Structural Drying Cost — Commercial Equipment Pricing
Quick answer
Structural drying costs $800–$2,000 for a partial room over three to five days, $1,500–$3,500 for a full room including walls, $2,500–$5,000 when the ceiling and floor are involved, and $3,500–$8,000 for Class 4 materials like hardwood, plaster and concrete that hold water deep and release it slowly. The bill is equipment units multiplied by days, so the two questions that decide it are how many air movers and dehumidifiers the space needs under the IICRC standard, and what moisture reading ends the job. Ask for the daily monitoring log — it is the evidence that the days you paid for were needed. Equipment-days are the whole bill, so ask a second company what they would place and for how long — (888) 840-6512, answered 24/7.
Press 1 for water damage or 2 for mold, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for about half a minute while it connects — that is normal, stay on. Have ready: the address with ZIP, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have opened an insurance claim.
| Scenario | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Class 1 — partial room drying3–5 days, 1–2 dehumidifiers | $800–$2,000 |
| Class 2 — full room + walls5–7 days, multiple air movers | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Class 3 — ceiling + walls + floor7–10 days, full equipment suite | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Class 4 — hardwood / plaster / concreteSpecialty drying, extended timeline | $3,500–$8,000 |
| Daily equipment rental (per day)Per dehumidifier + air mover set | $75–$200 |
| Moisture monitoring (daily visits)IICRC-required daily readings | $100–$250 |
Sources: HearthDry methodology, 2026 statistics, IICRC S500 industry standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does structural drying cost?
Structural drying typically costs $1,000–$4,000 for residential jobs, on top of extraction costs. Class 4 specialty drying (hardwood, concrete) can reach $8,000+. Equipment runs 3–10 days depending on damage class.
Why can't I dry my house with household dehumidifiers?
Consumer dehumidifiers remove 20–50 pints/day. Commercial LGR units remove 70–170+ pints/day. Structural drying requires balanced airflow, dehumidification, and daily moisture monitoring per IICRC S500.
How long does structural drying take?
3–7 days for most residential Class 1–2 damage. Class 3–4 with saturated insulation, hardwood, or concrete may require 7–14+ days. Premature equipment removal guarantees mold.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line.
If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7