One of the things I enjoy about running Heywood Academies is getting to know other people building businesses in Victoria. Our day-to-day work can look very different, but there is a lot to learn from how another local business got started and grew.
Kevin from H2O Brothers, an exterior cleaning company in Victoria, has a particularly straightforward answer to the question of how it all began: a friend, a borrowed pressure washer, and knocking on doors.
I sent Kevin some questions about the business and the work behind roof moss removal, house washing, and gutter cleaning. He replied with practical advice for homeowners and an honest story about a first commercial job that did not go to plan.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and organised by topic. Prices and service recommendations below reflect Kevin's September 2026 responses.
How did H2O Brothers get started?
Kevin: There's no fancy founder story. My friend Anthony came over one day with his dad's old pressure washer, and we started knocking on doors. No investors and no big plan. We just did good work, and people kept calling us back.
What job stands out as a turning point?
Kevin: Our first commercial strata job. I underquoted it badly. We lost money and worked 12-hour days for a full week to finish it.
It was a hard lesson, but it taught me how to quote properly and how to run bigger jobs. Since then, we've grown from one borrowed pressure washer to a full crew with proper equipment and over 2,500 jobs completed.
How does Victoria's coastal climate affect roof moss and exterior surfaces?
Kevin: Victoria has mild, wet winters, so moss and algae grow almost year-round. In colder or drier parts of Canada, hard freezes and dry summers slow growth down. Here, shaded roofs, tall evergreens, and constant damp give moss everything it needs.
We also see black roof streaks from algae, green buildup on north-facing siding, and salt film on homes near the water.
What goes into the cost of roof moss removal or a house wash in Victoria?
Kevin: Price mainly depends on:
- Size of the home or roof.
- Height, pitch, and access. Steep or tall roofs need more time and safety setup.
- How much buildup there is. Heavy moss takes longer than light growth.
- Surface type. Asphalt, cedar, and metal each need a different approach.
- Treatment and cleanup. This includes products, protecting plants, and clearing debris.
For a typical Victoria home, expect $600 to $800 for roof moss removal and $500 to $700 for a house wash. We give free quotes, so there are no surprises.
These are Kevin's indicative prices from September 2026, not a quote for a particular property. Ask H2O Brothers for current pricing and a written scope of work.
How often should Victoria homeowners get their roof, gutters, and windows cleaned?
Kevin: Roof moss treatment: every one to two years to keep growth from taking hold.
Gutters: at least once a year, ideally in late fall after the leaves drop. Twice a year if you're under firs, cedars, or maples.
Windows: two to four times a year. Homes near the ocean need it more often because of salt spray.
Heavy tree cover and waterfront exposure both mean more frequent service.
Those recommendations are a starting point for a conversation about your property. The amount of shade, surrounding trees, and exposure to the ocean can make one home's maintenance needs different from its neighbour's.
What should homeowners check before hiring an exterior cleaning company?
Kevin highlighted liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage as important checks when choosing a contractor. Liability insurance and workers' compensation address different risks, so it is worth asking about both rather than treating them as interchangeable.
WorkSafeBC advises homeowners hiring contractors to obtain a clearance letter confirming that the business is in good standing. Depending on the arrangement, homeowners can have obligations, including potential liability for unpaid premiums. A contractor's registration should not be treated as a blanket guarantee that every risk has disappeared. See WorkSafeBC's homeowner guidance for the details.
What does a strata or commercial exterior cleaning job look like?
Kevin: It starts with a site visit to measure, check access, and note any problem areas. We then send a clear written quote to the property manager or council.
Once it's approved, we set a schedule and give residents notice ahead of time so they can move cars, close windows, and bring in patio items.
Timeline and crew size depend on the size of the property. We work building by building, keep walkways clear, protect landscaping, and do a final walkthrough with the manager when we're done.
What is the biggest mistake homeowners make when trying to clean their own roof?
Kevin: Pressure washing the roof. It strips the granules off asphalt shingles, shortens the roof's life, and can void the warranty.
We also often see people:
- Using too much pressure on siding, which forces water behind it.
- Scraping moss without killing the roots, so it grows back fast.
- Mixing chemicals that burn plants or stain surfaces.
- Taking risks on ladders and roofs without proper safety gear.
A soft wash uses low pressure and the right cleaning solution, so the surface gets cleaned without being damaged.
The method needs to suit the material being cleaned. Ask your contractor how their approach fits your roof or siding and its manufacturer's care instructions.
What does supporting the Victoria community look like for H2O Brothers?
Kevin: We don't have any sponsorships right now. For now, our focus is doing good work for the people in Victoria who've supported us from the start. Giving back is something we'd like to do more of as we grow.
Planning exterior cleaning for your Victoria home?
For roof moss removal, gutter cleaning, house washing, or a larger strata project, visit H2O Brothers to learn about their services and request a free quote. Tell them about your property, its access, and any areas of concern so they can recommend an appropriate scope of work.