Satellite dish installed on screened deck. Will it work?

Question

We would like to get DirecTV, but we are currently living in a second-floor apartment. The deck has a clear southern exposure, but the dish would have to go on the deck, which is screened. Would this work?

Also, I understand that it is necessary to embed the pole on which the dish is mounted in a bucket of concrete. Who would I contact to do this?

Answer 1

Through the screen, what are you.... deliberately silly today?

If you get a Satellite dish, the path should be completely unobstructed. Of course, the installer will be trying to set it up and GET OUTTA THERE, so don't just take his word for it.

Answer 2

It's a bit difficult to give you a pat answer but with all things working for you I would first agree with another respondent in that it is important to obtain the permission of the Landlord to attach a satellite to his property. Better still, have that permission given to you in writing, regardless whether you feel there is no need. Circumstances change and memories fade so I would stress that you simply cover your bases.

With a screen involved, I would expect the distortion of signal would be miniscule at best. Satellites experience weather situations which can cause signal interference but which many times does nothing to the reception. A mesh screen although not offering the clear, ideal installation, should still be able to offer a good signal for clear reception.

Mounting a satellite at a level lower than the roof of the home or at least the upper wall of the building, can cause a weaker signal which can result in the signal breaking up or off completely during poor/bad weather so if at all possible, determine if your landlord will allow the satellite to be mounted higher up a wall.

A kit should be available for purchase that will allow you to mount the satellite dish on a solid structure such as affixing to the side of the house and very possibly to the side of the deck if there is no pole or other upright structure solid enough to accept it. The necessity to mount the satellite to a pole that is anchored in cement is not most likely a suggestion to take the place of any structure solid or high enough to accept the satellite safely and securely.

After checking and getting ok from the landlord and then knowing where you would like to place the satellite, speak with the satellite representative and determine if a mounting kit will allow you to install exactly where you want to without problem. By explaining to the representative exactly what your situation is will result in the right solution hopefully. If you aren't interested in doing the installation yourself, it might be beneficial to pay the extra fee to have the satellite company's installer do the work instead. He should know where the reception will be best and exactly where on the building will be the best mounting point. This latter route allows you to gain satellite tv without the hassle and further if the installed satellite proves faulty, the onus to correct it falls onto the company and their installer to correct it, gratis. Your installing it could possible lead to you being charged additional for the work to be corrected.

Good luck and enjoy your satellite tv!

Answer 3

First, DirecTV is correct. You don't have any standing with them. Second--speaking as a landlord--I doubt that the landlord is really aware of where the dish was installed. I understand how awkward (and unusual) that positioning would be. Most landlords wouldn't want something that odd, and they wouldn't want to antagonize another tenant (you). The problem with DirecTV, of course, is that there must be a clear line of sight to the satellite, so it needs an unobstructed view to the southwest. Are there any other places the dish could be placed. Remember: It's absolutely got to face in the current direction--but it can be higher, lower, or off to either side. It just needs that unobstructed line of sight. If there is, suggest to the landlord that he/she request that DirecTV reposition the dish. And make sure you provide the landlord with a few photographs showing where the dish is; that'll be a lot more persuasive than just a letter. But in the final analysis, frankly, you don't have a lot of leverage. You signed the lease and I doubt the lease addresses any topic like this. (Though certainly read your lease and see if it does say anything.) The property belongs to your landlord and, except as limited by the lease and by city or county zoning, he can do anything he wants on his/her property. Hope that helps.

Answer 4

We used to have DirectTV while living in a rental home. Just understand that you can't deface the house when you are installing it. We also had a screened in porch and it could NOT be installed there for satellite reasons. In fact, they had to come and cut down some of our trees so that we could get the rest of the channels that we were paying for every month.

Answer 5

It's possible that it will work. The best thing to do is contact a dish network installer and let them come out to see, the service should be free! They can tell you whether or not it's gonna get reception, also talk to your landlord to see if they'll let you install it on the ground just below your apt.

Answer 6

Check with DirectTV, well, directly. Some satellite TV companies will not install equipment on rental properties.

Answer 7

Yes, the signals should transmit thru if clear exposure and up on second floor. You can do this small job with pole in concrete quite easily. Just recycle a paint bucket and purchase 1 bag of quik crete and mix according to directions and insert pole into this mixture and stabilize until concrete hardens. The next day you can mount dish to pole with screws and screw gun. This much cheaper than hiring a handy man!

Answer 8

First you have to ask rental company
then you have to have a letter from them saying its okay
next call the satellite provider and ask them about the area first before preceding
If the satellite company say its okay then pay and you are on the way

Answer 9

Yes, if the satellite is in the southern sky the screen shouldn't be a problem. Dont listen to anyone else.

Answer 10

Most screens these days are made from plastic. Plastic should not bother the signals. Just to be on the safe side make sure you can return it if it doesn't work.