In the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood , flat-roofed buildings, duplexes, and condominiums are common, where every improvement must balance occupant comfort with the building's structural integrity. For this project, our AirGreen team installed a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump system (mini-split multi-zone) , with an outdoor unit mounted directly on the roof. The goal: to provide efficient heating and stable cooling without compromising aesthetics, neighbours' peace and quiet, or the roof's structural integrity.
A typical Plateau location: accessible rooftop, urban view, real constraints
The photo speaks for itself: a flat roof covered in gravel, ventilation outlets, technical access, and an unobstructed view towards the city center. This is exactly the kind of environment found in the Plateau and surrounding areas, where the roof often becomes the best option for placing an outdoor unit… provided it's done correctly.
On this type of building, the issues are rarely “just” technical:
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to avoid vibrations that are transmitted to the structure,
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protect the roof membrane,
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managing snow, ice and water runoff,
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respect the distances around air intakes and ventilation outlets.
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ensure safe access for maintenance (and for future interventions).
Machine type: Multi-zone heat pump (multi-zone mini-split)
The installed system is a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump . In practical terms, this means that one outdoor unit can power several indoor units (zones) and offer independent control: living room, bedroom, office, etc. In a building in the Plateau neighborhood, where the room layout is sometimes atypical (open spaces, load-bearing walls, rooms in a row), multi-zone heating becomes a very logical solution.
Why MultiZone is so relevant in Montreal residential buildings
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Targeted comfort : only the rooms in use are heated/cooled.
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Energy savings : better management by zone, less waste.
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Less work : no need for pipes everywhere.
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Flexibility : ideal for renovations, condos and co-ownerships.
Brand and model: Gree FreeMatch
The brand is Gree and the platform model is FreeMatch (multi-zone). For this type of installation, the FreeMatch is a logical choice due to its ability to adapt to multiple indoor units, while maintaining a reliable and easy-to-maintain approach.
Even when not all the indoor units are visible in the photos, the logic of the construction is clear: a robust and properly laid outdoor base (the “foundation” of comfort) is installed, then the indoor areas are connected according to the configuration of the dwelling.
Visible installation details: what makes the difference on a flat roof
In the photo, several execution elements stand out — and these are exactly the points that separate an “acceptable” installation from an AirGreen installation designed to last.
1) Outdoor unit on supports to protect the roof
The unit is installed on a raised base , resting on support blocks/boards. On a flat roof, this approach serves to:
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distribute the load and avoid point pressure on the surface,
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reduce vibration transmission within the structure
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limit direct contact with stagnant water or compacted snow,
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preserve the membrane (a critical point on the roofs of plexes and condos).
2) Management of the routing of connections (piping + cable)
The connections leaving the outdoor unit and heading towards a penetration/pathway point are clearly visible. On a roof, the routing must be:
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clean and secure (fasteners, radius of curvature respected),
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protected (against UV rays, friction, mechanical risks),
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designed to withstand the freeze/thaw cycles typical of Montreal.
3) Positioning on the roof: ventilation and clearance
An outdoor unit needs to breathe. On a rooftop, sufficient clearance is required in front of the heat exchanger to prevent air recirculation and performance losses. Surrounding elements are also taken into account: ventilation outlets, structures, parapets, and walkways.
4) Resistance to Quebec winters
The Plateau, like all of Montreal, presents a reality: snow accumulation, wind, ice, thaws, and refreeze. A rooftop installation must be designed to:
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maintain mechanical stability (no “play” on the base),
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ensure proper water drainage during defrosting.
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minimize the risk of obstruction by snowdrifts or projected snow.
What the installation changes for the customer: comfort, silence, control
A Gree FreeMatch MultiZone , properly sized and installed, provides immediate benefits:
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Comfortable heating during the shoulder seasons (and in winter, depending on the configuration and use).
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Uniform air conditioning during Montreal heat waves.
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Reduction of perceived noise : on the roof, the unit is moved away from living spaces, while controlling vibrations.
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Zone control : each room becomes “adjustable” according to actual needs.
In urban housing, this is often the point that changes everything: no longer having to cool or heat “entirely” when you simply want to be comfortable in a specific room.
Our AirGreen method: reliability, cleanliness, and respect for the building
When installing a heat pump on a flat roof in Greater Montreal, it's not simply a matter of connecting a unit. A long-term approach is taken:
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Choosing the right positioning for performance and future maintenance .
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installation of supports designed to protect the roof ,
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fixing and routing of connections to prevent premature wear ,
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clean finish (because a residential construction site needs to stay neat).
And above all: we take the realities of condominiums in the Plateau area seriously (close neighbors, noise, building regulations, roof access, etc.). A successful installation is one that works… and doesn't create problems in the medium term.
Practical advice for condo and plex owners in the Plateau
If you are considering a rooftop MultiZone heat pump, here are some things that deserve special attention:
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The exact location : avoid areas where water stagnates and keep clear spaces.
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The support : avoid improvised solutions that crush the membrane.
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Vibrations : a detail on paper, a major irritant in reality if poorly managed.
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Access to maintenance : filters and service, this is planned from the installation stage.
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Sizing : a high-performance multi-zone system depends as much on the calculation as on the installation.
At AirGreen, it is precisely this mix (calculation + execution + finishing) that makes the difference on the ground.