How to Boost Cell Signal in Metal Building

Kunal Singh
May 21, 2022
12:41 pm

Metal buildings are cost-effective and secure, but getting strong cell phone signals outside and inside the premises may be challenging. However, metal, steel, and aluminum materials are supposedly lazy conductors to carry signals from a network; hence metal building structures usually have lower network strengths.

The growing popularity of metal structures in the United States also dampens high network strengths, which is now a major concern.

Adding a Passive DAS signal booster is a simple and economical solution to achieve a reliable cell signal inside a metal building. This article discusses cellular signals in metal buildings and the best signal boosters for different use cases.

Understanding How Cell Phone Signal Works

Cell phones have become a common feature in American society, with over 300 million active users. The cell phone signal operates by emitting radio frequencies whenever used. The nearest cell tower’s antenna receives this signal or radio frequency and transmits it to a switching center or the hub. The call then connects to the specific mobile phone or a telephone network, which happens in less than a nanosecond.

How Should Cell Phone Signal Strengths Should Be Measured?

Cell phone signal strength is always measured in Decibel-milliwatts (or dBm), which measures the power of the wave. These are expressed in negative numbers. Your network strength is higher the closer it is to -50 dBm.

If you want to find out your signal strength in dBm in your steel building, the first step is to go to the spot where you want to measure your signal and wait a few seconds for your mobile device to measure it using its default network measuring features on your device. As you calculate your signal, take notes to determine which areas are closest to -50 dBm. You’ll be able to calculate the average signal results.

What Can Be The Possible Reason For Poor Signal Coverage inside Metal Buildings?

Many factors can interfere with the cell signals inside metal buildings, and practically, it is impossible to address each for better coverage.

Therefore, the two most common issues that may disturb your call quality and data speed are:

Geographical Reception Barriers

Geographical factors like mountains and other barriers can cause coverage issues and make it challenging for metal building routers to receive signals. While installing your metal building structure and looking out for the zonal restrictions, check out the geographical facts for better data coverage to stay connected.

Poor Localized Coverage

Cell Towers coverage and placement also play an essential role in the overall cell signal strength. If there are very few towers in your area or the ones planned are situated far away, then you may have signal issues.

These factors are a broader coverage and may or may not directly impact your cell strength. Before checking or rectifying these factors, it is advised to check the cell strength in your locality to know more.

Ways To Enhance Cellular Coverage Inside Metal Structures

Metal Buildings always have an issue of signal-blocking due to the materials used in constructing the same. WiFi signal usually gets bounced off or is stiffed by the metal sheets. Suppose you’re also struggling with the issue. In that case, some easy ways will help improve the weakened signal-

Minimising the Interference:

One of the most opted ways to improve cell signals in metal buildings is to reduce the pressures from electromagnetic interference in the structures where you cannot connect well. To further reduce the poor cell signal coverage, keep the wireless internet devices like wifi routers or other things away from the cellular devices you frequently use.

Site Survey:

The reliability and quality of the cell signals inside your metal buildings also depend on the outdoor cell signals. To eliminate such issues, conduct a site survey to discover all the problems related to cell signals outside your building.

Another reliable way to find and eliminate any weak signal issue is to install a cell signal meter. This accurately measures and tests the cellular signals from nearby towers outside your structure. Use your mobile applications to complete the test if you’re not willing to conduct any professional survey and looking for a DIY method.

Some reliable websites that will solve your purpose are- OpenSignal, CellMapper, AntennaSearch and CellReception.

Cell Signal Repeater System

Another efficient way to improve the cell signal inside your metal buildings is to install a cell signal repeater system like WilsonPro and other options. These reduce the pressure from electromagnetic waves inside the metal building and enhance cell signals to improve call quality and data speed.

How To Improve Phone Signal In Metal Building?

Despite all the benefits and advantages of steel building, the structure may affect your access to high network signal strengths. A cellular signal booster system is the best way to improve network signals in a metal building.

The device can provide strong indoor coverage for one or multiple cell phones by amplifying the signal from an external network booster. In addition, they can also improve the signal to a hotspot or cellular router, providing faster data speeds.

Metal Buildings Size Chart

Here are Steel & Stud Most Popular Customized Sizes for metal buildings. We can also get them customized as per your requirements:

Metal Building Sizes	Metal Building Sizes	Metal Building Sizes	Metal Building Sizes
100x200 Metal Building	100x150 Metal Building	10x12 Metal Building	100x100 Metal Building
20x35 Metal Building	40x40 Metal Building	32x50 Metal Building	24x26 Metal Building
80x60 Metal Building	80x80 Metal Building	75x100 Metal Building	70x40 Metal Building
50x70 Metal Building	30x20 Metal Building	40x25 Metal Building	24x36 Metal Building
40x60 Metal Building	20x40 Metal Building	60x60 Metal Building	40x100 Metal Building
40x70 Metal Building	50x40 Metal Building	50x120 Metal Building	20x25 Metal Building
30x40 Metal Building	60x120 Metal Building	16x16 Metal Building	80x40 Metal Building
12x16 Metal Building	100x50 Metal Building	15x20 Metal Building	20x24 Metal Building
30x100 Metal Building	16x24 Metal Building	12x12 Metal Building	70x50 Metal Building
16x20 Metal Building	40x20 Metal Building	40x120 Metal Building	20x50 Metal Building
100x60 Metal Building	12x24 Metal Building	25x30 Metal Building	30x80 Metal Building
25x50 Metal Building	12x20 Metal Building	25x40 Metal Building	20x60 Metal Building
50x30 Metal Building	60x80 Metal Building	24x24 Metal Building	80x100 Metal Building
60x40 Metal Building	20x20 Metal Building	50x60 Metal Building	24x30 Metal Building
60x30 Metal Building	50x50 Metal Building	50x80 Metal Building	50x100 Metal Building
60x100 Metal Building	40x50 Metal Building	30x30 Metal Building	24x40 Metal Building
40x30 Metal Building	20x30 Metal Building	30x60 Metal Building	40x80 Metal Building
40x40 Metal Building	30x40 Metal Building	30x50 Metal Building

Cell Signal Booster for Small & Midsize Metal Buildings

The weBoost Home Multiroom is the most popular cellular booster for small and mid-sized metal buildings, and it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable, efficient, and easy to install, with antennas that won’t ruin your structural aesthetics.

It was designed to work in areas that experience very weak signal strengths. Here are the key features of the we Boost Home Multiroom:

Offers the best 5G connectivity network levels.
Up to 5,000 sq ft coverage.
Up to +65 dB of gain and 21 dBm uplink, and 12 dBm downlink power.
Customizable accessories for maximum coverage.
One-time purchase fee and no Wi-Fi subscription fees are required.

What Does The Cellular Signal Booster System Consists of?

A basic signal booster system in a metal building consists of four different parts:

Indoor Arena,
Outdoor Arena,
Cable to Connect Everything,
Signal Booster (Also known as Amplifier or Repeater).

The primary use of both indoor and outdoor antennas is to connect to the signal booster with a coax cable. The outdoor antenna works to receive and send from your service provider’s tower. An indoor antenna also fulfils the purpose, but an indoor antenna.

Apart from the working of antennas, overall working or the speed coverage in your area further depends on two things:

Components of the systems using it,
Outdoor cell signal strength.

Mount the outdoor antenna on the site where your research finds the best signal coverage to get the ideal speed transferred through coax cables, eliminating any weak signal issues. To help identify the best outdoor signal coverage, ensure it has three bars highlighted.

The ideal placement for your outdoor antenna is either on the roof or near the top. If you do not have a good signal coverage and it shows less than three bars, your speed from indoor routers will be reduced. You need to install two systems for the overall coverage.

Does Metal Roof Contribute To Poor Signals?

Metal roofs solely do not contribute to poor connection or signal issues. However, if the problem already persists, it may amplify the same. If you think a metal roof is causing interference with your signal strength, try installing repeaters to have an affordable yet simple solution.

If you’re confused about the metal roof type or style you must opt for, then Steel and Stud experts have answers for all your issues.

Mid-Size Metal Buildings With a Strong Outside Signal

If your metal building is located in an area that experiences weak external network signals, the WilsonPro A500 signal booster is a great option. The A500 is an excellent all-around choice, with a reasonable price tag, attractive design, and efficient performance. It works well in areas with weak signal strength.

However, keep in mind that the maximum coverage area of 500m² under optimal conditions. The features of the WilsonPro A500 are:

4G ready device
Offer up to 500m2 coverage area and +70dB gain.
Customizable accessories and fixtures can help increase coverage areas.
External Yagi antenna and indoor panel antenna configuration.

Cell Signal Booster for Large Metal Buildings

The Home Complete is designed to cover larger industrial metal building up to 7,500 sq. ft while maintaining reliable connections. It comes with +5dB and is three times more powerful than the Home MultiRoom. It can connect with farther tower distances and cover larger areas thanks to its 24dBm uplink and 12 dBm downlink.

Additional antennae may be required if you’re trying to cover more than one floor. The key features of the weBoost Home Complete booster:

5G-ready signal booster.
Up to 7,500 square feet of coverage and 72 dB gain.
Additional accessories achieve better cell signal coverage.
No monthly fees, just a one-time purchase.
Enjoy superior cell phone service for all carriers across multiple devices.

The weBoost for Business Office 200 is the perfect way to stay connected in small to mid-size commercial metal buildings. The Office 200 will provide a reliable cellular signal inside your metal building with pro-grade components.

The additional indoor low-profile antenna provides even broader coverage – perfect for offices with metal interior walls, complicated layouts, or multiple floors. The key features of weBoost for Business Office 200:

5G-ready device
Offers coverage of over 35,000 sq. ft
LCD touch screen for an easier user experience.
Easy installation process and wall mountable.
Expansion kits are available to help increase its default coverage area.
Enjoy a reliable cellular signal for calls, text, email, and internet data.

Whole Building Coverage for Large Residential Metal Buildings with a Strong Outside Signal

The WilsonPro A1000 is a powerful cell signal booster designed for steel buildings. An additional +4 dB over the WilsonPro A1000 provides roughly 2x more power to reach distant towers and provide wider in-building coverage. It covers up to 1000m² in optimal conditions. The key features of the WilsonPro A1000:

High-quality network service for the home and office.
Up to 1000m² area and +74 dB gain
Customizable accessories and fixtures to increase area coverage.
Outdoor Yagi antenna and indoor panel antenna.
One-time purchases require no monthly fees.
No Wi-Fi connection is needed.

Commercial Metal Buildings with an Extremely Weak Outside Signal

Steel buildings with weak outdoor cellular signals can be fitted with a commercial cell signal booster like the WilsonPro A8000. It can cover up to 8000m² and work with all cellular devices and network types. XDR (eXtended Dynamic Range) technology is suitable for rural and urban environments.

+70 dB gain, +21 dBm uplink power per port, and +18 dBm downlink power per port can attract weak network signals from distant cell towers. Its key features are:

Up to 8000m² coverage.
Works with all network types and cellular devices.
Offers scalable solutions for larger areas.
Better call quality with texting and email enabled.

Services Steel and Stud Provide:

Steel and Stud offer the best installation services for metal buildings in 48 states of the US. Depending on the project scope, size, and conditions, our team of experts can provide a customized solution for your time frame and budget. Our professional services include:

Floor plan analysis, heatmap detailing, and network coverage expectations.
Free networking consultation per your requirements and budgets.
The best equipment and device selection range available.
Professional site survey from qualified wireless technicians.
Complete professional active and passive DAS installation & expert project management.

Metal Buildings Delivery & Installation Across the USA:

Customer service representatives will contact you ahead of time to schedule your delivery date in your location. We offer metal buildings with living quarters installation services in 48 US states, including:-

Locations	Locations	Locations	Locations
Alabama	Maryland	New Jersey	Arkansas
Texas	Washington	Virginia	Pennsylvania
New York	California	Montana	Georgia
Florida	Colorado	Indiana	Louisiana

Conclusion

Nothing should be allowed to hinder your building’s network signal strength. Regardless of the potential of steel buildings to dampen the network considerably, cell phone signal boosters provide a solution to the lack of signal in a metal building.

Although the size of your building determines the booster to use, there is always a perfect solution to signal problems in your steel buildings. Contact us today! To get started on your cellular signal booster buying and installation process.