On some Montreal residential buildings—especially modernized plexes and small condos—the best place for an outdoor unit isn't in the yard or on a balcony: it's on the roof . This is exactly the scenario for this installation by AirGreen in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie , where we installed a Gree FreeMatch MultiZone heat pump (multi-split system) designed to power several indoor units with one or more outdoor units, while maintaining excellent room-by-room comfort control.
The image speaks for itself: a flat, granular roof , existing mechanical clearances, and two outdoor units installed on raised supports , resting on wooden slats to protect the membrane and distribute the load. This type of configuration is common in Montreal and requires a precise approach: stability, vibration, drainage, service access, and above all, durability against freeze/thaw cycles.
Why a Gree FreeMatch (MultiZone) is perfect for this type of building
The Gree FreeMatch is a logical choice when you want to:
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Air condition and heat multiple zones (bedrooms, living room, office) with a single MultiZone system
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Avoid having too many visible outdoor units (facade, balcony, courtyard)
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Obtain independent control by zone (temperature, schedules, actual usage)
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Maintaining a clean, discreet installation adapted to urban constraints
In a neighbourhood like Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, you often find indoor units spread over different floors, partial renovations, or redesigned spaces (converted attics, modernized upper floors, etc.). MultiZone then becomes a flexible solution: air conditioning is provided where needed, without over-equipping the rest.
Type of machine installed
Here, we are clearly dealing with a Gree FreeMatch brand MultiZone heat pump (mini-split multizone) .
Even if the exact model is not legible in the photo (technical label too far away), the whole is consistent with a FreeMatch range: compact outdoor units, designed to manage several indoor evaporators, with an installation logic typical of modern multi-splits.
The visible installation details (and what they mean in practical terms)
1) Installation on a flat roof : a real “technical challenge”
Installing an outdoor unit on a flat roof isn't complicated… if it's done correctly. Here, we see a granular surface, typical of elastomeric/granular roofs. Our priority: never damaging the membrane , while ensuring a stable base.
2) Raised supports + wooden slats: protection and longevity
In the photo, the units are:
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Raised on rigid bases (better ventilation, access, snow/ice clearance)
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Placed on wooden battens (load distribution, pressure point reduction, roof protection)
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Installed in such a way as to maintain clearances around the heat exchanger (essential for efficiency and maintenance)
It's a detail that seems simple, but it changes everything: a unit placed "directly" on a roof often ends up creating problems (transmitted vibrations, marked membrane, disturbed drainage, noise).
3) Vibration and noise management
In urban environments, noise is a major concern: close neighbors, rooms near skylights, adjoining buildings. A well-balanced, stand-mounted installation with an anti-vibration approach allows you to:
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reduce structural transmission
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limit the “humming” felt inside
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ensure better long-term stability
4) Routing of connections and cleanliness of the roof
On a roof, aesthetics also matter… but above all , safety and maintenance . The goal is to have a clear path for the connections (refrigerant + communication + power supply), without creating areas where water can accumulate or unnecessary obstacles.
Typical challenges of a rooftop MultiZone installation in Montreal
Wind and temperature variations
On a roof, the unit is more exposed: wind, direct sunlight, temperature cycles. Therefore, it is necessary to:
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a stable attachment
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a layout that respects clearance requirements
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a strategy for protecting the components (without stifling unity)
Drainage (air conditioning and defrosting mode)
A heat pump produces water:
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in air conditioning (condensation on the inside)
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in heating mode (defrosting of the outdoor unit)
On the roof, planning is done to prevent water from accumulating in the wrong places and creating problematic ice. Raising the roof helps, and intelligent placement avoids "trap" areas.
Service access
A successful installation isn't just about "it works today." It's also about:
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access for annual inspection
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access for cleaning
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access for intervention without demolition or improvisation
In the photo, the flat roof installation, with clearance, is clearly designed for this purpose.
Why this choice is very relevant for Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
In this sector, we often see:
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duplexes with phased renovations
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upper floors warmer in summer
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Comfort needs vary depending on the room and occupancy
The Gree FreeMatch MultiZone responds exactly to this reality: you heat/cool where you really live , with better energy logic than a single system that forces the whole home to follow the same setting.
What we particularly like about this type of project (AirGreen vision)
At AirGreen, this type of installation is typical of our approach: adapting the solution to the building , not the other way around.
Our control points on a MultiZone flat roof project:
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Roof protection (distributed load, self-supporting)
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Mechanical stability (supports, alignment, vibrations)
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Actual performance (clearances, air circulation, layout)
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Simplified maintenance (access, clearances, service logic)
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Clean integration (organized processes, net result)
Maintenance tips (specifically for “rooftop installations”)
To maintain a system like the Gree FreeMatch's performance over the seasons:
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Perform an annual maintenance (inspection, cleaning, checks)
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Keep the area around the unit clear (leaves, debris, branches)
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Monitoring after major storms: debris accumulation, localized ice
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Never "enclose" the unit with unsuitable screens or covers: air must circulate.
Conclusion
This installation in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie perfectly illustrates what is sought in an urban HVAC project: an intelligent MultiZone solution, an outdoor unit placed in the right place (on the roof), and an execution that respects the essential rules — stability, clearances, roof protection, and accessibility.
With a Gree FreeMatch heat pump , you get precise comfort, zone by zone, in summer as in winter, while maintaining a discreet and durable installation — exactly what you want for residential buildings in Greater Montreal.