With the advent of digital broadcasting, learning how to install TV antenna on roof might be your only hope of accessing free-to-air HD channels.
Generally, you will enjoy all the available channels in your area without costly satellite or cable subscriptions.
However, even before you initiate the installation, you should acquire the relevant tools & materials and have the right installation skills.
But worry not, since most manufacturers provide installation instructions in the user manual.
Today’s article takes you through installing an antenna on the roof, highlighting the exact location for the installation. Read on.
Table of Contents
- Where Can You Install A TV Antenna on Your Roof
- Simple Steps To Install TV Antenna on Roof
- Why Is Your Roof Antenna Not Finding Channels?
- Does putting a TV antenna high up above the house roof give a better signal?
- Is it better to put an antenna on the roof or attic?
- FAQs
- Final Remarks
Where Can You Install A TV Antenna on Your Roof
You can install a TV antenna on most roof parts for safety purposes and to improve antenna performance.
However, experts recommend the chimney, eaves, fascia, and roof peak since these sections are more exposed to the transmitting tower.
The roof peak offers the best mounting option from the above options, thanks to a clear line-of-sight to any transmitter or satellite (limited obstruction).
But you might have to install additional equipment to provide enough stability.
Although the chimney offers a sturdy installation option, it sometimes presents potential hazards.
Consider installing and securely fastening smaller TV antennas on the eaves or fascia if you have smaller TV antennas.
While installing your antenna on the roof, consider the local regulations, nearby obstructions, and the antenna height.
Simple Steps To Install TV Antenna on Roof
(A proper antenna installation pointing in the same direction)
Installing any antenna type on the roof is quite straightforward and allows you to access HD free-to-air channels.
Here are some critical steps you must follow to make your installation worthwhile.
Choose An Antenna
Choose an antenna that will serve you well without challenges depending on your location.
While selecting, consider the available obstructions, terrain, and how close you are to the broadcasting tower.
Since installing your antenna outdoors on the roof, obstruction is not a significant challenge like indoors.
Check Regulation and Assemble Tools
Before buying an antenna or installing it, check the local regulation or homeowners’ association.
You will be surprised to learn that local regulation only permits antenna installation of a certain height and size.
Moreover, assemble the relevant tools & equipment you will need during installation.
At the very least, have a coaxial cable, mounting brackets, antenna, screwdriver, compass (to identify transmitting tower direction), ladder, wrench, drill, and screws.
Locate The Broadcasting Tower and Installation Spot
Use the available applications or online tools to locate the direction and distance from the broadcasting tower.
With this information, it will be easy to identify the right orientation for optimal signal reception.
Next, select a position on your roof that directly faces the broadcasting tower’s direction (must have a clear line of sight).
Install The Antenna
Drill your chosen installation spot and screw the mounting brackets.
The mounting brackets should be firm enough to withstand strong weather conditions like wind.
If the antenna is not assembled yet, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to assemble it appropriately.
Next, attach the antenna to your mounting brackets, ensuring no loose connections.
Connect Antenna To TV
Connect a high-quality coaxial cable to your antenna and then link the other end to your television.
You might have to connect it to a set-top box for decoding which then connects to the TV through another cable.
Ensure the cable doesn’t hang freely as a safety precaution (use cable ties and clips to hold the cable in position).
Moreover, you can ground the antenna using a grounding wire/block to eliminate electrical surges.
Scan Channels
After connecting the antenna, you can scan and store all the available channels in your area. The scan option is under most televisions’ menu or settings options.
You can fine-tune or reposition the antenna for optimal reception if you fail to get clear pictures and a high-quality signal.
As such, consider using a signal meter to determine locations with strong signals or a compass to identify the transmitting tower direction.
Why Is Your Roof Antenna Not Finding Channels?
(Antennas a few feets above the roof)
If your roof fails to find channels, there could be serious problems; troubleshooting might help solve them.
Here are some problems that might cause an antenna not to find channels.
- A common reason an antenna not finding channels is the wrong antenna type in a certain location. Moreover, your location might have physical obstructions preventing proper signal reception. Therefore, install the right antenna type and ensure a clear line of sight to the transmitter.
- The problems could also result from weak signal strength, especially when you are located in a densely populated area or hilly terrain.
- A damaged or poor-quality coaxial cable causes a significant signal loss, forcing channels to disappear. Check for loose connections or cable wear & tear and make the relevant replacements.
- All electronic devices like microwaves or LED lights consume electricity and release energy that might interfere with signals towards the antenna. As such, move any electronics away from the antenna to stop any possible interference.
- Sometimes, your TV fails to receive signals due to the wrong scan or settings. Therefore, ensure you set the television to the right input and properly scan it to get all the channels in your area.
- Generally, adverse weather conditions like rain and wind temporarily affect the signal reception, thereby affecting channels.
- Unknowingly, you may be using outdated equipment not capturing modern digital signals. Check if this is the case, and make the necessary upgrade to a modern antenna.
Does putting a TV antenna high up above the house roof give a better signal?
(A photo of a television antenna over a roof)
Yes! Installing your television antenna high up above your roof translates into better signal reception.
In fact, experts recommend raising your antenna so that it gets a clear line of sight to the transmitting source.
As such, the antenna won’t experience obstruction from trees, nearby structures, and natural elements like mountains.
However, raising the antenna very high might cause improper balance, thereby affecting its safety.
Therefore, strike a good balance between the antenna height and safety to provide optimal reception but still not expose the antenna to damage.
Is it better to put an antenna on the roof or attic?
(Technicians planning to install an antenna)
Generally, installing an antenna on the roof offers greater performance and optimal signal reception than the attic.
The roof is fully exposed and provides a clear line of sight access to the transmitter, as long as you orient it properly.
Conversely, the attic is an indoor environment that could face signal obstruction from the roof over it, especially when the roof is metallic.
However, some users prefer installing the antenna in the attic over the roof because it receives protection from extreme weather.
FAQs
How high above the roof should the TV antenna be?
The best television antenna height is about 10-30 feet above the roof.
This height provides a clear line of sight to the transmitter and limits the obstruction on the path of signals.
However, you should base the antenna height on factors like the terrain in the area and available physical obstacles.
Usually, installing the antenna too high is dangerous since it makes it unstable and susceptible to damage by strong wind.
Which way should your roof antenna face?
The rule of thumb is that the antenna faces the direction of the transmitting tower for optimal signal reception, especially with directional antennas.
Manufacturers provide special tools like a compass or signal meter that help you identify the ideal position and direction to make installations.
Final Remarks
We all want to view clear and HD television pictures but don’t know how to achieve it.
What you might be missing is how to effectively install your television antenna on the roof to capture maximum signals.
Our guide above will help you install an antenna on the roof and solve some common antenna problems to help you access free channels without a satellite or cable subscription.
