Why Do Metal Roofs Interfere With Cell Phone Reception
Many people prefer metal roofs when it comes to roofing material. Different metal roofing companies claim their roofs have better performance than others. One of the top features of metal roofing is that it prevents the roof from corrosion and damage. But people wonder why do metal roofs interfere with cell phone reception?
Metal roofs are made of metal. So, metal roofs interfere with cell phone reception because metal reflects radio waves, which is why metal roofs can also block cell phone signals. However, metal roofs can have signals inside some metal structures.
In this article, we’ll talk about how metal roofs interfere with cell phone signals. We’ll also provide some tips that will help you boost your cell phone reception. Continue reading to learn more.
Why Do Metal Roofs Interfere With Cell Phone Reception
According to the experts at Green Building Pro, metal roofs can cause cell phone reception issues due to their conductive nature. Due to this conductivity, the signal from your cell phone has a hard time penetrating through the metal roof and being received by your phone.
However, there are a couple solutions to this problem. According to Green Building Pro, placing a small piece of metal over the spot where your cell phone is—so that it is in direct contact with the roof—can boost your reception. Another option is to simply get rid of the metal roof and install a non-conductive material.
Or, as I do—just use an extender.
How to Fix Metal Roofs That Interfere With Cell Phone Reception
Fixing a metal roof that interferes with cell phone reception is not difficult, but it does require some work. If you are experiencing poor reception on your mobile device, you should start by checking your carrier to see if the problem is widespread—it may be a network issue that can’t be fixed.
If the problem is local, you should check and see if your home or office has a metal roof—if it does, that may be the culprit.
If you have a metal roof and still experience poor reception, you have several options for improving signal. If you have a single-shingle roof, you can purchase a signal booster that fits inside a vent or chimney and can be positioned to provide the best signal in various areas of the building. These devices are designed specifically for use with mobile phones and may also include Wi-Fi boosters and Bluetooth signal boosters.
If your roof has multiple shingles, you can purchase a signal booster designed for use with multiple shingle roofs. This type of system will require attaching an antenna to the roof and positioning it in the best location for signal reception—one antenna for each mobile device that needs improved reception.
If you don’t want to invest in a booster, you can boost reception by repositioning your mobile device—if you have an iPhone, simply placing it in airplane mode enables it to search for and connect to stronger nearby cell towers.
How Can You Boost Your Cell Phone Signal if You Have a Metal Roof
According to Verizon, there are two ways that you can boost your cell phone signal if you have a metal roof. First, you can purchase a signal booster—a small device that captures weak signals, amplifies them, and re-broadcasts them—that can be affixed to the side of your house or garage.
The other solution is to get a phone with an “antenna design that is better at penetrating metal”—such as the iPhone X or Galaxy S9.
In either case, these solutions will only work if you have a strong signal in the first place—so it may be time to consider switching to a carrier that offers better service in your area.
Why Does the Type of Roofing Material Affect Cell Phone Reception
Let’s start with the easy answer—it depends on how the material reflects and absorbs radio frequencies. As a general rule, metals tend to reflect radio waves, while some types of roofing membranes absorb them.
The effect of roofing material on cell phone reception—in general—is that a material that reflects radio waves is likely to block them. The best example of this is aluminum foil. It reflects all frequencies, including mobile-phone signals.
On the other hand, the material that absorbs radio frequencies will allow signals to pass through it. It’s important to note that some types of roofing materials have metal bits in them—like steel shingles—but these are designed to conduct electricity, not radio signals.
Conclusion
We hope this article answered your question, “Why do metal roofs interfere with cell phone reception?” Metal roofs block cell signals because they’re made of metal. However, you can install cell boosters in metal structures to boost your cell signals.
By installing a cell booster, you can increase your cell phone reception inside metal structures, such as your home and your car. If you enjoyed this article, share it with others and leave a comment. Thanks for reading!
Can Waterproofing Pitch Pockets Help Improve Cell Phone Reception on Metal Roofs?
Waterproofing pitch pockets efficiently can indeed enhance cell phone reception on metal roofs. These pockets create a protective barrier against water and moisture, which in turn prevents potential signal interference. By sealing the pitch pockets tightly, the risk of water damage is reduced, allowing for a more reliable and consistent cell phone signal on metal roofs.
