ᐅ Experiences with the Pluggit AP310 and DH160-KS Roof Penetration
Created on: 27 Feb 2021 12:23
H
Häuslebauer124H
Häuslebauer12427 Feb 2021 12:23Hello dear Häuslebauer124,
I would like to share my experiences with the company PLUGGIT and their AP310 system in the following post (I would never install anything from this company in a house again):
In our house built in 2015, the developer had planned a ventilation system from Pluggit. The system provides satisfactory air exchange, and very little energy is lost through the heat exchanger. This works very well during the three colder seasons. Unfortunately, in summer the system only brings hot air into the house. When it gets cooler outside at night, the heat exchanger warms up the cooler incoming air again, so the house does not get any cooler.
Fortunately, Pluggit offers a bypass for this, which can be easily retrofitted by oneself. This bypass bypasses the heat exchanger in summer, so the cooler outside air is no longer unnecessarily heated.
In 2018, we had problems with the unit for the first time, which is installed in our attic. In the bedroom below, we could clearly hear noises. When we checked the attic, it quickly became clear what the cause was. The ventilation system was making loud noises. After contacting Pluggit and extensive online research, it was clear that a fan was causing the noise. Pluggit wanted to replace it immediately for a very high price. If you google this problem, you will find that a ball bearing is the cause. Cost: 10€ for a set of bearing pullers and 10€ for a set of 10 ball bearings. This quickly solved the problem.
At the end of 2020, I discovered a much worse issue: The supplied roof penetration DH160-KS consists of a collar and a metal flashing. This metal flashing comes in two colors. We chose the black version to match the anthracite-colored roof tiles. What happened? The paint completely peeled off and spread onto the adjacent roof tiles. Pluggit has not commented on this. After several weeks, I unfortunately received no response. Anyone considering installing something like this should look at the photos. I estimate the damage at about 1000€, because Pluggit obviously used paint that is not weatherproof for outdoor use.
Maybe someone here has an idea how I can fix the damage as cost-effectively as possible?
I would like to share my experiences with the company PLUGGIT and their AP310 system in the following post (I would never install anything from this company in a house again):
In our house built in 2015, the developer had planned a ventilation system from Pluggit. The system provides satisfactory air exchange, and very little energy is lost through the heat exchanger. This works very well during the three colder seasons. Unfortunately, in summer the system only brings hot air into the house. When it gets cooler outside at night, the heat exchanger warms up the cooler incoming air again, so the house does not get any cooler.
Fortunately, Pluggit offers a bypass for this, which can be easily retrofitted by oneself. This bypass bypasses the heat exchanger in summer, so the cooler outside air is no longer unnecessarily heated.
In 2018, we had problems with the unit for the first time, which is installed in our attic. In the bedroom below, we could clearly hear noises. When we checked the attic, it quickly became clear what the cause was. The ventilation system was making loud noises. After contacting Pluggit and extensive online research, it was clear that a fan was causing the noise. Pluggit wanted to replace it immediately for a very high price. If you google this problem, you will find that a ball bearing is the cause. Cost: 10€ for a set of bearing pullers and 10€ for a set of 10 ball bearings. This quickly solved the problem.
At the end of 2020, I discovered a much worse issue: The supplied roof penetration DH160-KS consists of a collar and a metal flashing. This metal flashing comes in two colors. We chose the black version to match the anthracite-colored roof tiles. What happened? The paint completely peeled off and spread onto the adjacent roof tiles. Pluggit has not commented on this. After several weeks, I unfortunately received no response. Anyone considering installing something like this should look at the photos. I estimate the damage at about 1000€, because Pluggit obviously used paint that is not weatherproof for outdoor use.
Maybe someone here has an idea how I can fix the damage as cost-effectively as possible?
H
Häuslebauer1245 Mar 2021 23:15Since there was actual feedback that it was not clear that the black paint on the lead apron no longer adheres to the lead, I took another photo of the ridge. The company Pluggit still has not responded to the mess they caused.
Thank you for your contribution and for sharing your experiences.
Although I personally would not use Pluggit either, you are describing very common behavior and wear in technical systems.
A bearing failure after three years of continuous operation? Well, that can happen even with the best systems. And yes, of course, the manufacturer will usually replace entire assemblies rather than individual components. That is simply the standard practice nowadays. If you want to save money, you have to do the work yourself or know someone who knows someone.
The paint peeling off the lead flashing is also nothing unusual. If I were you, I would use a cold enamel to fix it. However, be prepared that this will need to be redone regularly. That’s just how external coatings behave.
Much worse than lead flashing are the plastic variants. Not only do they warp from the sun, but they also fade and become brittle over time (there are exceptions, but these are much more expensive and usually only used if explicitly requested).
The issue with the bypass is basic knowledge. Don’t misunderstand.
Although I personally would not use Pluggit either, you are describing very common behavior and wear in technical systems.
A bearing failure after three years of continuous operation? Well, that can happen even with the best systems. And yes, of course, the manufacturer will usually replace entire assemblies rather than individual components. That is simply the standard practice nowadays. If you want to save money, you have to do the work yourself or know someone who knows someone.
The paint peeling off the lead flashing is also nothing unusual. If I were you, I would use a cold enamel to fix it. However, be prepared that this will need to be redone regularly. That’s just how external coatings behave.
Much worse than lead flashing are the plastic variants. Not only do they warp from the sun, but they also fade and become brittle over time (there are exceptions, but these are much more expensive and usually only used if explicitly requested).
The issue with the bypass is basic knowledge. Don’t misunderstand.
H
Häuslebauer1246 Mar 2021 16:37Thank you for the response. It’s becoming clear to me that almost every tradesperson and manufacturer is focused on maximizing profit, which leads to disappointing customers. I never thought such behavior was possible. However, it seems intentional, which probably explains why prices are so high. Customers end up paying for incompetence, shortages, and defective products.
Fortunately, there is a proper fitting for my roof tiles. Since I have clay material, the color will not peel off. Imagine buying a car that loses 99.9% of its paint after just 5 years, and the manufacturer never comments on it. Anyone buying from or via Pluggit should reconsider carefully. In construction contracts, I would make sure some companies are explicitly excluded. A typical clause is "or from an equivalent manufacturer," which allows developers to install almost anything they want.
Does anyone here have experience with removing the ugly color, possibly using a pressure washer? I almost assume that I might still have to replace 30 roof tiles, and I want to emphasize again – the company Pluggit apparently cannot use a paint that withstands weather conditions. Unbelievable!
Fortunately, there is a proper fitting for my roof tiles. Since I have clay material, the color will not peel off. Imagine buying a car that loses 99.9% of its paint after just 5 years, and the manufacturer never comments on it. Anyone buying from or via Pluggit should reconsider carefully. In construction contracts, I would make sure some companies are explicitly excluded. A typical clause is "or from an equivalent manufacturer," which allows developers to install almost anything they want.
Does anyone here have experience with removing the ugly color, possibly using a pressure washer? I almost assume that I might still have to replace 30 roof tiles, and I want to emphasize again – the company Pluggit apparently cannot use a paint that withstands weather conditions. Unbelievable!
Unfortunately, that’s just how it is. We live in a throwaway culture, and the “managers” optimize everything that’s not nailed down.
You have to compare apples to apples. Something like: “Imagine buying a car, and after 5 years the trim pieces have faded.” Oops… with the unpainted parts, that actually happens.
They most likely won’t. The warranty period has expired. Everything else is your responsibility. In principle, you could have just chosen clay roof tiles from the start if they are apparently available as you say. For example, I insisted on clay tiles back then and sent the installers away as soon as they showed up with plastic tiles.
Yes, definitely. Many contractors specialize in using high-pressure cleaning to remove all sorts of things from roofs, making old (or dirty) roofs look like new again. So it’s possible—you just have to be careful with the pressure, just like when pressure washing a car or other surfaces.
No, that risk definitely does not exist.
Häuslebauer124 schrieb:
Imagine buying a car and after 5 years it has lost 99.9% of its paint.
You have to compare apples to apples. Something like: “Imagine buying a car, and after 5 years the trim pieces have faded.” Oops… with the unpainted parts, that actually happens.
Häuslebauer124 schrieb:
The manufacturer doesn’t comment on it.
They most likely won’t. The warranty period has expired. Everything else is your responsibility. In principle, you could have just chosen clay roof tiles from the start if they are apparently available as you say. For example, I insisted on clay tiles back then and sent the installers away as soon as they showed up with plastic tiles.
Häuslebauer124 schrieb:
Has anyone here tried to remove the ugly color using a pressure washer?
Yes, definitely. Many contractors specialize in using high-pressure cleaning to remove all sorts of things from roofs, making old (or dirty) roofs look like new again. So it’s possible—you just have to be careful with the pressure, just like when pressure washing a car or other surfaces.
Häuslebauer124 schrieb:
I’m almost certain I can still replace 30 roof tiles.
No, that risk definitely does not exist.
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