper or clogged water drainage

The rainwater drainage system must function flawlessly – if water stagnates, it will always find its way to the foundation of the house.

  • Evaluate the terrain of the plot and plan the water flow so that it flows away from the house.
  • Regularly check and clean drainage pipes and wells.
  • If your plot is flat and does not have a slope, consider additional measures – infiltration wells or grooves.

A timely pipe cleaning costs pennies, while removing mold in a basement costs hundreds.

Open windows and doors

Water will always take the easiest path. Open windows and doors simply invite it in.

  • Close the windows and balcony doors when leaving the house, even if you are only leaving for a short time.
  • Check the sealing gaskets and replace them if necessary.
  • For convenience, automatic window closing sensors can be installed.

Let the rain patter pleasantly on the roof, but not on the carpet in the living room.

Water from neighbors' plots

Sometimes water doesn’t come into your yard directly from the sky, but from your neighbor’s property.

  • Talk to your neighbors and look for common solutions – a ditch, embankment, or diversion channel.
  • If your plot is lower, raise the ground level at least around the house and install water collection wells.
  • Plants can also help – dense hedges or plantings slow down the flow of surface water, allow it to soak into the soil and reduce the likelihood of water flooding the yard or basement.

A joint decision with neighbors will protect against losses and improve mutual relations.

Basement – storage or swimming pool?

A basement is a great place to store supplies, but only if it is dry. If the floor of the room is below ground level, the risk of flooding is even greater.

  • Insulate walls and floors, seal cracks.
  • Store items at least 10 cm off the floor, preferably on racks.
  • Install a drainage pump that will automatically remove accumulated water.

It is much cheaper to arrange for a pump than to dry out soaked basement walls.

Take care of home insurance in advance

Home insurance is not an umbrella that you can borrow at the last minute. It needs to be taken care of in advance. Proper insurance will help not only against rainstorms, but also against losses caused by other natural disasters. The contract must be valid before you receive a notification of an impending rainstorm. Only then can you be sure that in the event of a disaster, the losses will be compensated.

Prevention is always cheaper than repair

Pre-planning is always easier and cheaper than rushing through work right before the rain or dealing with damage after it. Lithuania is a land of rain, so rainstorms shouldn’t be a cause for sadness. If you prepare in advance, they will remain just a natural spectacle and a refreshment for your garden plants, not a burden on your wallet.

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