Removing an old TV antenna from your roof is something many Kiwi homeowners can tackle themselves, but working at height is one of the leading causes of serious injury in New Zealand — so preparation and the right safety gear are non-negotiable. Here's how to do it safely and leave your roof in good shape afterwards.
Safety First: Working at Height in New Zealand
Before you climb anything, understand the risks. WorkSafe NZ classifies falls from height as a leading cause of workplace fatalities, and the same hazards apply to DIY work at home. As a general guide:
- If your roof pitch is steeper than 25°, or the eave height is more than 3 metres, seriously consider hiring a professional.
- Never work on a wet, frosty, or windy day — New Zealand's weather can change quickly.
- Always have a second person on the ground to stabilise the ladder and assist.
- Wear non-slip footwear with good ankle support.
- Use a safety harness and roof anchor if you need to move across the roof surface. These can be hired from most tool hire shops.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Sturdy extension ladder (rated to your weight plus tools)
- Safety harness and roof anchor (if required)
- Adjustable spanner and/or socket set
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Side cutters or wire snips
- Silicone sealant or roofing sealant (compatible with your roof type)
- Roofing screws or replacement fixings
- Rubber gloves (in case old coaxial cable has degraded)
- Rubbish bags for disposal
Step 1: Disconnect the Coaxial Cable Inside First
Before going anywhere near the roof, go inside and disconnect the coaxial cable from your TV, splitter, or wall plate. This removes any trip hazard from the cable and makes it easier to pull the cable free later. If the cable runs through the ceiling cavity, you may choose to leave it in place (capped off) or pull it out entirely — both are acceptable.
Note: Coaxial TV antenna cable is low-voltage signal cable and is not restricted electrical work. You can safely handle and remove it yourself. However, if the cable runs near or appears to be connected to any mains wiring, stop and contact a licensed electrician registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB).
Step 2: Set Up Your Ladder Correctly
Position your ladder on firm, level ground at the correct 4:1 angle (one unit out for every four units up). Secure the top of the ladder against the fascia or use ladder standoffs to protect your guttering. Have your helper hold the base throughout.
Step 3: Remove the Antenna and Mast
Most NZ residential antennas are mounted on a galvanised steel mast that is either:
- Roof-mounted — bolted through the roof cladding with a base plate, or
- Wall or fascia-mounted — bracketed to the side of the house (easier and lower risk).
Roof-mounted masts
- Snip or unscrew any guy wires (support wires) first, releasing tension carefully.
- Loosen the U-bolts or clamps holding the antenna to the mast.
- Lift the antenna free and pass it down to your helper, or lower it on a rope — don't throw it.
- Unscrew the mast base plate fixings. These are often tek screws or coach bolts driven through the roofing material.
- Carefully lift the mast free.
Wall or fascia-mounted masts
These are generally simpler — unscrew the brackets and remove the mast without needing to walk on the roof surface at all.
Step 4: Seal the Penetrations in Your Roof
This is a critical step. Any holes left in your roof cladding are a direct path for water ingress, which can cause serious damage over time — something BRANZ consistently highlights as a leading cause of building defects in New Zealand.
- Metal roofing (Colorsteel, Zincalume): Clean the area, apply a compatible roofing sealant (check the manufacturer's recommendation) and install a matching roofing screw with a neoprene washer over each hole. For larger holes, a metal patch plate may be needed.
- Concrete or clay tiles: Remove the affected tile(s), fill screw holes in the underlying sarking or batten with sealant, and re-lay the tiles. Replace any cracked tiles.
- Asphalt shingles: Lift the surrounding shingles, seal holes with roofing sealant, and re-nail shingles as needed.
Always use a sealant rated for outdoor/roofing use. Products from Sika are widely available and suitable for many roofing applications — check the product datasheet for compatibility with your specific roof material.
Step 5: Dispose of the Antenna Responsibly
Old antennas are typically steel and aluminium — both recyclable. Check with your local council for metal recycling drop-off points, or contact a local scrap metal dealer. Don't leave old coaxial cable in landfill if you can avoid it.
Does Removing an Antenna Need a Building Consent?
In most cases, no building consent is required to remove a TV antenna — it generally falls under Schedule 1 exemptions of the Building Act 2004. However, rules can vary, so if you're unsure, check with your local council before starting work. You can find guidance at MBIE Building Performance.
When to Call a Professional
Call a qualified roofer or antenna installer if:
- Your roof is steeply pitched, fragile (e.g. old terracotta tiles), or very high.
- The mast is heavily corroded or appears structurally compromised.
- You're not confident working at height or don't have the right safety equipment.
- The cable appears to be connected to or running alongside mains electrical wiring — this must be handled by a licensed electrician.
- You need the penetrations professionally waterproofed to maintain a roofing warranty.
A qualified local roofer can remove an antenna, patch the roof correctly, and give you peace of mind that the job is weathertight. You can find experienced roofers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.