You would be surprised to hear about all the different things that professional roofers come across in their field. One thing they encounter quite often is arriving at a customer’s property to begin a job, only to see that they have a satellite dish installed on their roof.
It’s not a roofer’s job to remove a satellite and they typically don’t have the qualifications to do so properly. While some roofing contractors may feel confident enough to remove the satellite dish, they likely don’t have the background knowledge to do it properly and safely, which is important if you plan to reinstall it.
Are you curious to know if the roofing team you hired will remove a satellite dish? You’ve come to the right page. Today, we’re going to talk about what you should be prepared for if you have a satellite dish on your roof but need a new roof installed. Keep reading to learn more.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Satellite Dish?
There are several factors to consider when it comes to the cost of removing a satellite dish. On average, it can cost anywhere between $80 and $500. Some of the factors that affect the cost of removal include:
- Satellite company
- Rates of the contractor
- Size of the satellite dish
- Cost of e-waste disposal
- Where the satellite is located on the roof
- Height of the roof
- Your location
- Additional services needed
If you don’t plan on using the satellite dish again and feel confident in your skills, it is possible to find a way around the cost by removing the satellite dish yourself. You will need to be prepared to carry heavy items down a ladder and to work safely because removing a satellite dish can be an electrical hazard.
Who Is Responsible for Removing Satellite Dishes?
The owner of the satellite dish is responsible for removing the satellite dish. While you may have thought the provider was, the job is actually in your hands. Before you get scared, this doesn’t mean you have to go on the roof and remove that satellite dish yourself. If you have the right tools and experience to remove it, you could remove the satellite dish before the roofers arrive.
However, if that’s not something that you feel comfortable with, you shouldn’t attempt it. There are much safer options for you. Your best bet is to find a local independent satellite dish installer. If you aren’t sure of where to find one, reach out to your provider to get more information.
If your satellite dish provider isn’t able to point you in the right direction, the next step you can take is to reach out to a local roofing company. They may have a roofer on their team that has background experience with removing satellite dishes. If not, they may personally know of a local independent satellite dish installer.
What Do You Do With Old Satellite Dishes on the Roof?
When you find a way to get your satellite dish removed, your next task of action is to get rid of it. Believe it or not, a satellite dish is actually recyclable. This is because the dish is generally made out of plastic, metal, and other recyclable materials.
While this is great news for people that need to get rid of their old satellite dishes, it’s not as simple as placing the recycling dish at your curbside for the pickup day. You will need to contact your local municipality office to find out more about electronic waste in your area.
There will be a location where you can drop off your old satellite dish (and other old electronics you no longer need). However, if electronic waste services aren’t available near you, we recommend contacting the satellite dish provider. Some providers have a recycling or buy-back program for old satellite dishes.
We recommend using a leak stopper like Rubber Flexx from Amazon. It is a sealant spray that can be used to seal cracks, holes, and corrosion from a satellite dish that has been removed.
Should I Install a Satellite on the Roof?
Many people believe that the roof is the best spot to install a satellite dish because it will have a clear signal. However, this isn’t a good idea because the satellite will be affected every time the weather is poor. Wind causes the brackets to loosen, which results in roof damage.
Installing a satellite dish on the roof can also lead to mold or roof rot. This is because the screws create holes in the roof. This makes it easier for water and moisture to seep into your roof. A lot of people are unaware that their satellite dish is actually causing them roof damage.
If you want a good quality signal for your satellite dish without causing damage to your roof, you need to look for alternatives. The best solution is to mount it to a pole in your yard. If that’s not an option, choose a side of your home or garage that doesn’t have interference.
Final Thoughts
Do roofers remove satellite dishes? If you’re expecting the roofers to remove your old satellite dish, you may be in for a rude awakening. It’s not in a roofer’s job description to remove satellite dishes. They have not been trained or educated on the proper technique for installation or removal services. While some roofers may be confident enough to remove it, they may not do it properly.
To have your satellite dish removed the correct way, you should contact a local independent satellite installer. They will be able to safely remove it without causing any damage. This way, you will be able to install it elsewhere to continue using it while the roofers install a new roof on your home.
Satellite dishes are large and bulky, so it may not be the safest job to attempt on your own. However, if you’re confident in your skills and comfortable lugging heavy items down a ladder, you could remove the satellite dish on your own before the roofers begin the job. Never attempt this if you don’t have the right background experience or confidence in using ladders.
