How Long Will a Satellite Dish Last?

You’re planning to invest money in a satellite dish? In this case, most certainly you’re interested in the life span of such an item. How much will a satellite dish last before it needs replacement? Which satellite dishes are more resilient than others? And how to make sure you’re getting the right kind of satellite dish? Considering that some satellite dishes don’t come cheap, some more than others, you want to make sure your money will be well spent.
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Of course, the life span of a satellite dish also depends on the way it was installed and how it is maintained over time. The installation process is extremely important and can lead to significant damages to the dish if it is not done right. So, if you don’t think you can handle this correctly, it would be best to have a professional take care of this part. Also, if branches and debris end up on the satellite dish after bad weather, it would be ideal to clean it and check if everything is in place properly. Taking good care of your satellite dish will certainly expand its lifetime.

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The quality of the dish will influence this aspect

Just as it happens in the case of anything else, a quality dish will last longer than a dish of a precarious quality. This is because high-quality dishes are made out of more resilient materials, serving you well for extended periods. While it may be attractive to buy a more affordable satellite dish, bear in mind that you may need to replace it sooner than planned.

​So, instead of buying two satellite dishes in a rather short period, it would be wiser to spend a bit more money to get a more reliable dish. This way, you won’t end up in the unpleasant situation of not having any signal to watch your favourite TV shows.

Take a good look at what the dish is made of

As mentioned earlier, the materials out of which a satellite dish is made will significantly influence its lifespan. So, take a good look at this part before making a purchase.
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Dishes made out of painted steel

​The typical zone1 & 2 satellite Dishes made out of steel protected by a layer of paint are probably the most common types of dishes you can find on the market. The best part about steel is that it is quite resilient and it’s not expensive, which translates into more affordable satellite dishes. However, even if this kind of satellite dish seems like a good investment, there’s one downside you need to bear in mind. Once the layer of paint starts to chip and the steel is exposed, the dish will slowly begin to rust.

Dishes made out of aluminium

​Aluminium is also sturdy and, in comparison to steel, it does not rust. Thus, an aluminum satellite dish may last longer than a steel dish. So, if you are interested in this option, you will find quite a few aluminium satellite dishes on the market. But, be prepared to reach deeper into your pocket if you want to buy one. They cost more than steel versions, so it is worth seeing if the expense is really justified.

Dishes made out of fibreglass

This particular type of satellite dish is the most resilient of all. Fiberglas will certainly not rust and will maintain its shape and particularities for a very long time, regardless of conditions. If you live in harsher conditions, like on the seaside where the air is saltier, investing in a fibreglass dish may represent a better option. But, no matter how great fibreglass dishes are, they are also the most expensive. So, you will have to check your budget and reasons for purchasing one first.
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Dishes covered with mesh

​There are also dishes made out of painted metal frame, covered with a mesh, instead of having an entire body made out of metal. The mesh will take away a good part of the load created by winds, so this type of dish can be a better option for areas subjected to strong or frequent winds. Usually, this type of dish is light and easy to install. However, it still has a metal frame that could rust if the layer of paint gets damaged. But the fact that it is not expensive makes it a good option.

Living in the proximity of the sea will diminish the dishs' lifespan

While living beside the sea is great, dreamlike even, the external conditions of such an environment will rapidly damage your satellite dish. The closer your home is to the sea, the faster your satellite dish will get damaged. So, you may just get a couple of years from your satellite dish, in these circumstances.

​If you want to avoid replacing your satellite dish often, choosing an aluminium dish or one made out of fibreglass is a much better option. As a piece of advice, the mounting brackets should be galvanised and the fixings or washes to be made out of stainless steel. This way, you prevent rust from dripping on your home’s walls.

A professional did not install the dish

A satellite dish will have to withstand all kinds of weather, as it sits outside, where wind and rain will always affect it. This is why a satellite dish should be installed correctly so that it won’t become unstable and risk falling off the house. If this happens, the damage could be permanent. Besides this, a dish that has not been installed correctly may lose its signal on windy weather. This is, obviously, something very unpleasant and frustrating. Plus, going up the roof in windy conditions is not a good idea, as it can put you in danger.
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While it is not that pleasant to get more money out of your pocket for the installation of a satellite dish, you should have a professional cover this part. Proper installation can prolong its life and, respectively, the use of a satellite dish. A professional will know how to take care of this matter so that your satellite dish won’t get damaged by the weather or hit by any nearby items.

How’s the climate in your area?

The lifespan of a satellite dish is also influenced by the climate of the area where it is installed. If you live in an area exposed to hurricanes, you should expect such a violent climatic episode to take a toll on your satellite dish. So, what can you do to protect your satellite dish against bad weather?

​If you live in an area where the weather can turn out to be rather dangerous, you should find a location for your dish that keeps it safe for as much as it is possible. Again, the importance of having a specialist over for its installation, in this case, is even more underlined. A professional will look for the ideal spot for your dish so that it will get a proper signal while minimising the chances of weather-inflicted damages.

The dish is placed in areas with significant exposure to damage

Are you considering placing your satellite dish next to a pathway or in reach of others? While this may be a comfortable option for you, take into consideration the risks to which you expose your dish. For example, if you can reach your satellite dish with your hands, others may as well. So, you may end up having the unpleasant surprise of having your dish stolen off the wall of your house. This can happen and has happened to some people because their dish was in easy reach.
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Also, having a satellite dish installed in reach or in the proximity of a pathway may get the dish damaged sooner than it should. For instance, balls can hit the dish and inflict damages or the dish may get vandalised by ill-intended people. You may never find the vandals, having to buy another dish if the damage is consistent. So, as a general rule, you should install your satellite dish away from the reach of others.

The average lifespan of a satellite dish

​Now that you know what can prolong and diminish the lifespan of a satellite dish, you’re wondering what’s the average value of this lifespan? If all the right conditions are met, how much can you use a satellite dish? Again, these values are approximate and are influenced by the area where you live. As a general rule, people living inland where climate conditions are normal could use a satellite dish for about 10 years. Of course, this period can be longer if you get a high-quality dish and you opt for proper installation. Besides this, there are the following conditions:

• The average lifespan for a satellite dish installed on the seaside is of 8 years;
• The average lifespan for a satellite dish installed on the seafront is of 4 years;

As a conclusion, use all the information you found out in this article to pick the right satellite dish for you. Take into account the materials, price, location, and weather to make an adequate choice that will allow you to enjoy your dish for as much as it is possible.