Condo du Plateau: a flat roof installation designed to last, efficient in summer and winter
At AirGreen , we support Montreal co-owners who want to enjoy four-season comfort without cluttering their balconies or facades. On this flat roof in Plateau-Mont-Royal , we installed a Zephyr R-32 wall-mounted heat pump on a raised structure with anti-vibration pads and treated wood supports, to ensure stability, silence and waterproofing of the membrane.
The context: urban co-ownership, roof access
The client wanted to free up their exterior walls and preserve the aesthetics of the interior courtyard. The solution: place the condenser on the gravel roof while respecting the co-ownership rules, the waterproofing membrane , the acoustic neighborhood and the service corridors (drains, vents, guardrails). We opted for a new generation Zephyr R-32 , perfectly suited to the shoulder seasons and winters of Greater Montreal .
Our achievement, step by step
Step 1 — Independent supporting structure and membrane protection
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Aluminum frame on treated wooden supports (4x4) placed on the gravel layer, to distribute the loads and avoid any perforation of the membrane.
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Anti-vibration pads under each chassis leg to mechanically separate the unit and reduce the transmission of structural noise.
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Elevation calculated for:
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maintain optimal air clearance around the device;
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prevent the accumulation of snow and ice in the defrost tray;
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facilitate maintenance (access to the hood, valves and defrost drain).
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Step 2 — Smart placement among other equipment
The roof already has another condenser. We have:
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respected the side and rear clearances prescribed by the manufacturer;
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directed the air discharge away from the other machine to limit recirculation and loss of efficiency ;
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maintained a safe service path between the units and the roof elements (acroteria, vents).
Step 3 — Refrigeration connections and protected routing
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Insulated copper with UV protection and smooth routing to avoid tight bends.
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Waterproofed roof passage: flashing/waterproofing box according to the rules of the art, then membrane-compatible sealant .
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Inside, connections routed to the wall head (living room) with optimized length to minimize pressure losses and facilitate maintenance.
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Bundled communication and power cable, with drip to prevent water infiltration into the machine.
Step 4 — Electrical Disconnection and Compliance
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Disconnect box installed in view and close to the condenser;
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Dedicated circuit from the home's electrical panel (conductor gauge and protection adapted to the Zephyr's nominal current);
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Grounding and tightening control.
Step 5 — Careful Commissioning
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Nitrogen brazing and pressure testing ;
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Deep vacuum (controlled microns) and vacuum resistance;
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Opening of the R-32 charge and possible adjustment according to the actual length of the lines;
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Reading of parameters (temperatures, intensities, pressures) in cold then heating mode, to guarantee optimal performance .
Why a Zephyr R-32 for a Plateau roof?
Performance and comfort
The new generation Zephyr wall-mounted R-32 heat pumps are distinguished by high seasonal efficiencies (SEER2/HSPF2) and low-temperature stability adapted to the Montreal climate. The inverter finely modulates the power: fewer jolts, stable temperature , controlled consumption .
Silence and respect for the neighborhood
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Anti-vibration pads and rigid but decoupled structure;
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Positioning avoiding resonances with the acroteria;
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Checking the blowing speed and the prevailing wind profile on the roof to prevent the re-aspiration of hot air in summer.
Sustainability in a roofing context
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Raising the height to limit corrosion and hardened snow in the defrosting tray;
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Battery protection grid (coil-guard) against gravel and wind-borne debris ;
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UV-proof paths to prevent premature aging of insulation.
Flat Roof Challenges and AirGreen Responses
Waterproofing first
We never puncture the membrane without a documented waterproofing detail : flashings/boxes, compatible sealants, positive slope around the passage and verification of storm drains . The objective: zero infiltration , even in thawing.
Loads and ballast
The chassis distributes point loads across the 4x4s to prevent them from sinking into the gravel. When required by engineering or wind exposure, we add ballast or bracing . Here, the overall mass and the gust-proof location are sufficient.
Defrosting and free flow
In heating mode, the unit performs defrost cycles . We checked the free flow of water towards the gravel, away from the membrane upstands, to prevent ice from forming against the structure.
Results: comfort, discretion and simplified access
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Rapid cooling of the open area in summer;
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Effective additional heating in autumn and spring, limiting the use of electric baseboards;
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Low noise level perceived by neighbors and inside;
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Clear maintenance access , without blocking other roof equipment.
AirGreen advice for condominiums in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore
Best practices for rooftop HVAC installation
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Use a raised structure with anti-vibration pads ;
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Provide adequate clearances for ventilation and service;
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Protect the connections (UV, shocks) and take care of each radius of curvature ;
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Install a visible electrical disconnect ;
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Check the flow of defrost water and the absence of obstacles.
HVAC maintenance to maintain performance
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Clear gravel and debris from near the appliance;
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Clean the inner head filters ;
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Schedule an annual inspection (pressures, temperatures, currents, tightenings, condition of insulation and battery).
Grants and Eligibility
High-efficiency , cold-weather wall-mounted heat pumps may be eligible for assistance programs in Quebec (based on SEER2/HSPF2 criteria, minimum operating temperature, certification, and installation by a licensed contractor). Our team will verify the measures in force for you and provide administrative support .
Why AirGreen?
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Local expertise and properly documented site;
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Mastery of flat roof contexts (membranes, loads, wind);
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Rigorous selection of recent brands ( Zephyr, Midea, GREE, Fujitsu, Sharp ), current refrigerants (R-32/R-454B) ;
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Turnkey service : study, HVAC installation , commissioning, HVAC maintenance throughout Greater Montreal .
Do you have a flat roof project in Plateau, Laval , Longueuil , North Shore or South Shore ? We size the power (BTU), choose the best series and commit to a durable installation that protects your roof and your investment.
Site sheet - highlights
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Type : wall-mounted heat pump (mini-split) R-32
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Brand : Zephyr (recent series)
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Context : flat roof of condo, Plateau-Mont-Royal (Montreal)
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Structure : aluminum frame, anti-vibration pads , wooden supports on gravel
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Integration : clearances respected, protected path , disconnection on sight
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Benefits : silence, efficiency, maintenance access, preserved aesthetics
AirGreen — the benchmark for HVAC installation and maintenance for condominiums in Greater Montreal .