TV aerial installation

[Alykat]

Hi all

I had a free view aerial installed. We have a loft bedroom and no proper loft/roof access so engineer said he couldn’t fit a large aerial mounted on the roof as there is only a very small hatch. Hatch is large enough to reach into but not large enough to get inside the roof cavity. For this reason, he instead used a tiny aerial and basically rested it in the hatch with no fixing so it’s floating on the insulation.

Is this acceptable for an installation? See attached pic.

It does work and does the job but it’s not exactly a nicely secured outside tv aerial like I see on almost every other house in our street.

Would appreciate your thoughts. Thinking of getting another company to come out for an assessment / second opinion.

Thanks
Alykat

 

[winston2010]

It won't be affected by the elements, pigeons, be struck by lightning, or blown down by the wind. What is more it works. what more do you want?

 

[TJT1]

A big wide bander stuck on the roof that will

be affected by the elements, pigeons, be struck by lightning, or blown down by the wind

by the sounds of it W.

 

[Rodders53]

Location? (Horley.) What transmitter? (Reigate as elements are vertical).
How did the aerial technician determine that was the best transmitter to use? Did he/she use a meter? Local knowledge? {Reigate is probably correct as CP would in Horley would be weaker, diffracted, and Reigate line of sight and stronger.}

An external aerial is much more work and cost (access: ladders or scaffold towers, safe working at heights risks, may need two people) and might result in no better TV reception; but more likelihood of wind/rain and ultraviolet light deterioration = shorter lifetime of the install.

While in my opinion 'unconventional' for a professional to just rest an aerial in loft insulation, it isn't going anywhere and won't be disturbed - unless you use that loft void for storage of stuff?
(If so be careful when doing so!).

If in real doubt about the workmanship, call the company concerned to seek reassurance and/or rectification of the work done?

PS my self-re-install of a loft aerial is currently dangling from a couple of lengths of twine. Steel or alloy masts aren't essential inside a building (loft).

 

[Clem_Dye]

I’ve installed a loft aerial in the past using just a short cut-down leg of aluminium from an FM radio mast. Providing that you’re in a decent signal strength area, tweaking the aerial for alignment is easy (eaves permitting) and it certainly won’t be affected by the weather or changing seasons. I’d go loft aerial every time, if I could. If the OP’s installation works well, what does it matter how it’s installed?

Clem

 

[Alykat]

Thanks guys for your thoughts - so I guess I am being a bit pedantic as I know nothing about this stuff and am comparing to neighbouring properties who have whopping great big aerials on the roof. It is unconventional but it works well and you are right it is protected from the elements.

Cant use the space for anything else, hatch is large enough to get your arm in there but nothing more so cannot use for storage. Having the aerial in there at least puts it to some good use.

Seems like overall a good solution and I should move on!