Just as it happens in the case of other products, the lifespan of a TV aerial is influenced by the quality of the item. If the aerial is made to last, being manufactured out of high-quality materials, it will last longer than usual. But, if the product is a cheap one, you’ll have the unpleasant surprise to notice it failing in just a few years. In the article that follows you will find everything you need to know about this subject. Maybe it will help you look for more reliable aerials, which don’t need replacement too soon.
What’s the lifespan of aerials installed on the roof of the house?
Yes, you can have an aerial installed on the roof of your home for the next 20 years without issues. There are cases in which people used the same rooftop aerial even for 30 years, so they can last for impressive periods.
Unfortunately, an aspect that diminished the lifespan of a rooftop aerial is not being installed by an experienced professional. Many people believe that it is not that hard to set an aerial on a rooftop. But, when this is a DIY project, there are many things that can go wrong. However, in the majority of the cases, the cable and fixings are the ones that get damaged sooner than the aerial itself.
What can one expect from a cheap aerial or antenna?
For example, if you want to buy an affordable aerial, which is not made to answer to the needs of the professional market, you should seriously consider installing it in a loft, rather than on the roof. Inside a loft, an aerial is more protected and its lifespan may be prolonged. Otherwise, you may notice the aerial get damaged or fall apart in a rather short period.
How soon can a cheap and poorly installed aerial break down? You’ll be stunned to know that it can fall down as soon as within one single month from its installation on the roof. So, next time you consider the price of an aerial or aerial installation high, think twice before doing this part yourself.
In the worst-case scenario, you may have to spend additional money to get a new aerial. If you want to install the TV aerial on the roof of the house, cutting costs is not a good idea, not even when it comes to parts. The aerial should be able to withstand any kind of weather without an issue and without generating any additional costs any time soon.
Things that can go wrong with the installation of an aerial or antenna
- The aerial was installed at great heights
- “U” or “V” bolts that are too tight
- When the aerial is struck by lightning
- Outdated technology
Installing a TV aerial in the loft will prolong its lifespan
But, even if the loft looks like a more suitable place for your TV aerial, it is not recommended to do so. If you wonder why there are a number of reasons to choose otherwise. In general, lofts are at a lower height than chimneys, for instance, which means that there could be signal issues. Besides this, the signal will have to work its way through walls and roof tiles to make it to the aerial, which can also trigger issues in the quality of the TV services you want to enjoy. You may even experience no signal whatsoever.
Then you should also bear in mind that installing the aerial in the loft will mean subjecting it to a set of interference, coming from other equipment present inside the house. For example, by simply turning on the hoover than triggering the appearance of pixels on your TV’s image. A TV antenna that is installed outside, on the rooftop, on the highest possible point, will provide a clear signal no matter what kind of activities are going on inside the house.
What if the aerial is installed by a professional? Is there any warranty that accompanies the installation?
It is also possible to find companies that offer 3 to 5 years of warranty, but this usually happens for an additional cost. In other words, it would be like paying for an extra insurance policy for your aerial. If it is worth taking these costs depends entirely on you and how much you invested in the TV aerial. But, as a general rule, if you’re hiring an experienced and reliable professional and choose a good quality aerial, the equipment should last for very many years to come.