Many people dream of buying a property next to a lake or river in rural Portugal.
It is very hard to assess the true characteristics of a river if seen during a dry period in the winter or the height of summer.
The trickling brook that looks like it may dry up in August can be two and a half meters deep and a roaring torrent a few months later. Which would make sleeping near it difficult.
Our winters can be relatively cold and wet for what feels like ages.
This winter 2014/2015 all around the local area there were rain fed cascades washing out tracks and making fields water logged.
Many of our local rivers and streams are not maintained in good order by the river authority.
What I mean by that is that they have large fallen trees across them and the spaces under bridges are blocked up with silt and rubbish.
When a torrent of rain comes it can wash more debris into the blockages causing a dam to form and either flooding the neighboring land or washing away the foundations of retaining walls and buildings.
Who will pay for the damage to be repaired, will you receive any compensation. dream on!
Even if your property is not damaged by flood water the dampness in the air, in the ground and from the rain will have negatively effected your old house in Portugal.
Many of you are probably seeing rising damp making the interior paint in your house stain and blister like never before.
You may see signs of water or damp entry from the roof and ceilings caused by misaligned roof tiles, broken or missing tiles and poor quality flashings around walls and chimneys.
Some of you may have discovered that your house walls are only one brick thick so will have large damp patches in the middle of the walls.
It is best to report any river blockage build ups to the local council so that they can clear them before the flooding starts.
