By the end of 2022, there will be a predicted 6 billion users on the Internet. That’s 75% of the world’s projected population!
Internet access allows us to enjoy many activities. Whether engaging with others on social media platforms or streaming channels and beyond, WiFi access is vital for today’s lifestyle.
But, for many people, having a reliable WiFi service isn’t just for fun. Thousands of individuals use their computers, tablets, laptops, and phones to work remotely. Because of this, many people will ask, “Do metal roofs affect WiFi?”
Metal roofing has numerous advantages, including energy economy, durability, and a minimum lifespan of 60 years. Despite these advantages, homeowners may wonder does a metal roof affect their WiFi strength and reception. This guide will assist you in finding a solution to this common question.
Will a Metal Roof Interfere with your WiFi Strength?
Metal roofs are a beautiful and long-lasting alternative for homes and commercial businesses. But many people are concerned that the metal may interfere with their Wi-Fi signal.
The relationship between a metal roof and WiFi signals is rather difficult. While a metal roof may cause a wireless connection to be disrupted, it’s usually not the main cause of reception issues.
The reliability of your internet surfing and cell phone reception is usually affected by several factors. After all, many commercial buildings that frequently choose metal roofs have reliable WiFi and rely on their reception to do business.
If you are thinking about a metal roof installation, the metal itself may not be as important as you think. You don’t have to give up the idea of having a metal roof because it is unlikely to make a difference with your signal.
Testing Your WiFi Signal
A metal roof will not affect your WiFi signal in your business or home if your internet access is provided via a cable or satellite dish. In these cases, the signal is received outside your building and delivered inside through a cable to your router and modem situated within your home or business.
Your local satellite or cable provider will test and readjust the quality and strength of the WiFi signal that flows into your home if the signal is weak. Once the WiFi signal is detected, the performance of your router and modem will determine the power and range of your wireless connection.
Other factors, such as router settings, cable connectors, the size of your home or building, and router placement. This may affect the quality of your connection overall. But, the good news is that a metal roof will not affect the results of your signal if it is connecting via a satellite dish or through a cable company. If you are still having an issue, contact your local provider.
What’s Interfering Your WiFi Signal?
Many factors can have an impact on your WiFi signal. Buildings in the immediate vicinity, metal objects too close to your modem or router, and inconsistent coverage in some areas can result in spotty reception.
Your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) service can be shoddy. The software and equipment you’re using, including the router, can be faulty.
How to Improve WiFi in a Metal Building
If you have dead zones in your building where you can’t surf the web, or if you notice poor internet speed in some areas, you may have signal troubles.
You may also have a problem if you can receive a good signal outside of your home or business but have lags and issues when inside. If this is the case, here are a few options available to you:
Get an Internet Booster for Metal Buildings
A signal booster system for a metal building can have four parts: an antenna for the outside, an antenna for indoors, a cable for connecting everything, and a signal booster, also known as a repeater or an amplifier. A coax cable connects both antennas to the signal enhancer.
The external antenna transmits and receives data to and from the tower where your service provider is located, and the indoor antenna works the same way as a cell phone or any data device does. The booster takes the signal from outside, amplifies it, and then rebroadcasts it inside.
The amount of reception you’ll get indoors is determined by two factors. It depends on the strength of the outdoor signal and the elements of each system. For the signal outdoors, you will need a minimum of three bars of strength to obtain adequate coverage from any system.
The external antenna needs placement where the reception is strongest, often on or near a building’s roof. A system’s coverage area will reduce if there are fewer than three bars of signal outside. To cover wider regions in large buildings, you may require more than one system.
Get a Long-Range Wireless Router
Choose a long-range router with the widest range available and link it with your wireless repeater to increase your signal’s range even farther.
If it’s been a while since you updated your router, it may be outdated. Choosing a newer one with a larger selection can make a significant difference in your signal.
Position Your Router Correctly
Keep your router out of the way of metal items and off the ground. You might want to try a few different locations in your house to see which one gives you the best signal.
Get Your Devices Closer
You’ll get a better signal if your laptop, PC, or tablet is near the router. If possible, keep your gadgets in the same area as your router and within visibility of it.
So, Do Metal Roofs Affect WiFi?
We hope we answered the question, “Do metal roofs affect WiFi?” Whether a metal roof can affect your WiFi reception, or not, can weigh heavy on your mind. In a nutshell, there are steps you can take to ensure the best reception for your internet signal while in a building or home with metal roofing.
If you are thinking about a roof repair or replacement and want to learn more about metal roofs, we can help! Contact us to discuss your options for what roof solutions will make sense for your property. You can also check out our blog section for more information.
Do Metal Roofs Interfere with Cell Phone Reception?
While metal roofs do not disrupt cell service, they can worsen existing problems with radio waves. This misinformation probably stems from the fact that your house may be near a utility tower which is responsible for managing these frequencies and sending them into homes or businesses