How To
How-To Attach a Satellite Dish to a Metal Roof
You’ve ordered your satellite television service and now the only thing standing in between you and Sunday Night Football is the installation of the satellite dish to the metal roof. Once you have determined the best placement for your dish, read on to learn about which tools and materials you’ll need for the job, along with the steps required to install a satellite dish on a metal roof.
In the video demonstration above, we’ve used S-5! S-5-U Clamps, but the S-5-U Mini Clamps will work just as well. Our aluminum angles have been pre-cut to 1”x 1”x 1/8” to properly span across our panels, but these dimensions will differ depending on the project at hand. Need assistance? Call resident expert, David Trefzger, at (770) 405-1060.
You’ll Need:
- 4 S-5! Clamps
- 2 Pieces of Aluminum Angle
- Screw Gun
- Drill & Drill Bits
- Wrenches
- Drill Bits
- Bolts, Nuts, and Washers (To mount the dish to the aluminum angle.)
- Tape Measure
Step 1: Mark Starting Point
Measure from the eave or the ridge, whichever is more convenient, and place a mark on two adjacent panel ribs.
Step 2: Secure First Two Clamps in Place
It’s important not to use an impact driver here because an impact driver may damage the threads. Ensure both clamps are oriented in the same direction.
Step 3: Measure Base of the Satellite Dish and Secure Next Two Clamps
Measure the base of the satellite dish to get a general idea of how far apart you will need to set the next row of clamps. Using the dimensions of the satellite base, temporarily secure the next two clamps in place, uphill, from the first two clamps.
Step 4: Place Aluminum Angle Next to Clamps and Mark Placement of Holes
Place the first piece of aluminum angle next to the first two clamps and with a permanent marker, mark the placement of holes to be drilled using a drill press.
Step 5: Drill Mounting Holes in Aluminum Angle
A drill press comes recommended, but in a pinch, a hand drill works just fine. Confirm the first piece of drilled angle fits accurately, and continue to mark the second piece of angle and drill it as well.
Step 6: Attach Both Pieces of Aluminum Angles to S-5! Clamps Temporarily
Attach both pieces of the aluminum angle to the S-5! Clamps and snug the bolts, but do not tighten. Leave just enough play so that you can test-fit the satellite dish.
Step 7: Temporarily Set the Satellite Dish Base in Place
If done correctly, the base will sit between the two pieces of aluminum angle. Mark the location of the drill holes for the satellite dish base then remove drill, and reattach the aluminum angles.
Step 8: Set Satellite Dish in Place and Secure Using Bolts
Place the aluminum angles above the S-5! blocks and set the satellite dish base back in place. Attach the base to the aluminum angle using hardware store-bought bolts. If lines up correctly, proceed to tighten and secure all the bolts.
Step 9: Don’t Have a Drill Press Handy?
Although it is ideal to work with a drill that has torque settings to tighten bolts to prevent damage to the threads in the aluminum parts. to tighten bolts. If an impact driver must be used, do NOT secure the bolts, instead, bring it down to snug and then tighten it with the wrench. Over-tightening bolts with an impact driver may damage the threads.
Step 10: Mount Satellite Dish and Adjust
Now the base is secured and ready to mount the satellite dish and adjust.
