Weather damage to TV aerials: Prevention and repairs
Weather Damage: Protecting and Repairing TV Aerials
TV aerials are exposed to the elements year-round, which makes them vulnerable to weather-related damage. Here's how to recognise and prevent weather issues, and what steps to take if your aerial has been affected.Types of Weather Damage
- Wind: Can misalign or detach an aerial from its mount
- Rain and moisture: May cause corrosion, especially at joints and connectors
- Snow and ice: Add weight and stress, potentially bending aerial elements
- Lightning: Though rare, can cause severe damage to the aerial and internal equipment
Signs of Weather Damage
- Sudden signal loss or channel disruption after a storm
- Visible tilt or movement in the aerial
- Rusted or bent elements
- Water ingress in cabling, causing short circuits
Preventative Measures
- Installation:
- Use strong, weather-resistant brackets
- Install weatherproof coaxial connectors
- Use junction boxes
- Materials:
- Choose galvanised or stainless-steel components
- Use high-quality weatherproofing materials
- Maintenance:
- Perform regular visual inspections
- Check after severe weather
- Schedule annual maintenance
Repair and Replacement
- When to Act:
- Visible damage present
- Signal quality dropped after weather events
- Persistent reception issues
- Professional Services:
- Signal strength testing
- Aerial realignment
- Cable replacement
- Full system assessment
