We can expect to see more snow and wind in the winter months, as well as wetter weather conditions. This can all cause problems for your TV reception. Here’s some information on how to deal with different weather conditions and the problems that they can cause.
Rain and reception problems
Rain
This is caused by damaged, cracked or split cables. This can lead to a breakdown or loss of channels, until the system has dried out. This could take a long time after a change in weather. The wet leaves from nearby trees can cause issues.
Users of Freesat or Sky may also encounter problems if heavy rain disrupts the signal from and to the satellite. Rain may be local or at the location where satellite services are being uplinked. It is not uncommon for services to return to normal after a short period of rain.
You may want to have the aerial system or satellite checked by an aerial engineer. For TV aerial repair Gloucester, visit Steve Unett.
Wind damage to aerials and dishes
Wind
Strong winds can damage or move aerials. Wind can damage parts of an aerial and make it brittle. This will reduce its capability. The same is true for the aerial cables, particularly if they are not securely fixed to the building. A loose cable is more prone to crack or split. It can lead to reception being disrupted or lost.
Wind can cause satellite dishes to be shifted out of alignment. Even a slight movement can disrupt the satellite reception.
Consider having your satellite or aerial system checked by a professional aerial engineer if you experience reception problems after strong winds. Contact TV aerial repair Gloucester.
Snow and getting professional help
Snow
Snow is more often blamed for problems with satellite reception than Freeview. Snow accumulation on the LNB and dish (the central unit of the dish which receives the signals) can cause reception problems. If the dish is low and accessible, try carefully clearing off the snow (without moving it). If you don’t, the reception will return once the snow melts.
Aerial Engineer/installer
Consider hiring an aerial engineer/installer if you still have problems after the weather improves. CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries ) is a recognised industry trade body and can put you in contact with one of their members in your region.
Contact your landlord/managing agency if you are a renter or use an aerial system communal.
Summary
This article explains how rain, wind and snow can each disrupt TV and satellite reception. It covers how rain and damaged cables can cause channel loss until things dry out, and how disrupted satellite signals usually return to normal shortly after rain passes. It covers wind damaging or misaligning aerials and dishes, snow build-up on the LNB affecting reception, and when to contact a CAI-recognised aerial engineer or your landlord for a communal system.
Questions this article raises
- How long after heavy rain should reception typically be expected to return to normal?
- Is it safe to clear snow off a satellite dish yourself, or does it risk misalignment?
- What should a renter do if their communal aerial system is affected by weather?
