How to Install Direct TV on Your Roof
Mounting the Direct TV satellite dish on your roof can be done as long as the area where you will install the satellite dish has an unobstructed view of the southern sky. The view must be free of tree branches or buildings to receive the satellite signal, which is in a fixed position in the south far above the earth. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Adjustable wrench
- Drill
- 3/16-inch wood drill bit
- Ladder
- Bubble level
- Roof sealant
Instructions
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1
Assemble the dish per the directions that come with the type of satellite dish you are installing.
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2
Locate a position on the roof with a direct view of the southern sky free from any obstructions and at least 20 feet from power lines.
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3
Find the rafters on the roof. The dish foot must be attached to a rafter. Place the mounting plate on the rafter. Use the bubble level to make sure that the foot is centered on the rafter. Use the center line on the foot as a guide to make the foot level and straight on the rafter. The foot must be vertical on the rafter. Note: To locate the rafter, you must have access to the attic. Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the center of the first rafter by the wall to the center of the rafter that you will use to mount the dish. Next, measure the width of the rafter. On the roof, find the center of the rafter at the edge of the roof using the width measurement of the rafter. Measure over to the center of the rafter where you will mount the dish using the measurements from inside the attic.
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Use the pencil to make the two center holes and the four corner holes after the foot is level and straight. Remove the foot. Use the drill and the 3/16 inch wood drill to drill the two center holes in the rafter. Next, drill the four corner holes.
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Place a small amount of roof sealant in each of the six holes. Loosen the nuts holding the mast in place on the mounting foot so that you have easy access to the two center holes on the foot. Place the mounting foot on the holes with the mast facing upwards and not outwards.
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Use the 1/4-inch-by-2-inch lag screws for the four corners and the two 5/16-inch-by-3-inch lag screws for the center holes. Tighten down with a wrench. Secure the center screws first and then the four corner holes.
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Apply the roof sealant all the way around the edge of the mounting foot. Tighten down the mast and proceed to install the coaxial cable and grounding wire. After the cable is installed and hooked up to a receiver, you will need to make adjustments to the dish to reach the correct elevation and azimuth settings.
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Tips & Warnings
Never mount the dish on a roof where water accumulates.
Never mount the dish on shake or slate shingles.
References
- Photo Credit Satellite TV image by Bryan Crowe from Fotolia.com
