Dane County
Flood Damage Restoration in Madison, WI
Flood damage restoration in Madison, WI means removing floodwater and mud, tearing out soaked drywall, insulation and flooring, disinfecting, and drying the structure before rebuild. Floodwater is contaminated, so porous materials it touched are removed rather than dried. To get a local company that serves your ZIP, call (833) 462-1975; 30 Madison ZIP codes are covered.
- Homes in Madison
- 130,848
- Median year built
- 1979
- Built before 1960
- 27%
- County flood, storm and hurricane declarations
- 5
Local conditions
Flood risk in Madison
Since 2000, FEMA has included Dane County in 5 major disaster declarations for floods, storms or hurricanes (4 severe storms, 1 flood), most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Landslides in 2018 (DR-4402). Across Wisconsin, policyholders filed 5,694 National Flood Insurance Program claims in the same period.
Most Madison homes have basements, which is where floodwater collects first. Newer basements are often finished, so drywall, carpet and belongings take the damage.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019–2023 5-year estimates; OpenFEMA disaster declarations since 2000.
Seasonal risk in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's long winters bring frozen pipes and ice dams, and spring snowmelt and rain raise rivers and groundwater, flooding basements. Summer thunderstorms bring heavy rain that overwhelms sewer systems in Milwaukee and other cities, backing water up into basements. Lakeshore areas also deal with high water and wave damage.
Madison ZIP codes served
Restoration companies in our network cover these 30 Madison ZIP codes in Dane County:
53701, 53702, 53703, 53704, 53705, 53706, 53707, 53708, 53711, 53713, 53714, 53715, 53716, 53717, 53718, 53719, 53725, 53726, 53774, 53777, 53782, 53783, 53784, 53785, 53786, 53788, 53790, 53792, 53793, 53794
When to call
Signs you need flood damage restoration
- Water coming in around windows or doors during a storm
- Roof damage with wet ceilings or attic insulation
- Water that rose into the home from outside
- Mud or debris lines on walls
First steps
What to do before the crew arrives
- 1
Wait until it's safe
Don't go back in while water is rising or officials have closed the area. Never walk or drive through moving water.
- 2
Keep power off
Leave the breaker off for flooded rooms, and stay away from the panel if it's wet.
- 3
Document the water line
Photograph every room, the water line on walls and damaged belongings before cleanup.
- 4
Call your flood insurer
Homeowners policies exclude flood; claims go to your NFIP or private flood policy.
- 5
Start drying within 48 hours
Mold can begin on wet materials in 24 to 48 hours.
How flood damage restoration works
Typical steps: secure → remove → clean → dry. The company that serves your Madison ZIP inspects first and quotes before work starts. Each step and what affects the price.
Flood policy or homeowners claim?
Rising water from outside is flood, covered only by a flood policy. Rain that came through a storm-damaged roof or window is usually a homeowners claim. After big storms in Dane County, both can happen in one house, so ask the restoration company to document where water entered.
FAQ
Flood Damage Restoration in Madison: questions
Who do I call for flood damage restoration in Madison?
Call (833) 462-1975. We connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your Madison ZIP for water removal, cleanup and drying. 30 Madison ZIP codes are covered.
Has Dane County had federally declared floods?
Yes. Since 2000, Dane County has been in 6 major disaster declarations, 5 of them for floods, storms or hurricanes; the most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, and Landslides (2018).
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Madison?
No. Standard homeowners policies in Wisconsin exclude flooding from outside water. You need a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer; new NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start.
Can flooded drywall and carpet be dried and kept?
Not after a flood from outside. Floodwater carries soil, bacteria and chemicals, so drywall, insulation, carpet and pad it soaked are removed, usually 12 to 24 inches above the water line.
How long does flood restoration take in a Madison home?
Water removal and tear-out usually take one to two days, and drying three to five more. Rebuilding drywall, flooring and cabinets follows once moisture readings confirm the structure is dry.
Should I wait for the adjuster before cleanup?
No. Photograph everything first, then start removing water. Flood policies expect you to prevent further damage, and waiting lets mold start.
More help in Madison
Flood Damage Restoration near Madison
Need flood damage restoration in Madison?
Stop the source if you can, then call. We'll connect you with a local restoration company that serves your ZIP.
Fast callback on emergency requests