If you have a satellite dish mounted on your house then it might be useful to learn how to make a cover for the DISH NETWORK as the element can be highly sensitive to the climatic conditions. It is fairly simple to build a satellite dish cover from fundamental material commonly found in homes. Below are the procedures involved in making one.
What You Need
- Plywood sheet of 1/4 inch thickness; The plywood sheet should be two feet wider and longer than the size of the satellite dish.
- Compass
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Screws
- Short pieces of scrap wood for the support.
- Waterproof silicone caulk
- Paint and accessories (paint remover, sponge, paint broom, etc. ), paint for exterior walls.
- Elastic cord (preferably bungee cords or any elastic rope material)
- Grommets and grommet too
- Optional: clear plastic sheet, staple gun, foam weather stripping
Step 1: Measure Your Satellite Dish Another important aspect that you should consider when choosing satellite dishes is the size of the dish.
The first thing that you will have to do is to measure some dimensions that you will achieve the correct dimensions of the plywood. Take the diameter of the satellite dish across the face and add around 12 inches in order to get a small overhang. This will be the length and width that you will cut the plywood to.
Determine the height of the dish and mount and then increase it by 8-12 inches to arrive at the height you need for the cover. It must be tall enough that the cover doesn’t touch the top of the dish when in place, or the cover risks being scraped off during installation.
The next step is to cut the plywood to the right size and shape as required for the construction of the machine.
With a compass, attach a pencil then draw a circle round the plywood using the diameter plus overhang obtained in step one. He said it is possible to use a jigsaw to cut out this circular piece. Next, measure the height from the first step and then cut the second piece of plywood to match this measurement in length into a long rectangular shape. This will become the side of the cover.
Step 3: Attach Side Panel
Taking scrap wood cut into blocks, fix one long side of the rectangular side panel along the circular plywood base with the edged of the panel touching the outer rim. Screw it in to ensure that it is firmly fixed to the surface. Continue to space out the blocks every 12-16 inches.
Step 4: Create Supports
Saw off some more scraps of wood into triangular pieces that will be used as support. Screw them on the other side at the edges of the rectangle panel piece against the outside, leaning backward towards the middle of the piece. This will give a slop so that water such as rain and snow will roll off the cover easily.
Step 5: Waterproof the Wood
For any gaps or cracks and any other area of the wood pieces, you should apply silicone caulk. Once the surface is dry, use rough paper to remove any rough surface and paint 2-3 layers of outdoor waterproof paint. Let it dry before applying the other coat.
Step 6 – Adding the Plastic Window – This is a little extra that can be done on the box for added appeal and protection.
If you wish to see the satellite dish without having to remove the whole cover, get a clear plastic sheeting that is of the same size as the circular plywood base. Nail it along the edges with staples or narrow wood strips all over the circumference. Then seal the joints to prevent water seepage.
Step 7: Secure the elastic cord
There is always an open edge on the cover where grommets are installed and this is done using a grommet tool. Take pieces of elastic bungee cord and trim them to size and thread through the grommets in a looping manner. When applying it to the walls, space them out every 6-8 inches. It will help you to have a proper and secure connection between the cover and the hooks that should be placed around the periphery of your satellite dish.
Step 8: Add Weather Stripping (If Desired)
To achieve a snug fit of the cover with the dish, stick self-adhesive foam weather stripping tape at the areas that come in contact with the dish . This will seal off any cracks to ensure that water does not penetrate through the walls. Tighten the bungee cords to compact the foam and enhance the seal it provides.
After that, pull the cover over the satellite dish and hook the ends of the elastic cords to secure the cover in place. Do any further adjustments that are required to allow for a proper fit of the cover and free water drainage. Inspect it from time to time and seal or repaint the joints as often as possible. Your solid plywood cover if well maintained should weather out the worst that the elements can throw at your satellite dish for a number of years.
Optional Additional Steps
Here are some optional additional steps you can take to enhance your cover:
- Apply an additional layer of clear weatherproof sealant to help protect the panels from the UV rays in the weather.
- On the bungee cords fix small turnbuckles so that it is possible to adjust the tension.
- Place a cushioned edge round the inside of the cover to avoid the cover having direct contact with the dishes.
- Draw artistic designs or figures on the exterior part of the house.
- Make sure that the cover is designed to fit the style of your house.
Therefore, with a few basic materials, easy to find, a few construction techniques, and a Saturday afternoon with nothing to do, you can make a cover that will shield your satellite dish from rain, snow, wind, and any debris. Optimal performance of your dish will make you be in a position to benefit from a continuous service from your satellite provider.
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