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SPOTTY HOME WI-FI/CELL CONNECTIONS? (Spoiler Alert: Your Metal Roof Isn't The Problem)

Key points

  • Metal roofing is not a major cause of spotty or slow home Wi-Fi or cell coverage

  • Weak or unreliable Wi-Fi or cell connectivity often stems from a variety of issues

  • Homeowners may want to explore options to enhance their connectivity


It’s super frustrating: dropped calls, slow streaming, too much time buffering.


In today’s homes, Wi-Fi and cell coverage isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially with the rise in working from home. So when things go wrong, it’s easy to point fingers and misplace blame.


That might be why metal roofs are sometimes the fall guy for spotty signals. While research shows homeowners love metal roofing for how long it lasts (50+ years!), its performance in brutal weather (stands up to hurricanes!) and all the great environmental advantages (100% recyclable!), the myth that metal roofing systems block cell/Wi-Fi signals remains.


However, the facts show otherwise. “The reality is any interference caused by metal roofing is negligible,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Typically,  it’s other issues causing weaker or unreliable signals, not your roof.”


After all, you can still get cell coverage in cars and they’re made of metal, right? So, what’s the deal when it comes to metal roofing getting blamed for bad connectivity?


It goes back to science class: metal is known to reflect and absorb radio waves. And while cell phone signals are based on radio wave technology, they are engineered to be far more resilient these days, utilizing a range of frequencies and technologies to ensure reliable penetration through various obstacles, including different types of building materials.


Experts say in some cases, the reflective properties of a metal roof can even enhance signal reception inside a building, reflecting and bouncing it from different angles. That theoretically increases the likelihood a signal finds its way to your phone.


Nonetheless, no matter what roofing material you may have, if there are issues with home cell and Wi-Fi signals, it’s important to recognize and address them.


For  Wi-Fi, keep in mind the quality and the strength of the signal matters far more than what building materials are used. Quality is often most impacted by where your router is located, how old it is, its positioning and whether there are physical obstructions or conflicting electrical devices that may be interfering. For cell service, good coverage is mainly affected by the things you don’t have much control over, such as the diversity of frequency bands used by the provider and the density and location of the network towers.


If you have insufficient or weakened connectivity and are worried a metal roof might further contribute to the problem, MRA experts like member McElroy Metal recommend a few simple ways to help strengthen and stabilize your Wi-Fi and cell service, including:


For Wi-Fi:

  • Consider repositioning, updating or replacing your router

  •  Install an access point device which can help serve as a bridge between your router and your devices

  • Extend your Wi-Fi’s reach by adding an exterior antenna

  • Check with your provider to see if the wired connectivity to your house is secure and working without interruption

  • Other options include investing in a mesh network and shutting down any unused devices that may be diverting your Wi-Fi and affecting its capacity


For cellular reception:

  • Choose a provider that offers strong service coverage in your area

  • If your Wi-Fi signal inside your home is strong and stable, simply enabling Wi-Fi calling can significantly improve reliability and quality of your reception

  • Install a cell phone signal booster can help capture weak outside signals via an external antenna and rebroadcast it into the home

  • Consider Femtocells–also known as network extenders–that can act like mini cell towers by connecting to the home’s broadband internet service and converting it to cellular signals

  • External antennas also can help if you’re in a particularly challenging or remote location


The bottom line? With some simple steps and a little attention to planning, there’s no need to sacrifice connectivity to get the long-lasting roof protection your home deserves.


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