In the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, HVAC installations almost always require a customized approach. Between brick buildings, flat roofs with membranes, close neighbours, and access constraints, every detail counts. On this project, we installed a Sharp wall-mounted heat pump ( Eco Inverter series, Sharp ZU1 model) directly on the roof , with a raised structure designed for stability, water drainage, and performance in Montreal's climate.
The photo shows a Sharp outdoor unit positioned near the parapet, on an aluminum bracket resting on wooden stringers (load distribution), with anti-vibration pads visible underneath. The assembly is clean, straight, and accessible—exactly what AirGreen aims for in a durable and easy-to-maintain installation.
Why is a rooftop installation common on the Plateau?
In several buildings in the Plateau (plexes, small residential buildings), the floor installation is not ideal:
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limited clearance in the backyards
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narrow passage in an alley,
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aesthetic considerations (facade / balcony),
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reduction of the risk of noise pollution near windows or terraces.
The roof then becomes the most logical location, provided that strict rules are respected: weight distribution, membrane protection, vibration management, air clearances, and planning for winter (snow, ice, winds, defrosting cycles).
The installed system: Sharp Eco Inverter (ZU1 coherence)
The Sharp brand and Eco Inverter identification are clearly recognizable on the outdoor unit, along with the “Plasmacluster” emblem (a technology associated with the Sharp product line). In a Montreal residential setting, choosing a Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump is a logical decision when looking for:
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stable modulation (inverter) to avoid sudden changes,
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effective cooling comfort in summer,
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a high-performance solution for the cold seasons, typical of Montreal,
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a compact format suitable for urban installations.
Visible installation details and AirGreen highlights
1) Elevated support designed for the roof
The unit is mounted on a raised aluminum structure. On a flat roof, this is essential for:
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limit the accumulation of snow around the device,
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to facilitate water drainage and defrosting management,
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maintain adequate ventilation around the heat exchanger.
2) Load distribution and membrane protection
You can see wooden beams under the structure: this isn't just a decorative detail. The goal is to distribute the load across the roof surface and avoid pressure points that could weaken the membrane over time. This is a critical point on the plexiglass roofs in the Plateau area.
3) Anti-vibration to reduce noise and resonance
The anti-vibration pads under the unit help reduce the transmission of vibrations to the structure. In dense environments, this is a key element:
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greater comfort for the occupants
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less risk of resonance in the framework,
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better coexistence with the neighbors.
4) Positioning near the parapet: logical and safe
Installing near the parapet generally allows for:
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a simpler route for connections,
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better management of roof space,
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clearer access for the service, while avoiding the creation of a dangerous traffic zone.
5) Access and maintenance: planned from the outset
A wall-mounted heat pump performs exceptionally well over time when maintenance is simple. On the roof, we always plan for:
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the clearance space for working,
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the possibility of cleaning,
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inspection of connections and heating operation.
Roofing challenges in Montreal: what we anticipate
Snow, ice and de-icing
On a roof, snow accumulation can differ from that on the ground: wind creates snowdrifts, and defrosting can generate water runoff that refreezes. Hence the importance of:
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from an elevated support,
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from a positioning that limits the recirculation of cold air,
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of an area under the unit that does not trap water.
Wind and stability
The Plateau is exposed to wind corridors, especially on the roofs. A well-designed installation must remain stable, without excessive vibrations, and maintain its clearances even in difficult conditions.
Result: four-season comfort and a clean installation
This Sharp rooftop installation perfectly illustrates our approach: a practical , aesthetically pleasing , and durable solution, integrated into the urban reality of Plateau-Mont-Royal. The support structure is designed to protect the building, reduce noise, and maintain system performance in the extreme temperature variations experienced in Quebec.