Visible mould after water damage? A musty smell that will not go away? Andrew holds AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician) certification through the IICRC and follows proper S520 protocols — not bleach and a scrub brush. Prompt assessment available across Red Deer and Central Alberta — typically within a few days.
Mould is not an aesthetic problem you can wipe away and forget. Health Canada has published guidance noting that indoor mould exposure can affect some people — particularly those with existing allergies, respiratory conditions, or sensitivities. When mould is visible in carpet, underpad, or drywall following water damage, industry best practice is professional remediation following the IICRC S520 standard. That means containment to prevent spore spread, proper removal of contaminated materials, treatment of affected surfaces, and verification that the remediation was successful. Not bleach. Not a fan and an open window.
Andrew holds the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician) certification through the IICRC — the industry credential for professionals who handle mould contamination in buildings. AMRT training covers mould biology, health effects, containment protocols, removal techniques, and prevention strategies. Most general restoration crews rotate technicians from job to job; with Andrew, you deal directly with the AMRT-certified specialist doing the work — start to finish. That matters when the protocols need to be followed precisely.
Mould testing is part of the process when the extent of contamination is unclear — particularly for musty-smelling basements in Lacombe and Ponoka where the visible mould may be only the surface sign of a larger problem behind drywall or beneath the carpet backing. Professional mould testing involves visual inspection of the affected area, assessment of moisture levels with a meter, and where appropriate, air sampling sent to a laboratory. The IICRC S520 standard — the protocol Andrew follows — defines when sampling is warranted and what the results mean for the remediation scope.
The musty odour associated with mould is not a separate problem from the mould itself — it is a byproduct of active mould growth and the mycotoxins mould produces. Addressing the odour without addressing the mould source is temporary at best. Andrew is certified in odour removal as a distinct specialty, which means the musty smell that comes with basement mould or carpet mould after a flood is part of the remediation scope, not an add-on. Andrew is also certified in post-mortem cleaning — a certification that reflects the same core competency as mould remediation: biological contamination protocols, proper PPE, and containment procedures. These are not unrelated credentials. They reflect a consistent training foundation in handling biological hazards properly.
Here is what sets us apart and why customers choose us.
Andrew holds the IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) certification. This means containment before removal, verified results after, and proper disposal of contaminated materials — not surface cleaning and hoping it does not come back.
The IICRC S520 is the recognised industry standard for mould remediation. Following S520 means the work is done according to established protocols — the same standard your insurance adjuster and a building inspector would expect to see documented.
Removing visible mould without addressing the moisture source allows it to return. Andrew identifies the underlying cause — a slow leak, inadequate ventilation, condensation on a cold surface — and advises on the prevention steps needed to stop recurrence.
Mould produces a musty odour that can persist even after visible mould is removed. Andrew is certified in odour removal techniques that target the biological source rather than covering it with fragrance. The smell is treated as part of the remediation, not an afterthought.
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A clear, straightforward process from start to finish.
Andrew inspects the affected area, identifies the type and extent of mould growth, and assesses the moisture source. Where the extent of contamination is unclear, air sampling and moisture metering are used to determine the full scope. This assessment drives the remediation plan.
The affected area is contained with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to prevent spore spread to unaffected parts of the home. Contaminated materials — carpet, underpad, drywall — are removed and properly disposed of. Surfaces are treated with IICRC-approved antimicrobial solutions.
Andrew verifies that the remediation was successful — the mould is gone, the moisture source is identified, and the area is safe. He provides guidance on the moisture control and ventilation measures needed to prevent recurrence, and documentation of the work completed for insurance purposes.
Not happy with the results? Andrew will return and re-clean or re-do the affected area at no additional charge. He walks you through the results on-site before leaving — and follows up afterwards. What we quote is what you pay.
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We are happy to discuss your project in detail — no obligation.
Andrew services mould remediation throughout Red Deer and surrounding communities.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general awareness only and is not medical, legal, or engineering advice. Every situation differs — water category, exposure time, affected materials, and building conditions all influence the right response. For questions about possible health effects, consult a qualified medical professional. For structural or insurance questions, consult the appropriate licensed professional. Services are delivered according to IICRC industry standards (S500 for water, S520 for mould).
Common questions about this service.
Mould remediation pricing depends on the affected area, the extent of contamination, the materials involved, and whether structural drying is also needed. Small contained areas are far less involved than large multi-material projects. An on-site assessment is required for accurate quoting because the scope depends on what is affected and how far the contamination has spread. Andrew provides a clear written quote before any work begins, and documentation throughout for insurance claims.
Bleach removes visible mould from hard, non-porous surfaces like tile and sealed concrete. It does not penetrate porous materials — carpet, underpad, drywall, and wood — where mould roots actually live. Cleaning the surface with bleach while leaving the root structure in the porous material underneath is a temporary cosmetic fix. The mould comes back. For porous materials that have active mould growth, proper remediation means removing and replacing the material, not cleaning it.
Professional mould testing begins with a visual inspection and moisture assessment using a meter to identify active wet areas. When the scope of contamination is unclear — a musty smell without obvious visible mould, or mould suspected behind drywall — air sampling is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab results identify the mould species and spore concentration, which guides the remediation plan. Andrew follows IICRC S520 guidelines on when testing is warranted and how to interpret results.
Key signs to look for: a persistent musty odour that does not go away after normal cleaning, discolouration or staining at the base of walls or along baseboards, visible mould on the surface that suggests deeper growth, and a history of recent water damage that was not thoroughly dried. If you see any of these, call for an assessment rather than guessing at the scope. Mould behind building materials is common after floods and slow leaks, and it does not go away on its own.
Most Alberta homeowner insurance policies cover mould remediation when it results directly from a covered water damage event — a burst pipe, an appliance failure, or a sewer backup that was included in your coverage. Mould from gradual moisture or long-term seepage is typically excluded. Andrew provides photo documentation and written records of the damage and remediation work completed, which is the documentation your insurance adjuster will request. Contact your insurer promptly after discovering mould.
Carpet and underpad that have active mould growth — visible mould in the pile, on the backing, or in the pad — typically need to be replaced, not cleaned. Carpet and underpad are porous materials. Once mould has colonised the fibres and backing, cleaning the surface does not remove the contamination. This is the honest answer, and it is what the IICRC S520 standard reflects. In some limited cases — very early-stage surface growth on a carpet that is otherwise dry — there may be options. Andrew assesses each situation and gives you a straight answer rather than selling you a cleaning that will not hold.
Call or text Andrew for an honest on-site assessment. AMRT certified — proper protocols, proper documentation, not guesswork. Serving Red Deer, Lacombe, Ponoka, and Central Alberta.