Winter is around the corner. Time for one last check of your cables

It’s like flossing. I know everyone says they do it and most people don’t. (You really should though, really.) Everyone says they do a thorough check of their outdoor cabling before the winter starts but most people don’t.

Well, here’s my attempt to actually get you to do it.

1. It’s not that hard.

Take a walk around your house. Are there any cables outside? (Of course there are, why else would you read this blog.)  If you can see the connectors, are they free of corrosion? Are you using weather boots whenever possible? Are the entry points covered up with bushings? Are they in good shape? Is the cable all in good shape or has the outer sheath begun to crack from sun damage?

Take a look at dishes and antennas. Are all the connections secure? Is everything still bolted down? This step may mean you have to get on the roof, so make sure you have someone else with you.

Are agrounding wires attached to the things on the roof? Are they also firmly attached to the house ground, to a cold water pipe, or grounding rod? Lightning is a very real possibility in winter storms.

2. Do it now or regret it later

You don’t want to have to fool with cables in the freezing cold. You definitely don’t want to go up on the roof in the winter. It is just not worth it. So, take care of this sort of thing now and you’ll be glad you did.

3. Southerners, you don’t get a pass

Yes, the winters are milder in the south. You might not see a snowflake from year to year. But generally that means the summers are hotter and more intense. So, instead of preparing for the winter, you need to be repairing from the summer. You need to especially check for rotted and cracked cables. That southern sun can be pretty intense and cables don’t last forever. Even the ones with decent UV protection are not immune to the sun’s effects. If you’re in the southeast, you’ll find that corrosion happens to those connectors much more quickly and you’ll want to replace any cables that show even a slight sign of green or brown.

4. Get all the parts you need at Solid Signal

Of course you knew I was going to “go there.” You’ll find everything you need, from cables and connectors to new antenna and satellite parts by shopping at Solid Signal. If you don’t know what you need, call us at 888-233-7563 and we’ll be happy to take care of you during east coast business hours. We’re here for you.

With just a little bit of extra work and time now, you can enjoy the best entertainment all winter long. The days will be shorter and you’ll be spending more time indoors, why worry about bad connections? Get everything you need and get it done now.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.