How WaterGuard® Protects Reno/Tahoe Basements from Water Damage
Why WaterGuard® Is a Basement Lifesaver in the Reno/Tahoe Area
If you live in Northern Nevada or around the Tahoe Basin, you know we get a little bit of everything when it comes to weather: snow, rain, and long dry spells. While that mix gives us beautiful seasons and scenic landscapes, it can also create the perfect storm for basement water problems.
Here at Madole Construction, we’ve seen it all, basements flooding during snowmelt, water stains creeping along walls after a heavy rain, musty smells from hidden moisture. One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is: “How is water even getting in?”
The answer? It’s all about pressure and pathways.
The Water Woes of Reno/Tahoe Homes
Our region has a unique soil profile. In Reno, we see a lot of expansive clay soils that swell and shrink with moisture. In Tahoe, many homes sit on sloped lots with poor drainage and heavy snow runoff. Over time, these conditions put pressure on your home’s foundation. That pressure forces water into the path of least resistance and often cracks in basement walls or at the floor joint.
Even if your basement has never flooded before, water can still seep in slowly and silently. You might notice damp spots, peeling paint, or that telltale musty smell. That’s where WaterGuard® comes in.
What Is WaterGuard®, and Why Do We Trust It?
WaterGuard® is our go-to solution for interior drainage—and for good reason. It’s a specially designed system that we install just below the basement floor, along the inside perimeter of your foundation. It captures water as it tries to sneak in and redirects it safely to a sump pump before it can cause damage.
What makes it different from traditional drainage systems? WaterGuard® is set above the footing of your foundation, out of the mud zone. That means it stays clean, efficient, and out of sight.
We’ve installed WaterGuard® in countless homes from South Reno to Incline Village, and the results speak for themselves, you will have a dry, usable basements and happy homeowners.
What Can Homeowners Expect from a WaterGuard® Installation?
We know that any kind of basement repair can sound overwhelming, but we take great care to make the process as smooth as possible for our clients.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Free Inspection and Custom Plan
One of our certified specialists will come to your home, assess the water issue, and design a custom solution that fits your space and your budget.
2. Prepping the Basement
Our crew protects your space with plastic barriers and drop cloths to keep dust to a minimum. We then carefully remove a narrow strip of the concrete floor along the perimeter to make room for the WaterGuard® system.
3. Installing the Drainage Channel
The WaterGuard® track is placed just above the footing, flush against the foundation wall. It is then connected to a sump pump that will discharge the collected water.
4. Restoring the Floor
Once the system is in place, we pour fresh concrete over it, sealing everything back up. The finished look is clean and tidy, with the system completely hidden under the floor.
5. Peace of Mind
Once installed, the system starts working immediately. You can enjoy your basement with confidence, even during storms or the spring thaw.
Want to See It for Yourself?
If you’re curious how WaterGuard® works or what the installation process looks like, we just created a video walkthrough you can check out here:
It’s a quick, visual way to understand what’s happening under your feet—and why this system makes such a big difference in keeping basements dry year-round.
Living in Reno/Tahoe has its perks, but a soggy basement isn’t one of them. Whether you’re seeing early signs of moisture or you’ve had full-on water damage, don’t wait for the next storm to find a solution.
WaterGuard® is discreet, effective, and long-lasting and we’re proud to be one of the few local companies with the expertise to install it properly.
Questions? Want a free inspection?
We’re here to help. Reach out anytime, and we’ll talk you through your options.
