When it comes to the installation of your TV antenna, metal roofs can surely come with tons of benefits. But how to install a TV Antenna on a metal roof and ensure it’s perfectly fit?
Well, to start, you first need to determine the location of the broadcasting tower. Then do some drilling on the metal sheet of the rod. Once done, place the antenna base and screw the adjusting bracket to install the TV antenna on your metal roof.
Without question, the installation is daunting, but it can easily be done as you go through this blog that I’ve designed only to aid you! So, without further ado, let’s binge on.
How To Install a TV Antenna on a Metal Roof? : Step-by-Step Process and Guide
As mentioned before, the installation can prove to be challenging, and it’s absolutely fine if you leave the electrical connectivity and wiring (like coaxial cable) in the hands of a professional.
However, this guide will let you know the most effective ways you can get your installation done in the safest and easiest way possible.
Step-1: Determine the Location of Broadcasting Towers
Determining the tower’s location from your home is the most challenging and important aspect of setting up the antenna.
1. To pick the right location will require using a compass and information from the network providers.
2. Broadcasting towers provide better and stronger connections from one direction than the others. You may need to adjust and reposition the antenna around the metal roof multiple times to locate the broadcasting tower.
3. Once you receive the strongest digital signal, that’s your cue to stop positioning the outdoor TV antenna. Appropriately positioning the antenna towards the broadcast towers will help determine the signal strength.
Note: However, to make things easier for you, you can also use certain apps, such as AntennaWeb, to determine the location of the towers and ensure better signal strength.
Step-2: Precise Drilling on the Metal Sheets and Correctly Placing the Tripod Base
Drilling on metal or tin roof requires maximum precision and steady hands. You can use self-tapping metal screws (or electrical tape) on the sheet metal roof.
The tasks get much easier and more convenient with a portable drill (high-quality power drills can also do the trick).
1. Before you begin screwing, place a pitching cushion on each leg of the tripod. These pitching cushions will ensure no leakage or possibility of water seeping in from the drill hole.
The cushions will also ensure not to cause any harm from the leakage or be the cause for stagnant water.
2. You will need to create 12-inch long holes at the bottom of each leg of the tripod and exert some force during this part.
3. Moreover, ensure you are screwing from the center. So, the screws need to be driven through the rafters and not only the pads.
4. However, if that happens, you risk leakage through the drill bit, even if it is on flat surfaces. Once you are sure that the screws are secured, you need to place the antenna base on the roof.
Step-3: Placement of the Antenna Base
Placing the antenna against the TV bracket will require you to be precise while ensuring the top portion of the antenna is facing upwards.
1. Get the 12-inch long screws and ensure you are screwing them straight down from the base of the antenna to the other side of the TV bracket.
2. You need to insert a screw bolt through the metal strap into the bracket from one end and ensure everything is secured without movement.
(To make things easier, you can use an electric screwdriver to help you with the insertion and placement of the bolts).
3. Use a screw lock washer at the very end of the screw bolt and keep on turning it in a clockwise direction until it is completely against the other end of the screw.
4. Get a locking nut and place it at the end of the screw bolt over the lock washer. This ensures that everything is compatible, the same sized, and works well together for maximum safety.
5. Keep screwing the locking nut clockwise until it is against the bracket, and tighten it with pliers.
Step-4: Screwing Down and Adjusting the Bracket
This is the closing step and you need to be super careful to ensure that your digital TV antenna is perfectly installed and rested.
1. Grab the other end of the metal strap of the antenna mount and wrap it all over the other end of the antenna mount.
2. Insert the screw bolt through to the other end of the strap along with the bracket. You can also use an electric screwdriver to help ensure the bracket can carry the weight of the antenna and does not risk moving around.
3. Screw down the lock washer till the end of the screw bolt, so it is fixated in place against the bracket.
4. Once the lock washer has been screwed all the way up and tight against the lock, you can now use a pair of pliers to screw everything down against the brackets.
Your antenna is now safely and securely placed against the metal roof and confirmed to remain in place through any weather (especially windy conditions). To make adjustments to the brackets, keep everything in place and screw it down minimally, leaving an adequate place to ensure you don’t experience signal loss.
Note: You must always go through the antenna installation manual to properly guide you through each step.
How much does it cost to put an antenna on flat roof?
Placing a strong signal TV antenna is rather expensive to receive reliable and good-quality broadcasting networks. The expense for an attic or an outdoor antenna is somewhere around $200 to $300.
However, the expense can vary depending on the type of antenna, the height where it is being placed, and the people you are getting it done from.
Does a TV antenna need to be level?
A TV antenna does need to be leveled and positioned straight towards the broadcasting or transmission towers for the best visual experience. If the antenna is not facing toward the tower straight ahead, you may experience interruptions or even loss of solid signal at times.
The best way to do this is by using a leveler or a compass to help you direct toward the towers accurately.
Does metal interfere with an antenna?
It may seem like digital TV antennas will not work as efficiently as it would against metal roofs; however, it is a misconception. The metal roof will provide additional space for the signals to bounce off of the antenna. Therefore, you have no reasons to worry about receiving weak signals as there is no interference between the metal and the antenna.
Bottom Line
So, after going through this blog, you should now have a crystal clear idea of how to install a TV antenna on a metal roof (or even on metallic surfaces). And that too, without the assistance of an expert!
However, if you’re a beginner with the process and don’t have much of an idea about electrical connectivity and wiring. In such a case, taking an expert’s assistance can give you an upper hand.
In a nutshell, adjusting a tv antenna is time-consuming and requires precision to receive a stronger and sufficient reception range. So, ensure you have all the necessary tools to work with before initiating the task.