Storm Season Is Coming: 6 TV Antenna Checks for Brisbane Homes

Spring in South East Queensland brings warmer days and the start of storm season. Strong winds, heavy rain and hail can knock an antenna out of alignment, let water into cables or bring the whole thing down. A few checks now can save you from losing your TV when you most want it. Here are six things to check before the big storms roll in.

1. Look at the antenna from the ground

Stand back from the house and look at your antenna. Is it straight? Are any elements bent, missing or rusted? Is the mast leaning? An antenna that’s already loose is far more likely to fail in strong wind. Please don’t climb onto the roof. A good look from the yard is enough to spot most warning signs.

2. Check the mast and bracket

From the ground, check whether the bracket holding the mast looks secure and free of heavy rust. If the mast visibly moves in the wind, it needs attention before storm season.

3. Trim overhanging branches

Trees that brush against or hang over the antenna can damage it in high winds, and falling branches are a common cause of storm damage. Trimming them back now protects your antenna, your roof and your gutters.

4. Check the cables you can see

Look at the coaxial cable where it runs down the outside of the house. Cracked or loose cable lets water in, and water in a cable is one of the most common reasons reception drops out after rain. Inside, check the cable at the back of each TV and at the wall plate.

5. Note how your reception behaves now

Run a channel scan and note which channels you get and how stable they are. If you already see pixelation or missing channels on a calm day, the system is likely to struggle in bad weather. It’s easier to fix before the storms than after a full outage.

6. Deal with birds and nesting

Birds perching on antennas can bend elements over time, and nests can damage cables. If birds are a regular problem at your place, see our guide to bird-proofing antennas and roofs.

What to do if a storm damages your antenna

• Stay off the roof: wet roofs are dangerous, and a damaged mast can be unstable.
• Check from the ground and take photos: they can help if you make a home insurance claim.
• Retune your TV: a retune occasionally restores channels after a power interruption.
• Call a professional: if the antenna is visibly damaged or channels are still missing.

Not sure whether your antenna has storm damage? Read the signs of a storm-damaged antenna.

Is it the storm, or your area?

Sometimes poor reception isn’t caused by damage at all. Some Brisbane and Ipswich suburbs sit in weaker signal areas because of hills or distance from the transmitter, so reception can be marginal in any bad weather. If your picture has been dropping out for a while, our post on why your TV signal keeps dropping out explains the usual causes.

Frequently asked questions

Does home insurance cover a storm-damaged antenna?

It depends on your policy. Check with your insurer, and keep photos and your repair invoice.

How long should I wait after a storm before calling?

If reception doesn’t return after the weather clears and a retune, book a check. Water left in cables can cause corrosion.

Can a technician check my antenna before storm season?

Yes. A pre-season check covers the antenna, mast, cabling and signal strength.

Storm season is close. Book a storm-season antenna check in Brisbane and have it sorted before the first big storm.