What Can Block a Satellite Signal?

A few issues can occur when getting a signal from your satellite. Suppose you’ve noticed that your signal isn’t always strong.

In that case, this is likely because objects or weather are interfering with your signal. Luckily, plenty of fixes can help prevent this from happening.

Trees, buildings, weather, and mountains can all block satellite signals. To avoid getting a signal blocked, you will have to ensure that your satellite is in an area that is clear from obstructions and won’t get affected by the weather.

You can also install a second satellite to get a stronger signal.

As you can see, you can implement plenty of useful tricks to ensure you get great reception. However, each process is a bit more complicated than just moving the satellite.

Below, we’ll detail everything you need to know about getting the strongest signal.

Table of Contents

How Do Satellite Signals Get Blocked?

what blocks
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When finding out what’s blocking a signal, you’ll need to determine what issue is causing the problem.

You’ll need to adjust the satellite or the surrounding area from there. Below, we will detail how you can do this in a few easy steps.

Weather

The weather is the most common thing that can block a satellite signal. Heavy rain, snow, and even clouds can interfere with the signal.

If you live in an area with bad weather, you may have to deal with lost signals from time to time.

The best place to keep a satellite is where the weather won’t affect it. This can sometimes mean placing it underneath a tarp or ledge.

However, that part of the building may cause interruptions to the signal.

Buildings

Large buildings can block signals due to their height. A satellite works by bouncing the signal off a dish.

The taller the building, the more likely it is to block the signal.

To counteract this, you can try to place the satellite on a higher platform. This will give it a better chance of bouncing the signal over the building.

bouncing the signal over the building
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You can also try to place the dish in a different location, such as next to a window.

This may be a problem for you if you live in a city. If you live in a high-rise, you may notice that the signal is weaker than in other parts of the city.

In these cases, there isn’t too much you can do if you’re still relying on a satellite.

Trees

Trees can also block signals. This is especially true if there are a lot of trees between your satellite dish and the sky.

If you live in a wooded area, you may have to clear some trees to get a better signal.

The trees that block signals the most include evergreens, palm, and oak trees. If you have any of these trees near your dish, you may want to trim them or remove them altogether.

However, this issue can be a bit more complicated if the trees blocking your signal are your neighbor’s property.

Sometimes, a neighbor will be willing to trim the trees if you pay for the process. Other times, you may have to move the satellite and find a better position for it.

trees blocking
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Mountains

Mountains can block signals too. If you live in a mountainous area, you may have to deal with lost signals from time to time.

This is mainly because the mountains extended further up into the sky.

Compared to a house, it’s almost no comparison. The satellite then has further up to travel before it hits a clear spot in the sky.

If you live in a mountainous area, you may have to place your satellite on a higher platform or move it to a different location. This will give it a better chance of bouncing the signal over the mountain.

You can also try to place the dish in a different location, such as next to a window.

How to Overcome Signal Loss

If you’ve experienced signal loss, there are a few common fixes you can do regardless of the reason.

TV watching
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We understand the struggle of wanting to watch TV without the hassle of interruption. So, below we’ve listed a few easy adjustments you can make to improve your satellites signal.

Place the Satellite as High as Possible

Make sure that your satellite dish is as high up as possible. The higher your dish is, the less likely it is to be blocked by buildings, trees, or other obstacles.

The best way to move the satellite high is by mounting it on the roof. If you can’t mount it on the roof, try to place it on a high platform or ledge.

Another way to get the satellite higher is by using a tripod or tower. This will give the satellite dish extra height and make it less likely to be blocked.

However, you must ensure that the tripod or tower is stable. Otherwise, the satellite could end up falling and getting damaged.

That’s the last thing you want when trying to fix signal loss.

Move the Satellite

Try to find a clear spot in your yard where there are no trees or other obstacles between your dish and the sky.

If you can’t find a clear spot, you may need to move your dish to a different location.

different location
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Popular locations include next to a window, on the roof, or in an open field. You may have to get creative with your satellite dish placement if you live in a city.

However, if you’re limited in space, you can try a smaller dish. These dishes are known as mini-dishes and can be placed in areas where a larger dish wouldn’t fit.

Mini-dishes are also a good option if you live in an apartment or condo. That’s because many buildings have rules against placing a satellite dish on the property.

Use a Signal Booster

You can try using a signal booster if you’re still having trouble getting a signal. A signal booster will amplify the signal and make it easier for your dish to pick up.

There are two main types of signal boosters: inline and dish-mounted. Inline boosters are placed between the satellite dish and the receiver.

Dish-mounted boosters are attached to the satellite dish itself.

Both types of signal boosters will amplify the signal. However, dish-mounted boosters are more expensive and may require professional installation.

Remove Trees

remove tree
Vera Aksionava / Shutterstock

If trees are the main obstacle between your satellite dish and the sky, you can try removing some of the branches.

This will clear the path and make it easier for the signal to reach your dish.

You can remove branches yourself with a ladder and some pruning shears. However, if the tree is too tall or the branches are too thick, you may need to hire a professional tree service.

Once the branches are removed, you should see an improvement in your signal. If not, then you may need to try a different solution.

Install Extra Satellites

If you live in a mountainous area, you may need to install a second satellite dish on the other side of your house.

This will help ensure that you always have a clear view of the sky.

A second satellite may seem tedious, but it’s well worth it in the long run. While one satellite may be blocked by a mountain, the other one will still be able to pick up the signal.

Installing a second satellite dish can be done yourself, but hiring a professional is best. That way, you can ensure the dish is installed correctly and won’t fall off your house.

installing dish
PitukTV / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions: Blocked Satellites

Will larger satellites have a better signal?

No, the size of the satellite doesn’t affect the signal. The only thing that matters is how clear the path is between the dish and the satellite.

Should I get a signal amplifier?

A signal amplifier can help improve your signal, but it’s not always necessary. An amplifier may not be necessary if you have a strong signal.

How can I negotiate with neighbors to get a better signal?

You can try negotiating with your neighbors if you have a good relationship with them. You can ask them to move their satellite dish or trim their trees.

If you don’t have a good relationship with your neighbors, you may need to hire a professional to help you get a better signal.

A professional can help you find the best solution for your situation.

What are some common problems with satellite dishes?

There are a few common problems with satellite dishes. One problem is that the dish can become loose over time.

loose overtime
Teerapong mahawan / Shutterstock

This can cause the signal to be weaker or even lost altogether.

Another problem is that the dish can become blocked by trees, buildings, or other objects. This can make it difficult to get a clear signal.

Finally, satellite dishes can be damaged by severe weather. This can include high winds, hail, or even lightning strikes.

If your dish is damaged, you may need to replace it.

Keep these problems in mind when troubleshooting your satellite dish.

Conclusion

There are a few things that can block a satellite signal. These include buildings, trees, and even mountains.

If you’re having trouble getting a signal, you can try using a signal booster or installing a second satellite dish.

You can also try negotiating with your neighbors to get a better signal. If all else fails, you may need to hire a professional to help you get a better signal.

Overall, these are the best solutions when it comes to getting a better signal and what causes a signal to be blocked.